We read a lot of books in our house. Multiple books at naptime and at bedtime. While I let my kids choose which books they want to hear, these are the best kids books I like to read!
We love to read!
My mom was a children’s librarian and she’s a published kids author herself – she loves books! She’s been sending me books for Mazen since he was born, and Birch has gotten some new ones too. While we go through the gauntlet of books that the kids request, I wanted to share my all-time favorites from our collection. These are the best kids books that I reach for when the kids ask me to choose!
My favorite books have clever plots, sing-song stanzas, interactive features, or beautiful illustrations!
Head to the library or your used book store to look for these favorites.
Here Is My List of The Best Kids Books For Grownups
Scroll down for an image gallery!
Trains Go – This is Birch’s favorite book at the moment so it’s a win-win! It’s full of funny sounds for all the different trains and fun to say together. We actually also have Boats Go and Trucks Go!
Doggies – Sandra Boynton’s books are all great! But I’m actually REALLY good at making all the different dog sounds in this one. Don’t ask me to do them!
Woodland Sounds – We got this as a gift from a blog reader, and it’s so sweet. You push little buttons and hear the woodland noises. I like how peaceful they are compared to some of the other sound books!
Little Blue Truck – This one is fun to read because it’s one big poem with a bunch of animals and a good lesson at the end! Birchie loves the truck.
Clip-Clop – This hilarious book was a favorite of Mazen’s. We always do a deep Southern accent for the animals, which makes it extra silly and fun. It’s also quite animated so you can bounce them around while you read! I love to give this one as a gift.
How Do Dinosaurs Say Happy Birthday – I love ALL of the dino books, but this one is my favorite because we love birthdays in our house! The rhyming is great, and the dinos always make the right choice in the end!
Night Light – I love how clever this book is with the peek-a-boo holes. The boys love to guess which truck or vehicle will come next. Very smart book all around!
The Story of the Little Mole Who Knew It Was None Of His Business – I am OBSESSED with this book and it’s probably my favorite on the list!! First off it’s all about you-know-what without actually saying the word, which is good when the kids in our house are having trouble not saying potty words. Second, all of the different animal ‘business’ is so gross and so funny at the same time. And the ending makes me LOL every time.
Foodie Babies Wear Bibs – This book is one of those that is more for the parents than the kids because we get to chuckle at the inside jokes. The art is very cool too!
Llama Llama Red Pajama – Who doesn’t love reading this rhyming book!? I often say “Baby Llama what a tizzy!” in real life. Such a cute story.
Red Truck – This is another one of Mazen’s favorites that Birch loves too! It has great rhyme, cute photos, and a nice story.
Good Night – I love to read this one at bedtime and Birch loves to turn the pages himself. Each page has a cut-out and a little face smiling through. It’s very sweet! The only downside is the last page reads: “AGAIN!”
Things That Are Most In The World – This is another silly, cleverly written book that we have been loving lately. We laugh at each page!
Llama Llama Hippity Hop – I love to bounce the boys around when we read this one as well – a classic!!
Tomorrow I’ll Be Brave – This book is beautifully illustrated with hand-lettered messages of empowerment and confidence! I love its message.
Richard Scarry’s Cars and Trucks and Things That Go – We love this one when we’re tired and just want to point at things. There is always something new to discover! Both of my boys were obsessed with this one in their toddler years.
Hear Bear Roar – This is another good one if you don’t have the energy to read a long book or just want to learn some animal sounds. The animals are quite real, and I like the lobster the most!
Always – I love this book for its sparkly pages. They are silver-foil coated and pretty. It’s also very sweet and good for bedtime.
Dinosaur vs. Bedtime – This book is NOT good for bedtime – haha! It will make them laugh though!
Honorable Mention
I haven’t read this one but if you have a Peloton I think you need it 🙂
I have read this one and if you know anyone who brews their own beer it’s a winner!
More book posts:
What are your favorite kids books?!
K~ says
Morning
Noni , our grandmother volunteered at the childrens section of the Metchun NJ library. Growing up , I thought Noni owned the library. At a young age we, had read all the Nancy Drew & Hardy Boy books. what fabulous memories growing up.
Kath Younger says
Awww <3
Denise says
For when Birch is a little older, The Monster At The End of This Book (Sesame Street). I can do a pretty mean Grover voice and it’s just so fun to read. I have a copy on my bookshelf hoping for grandkids some day <3 And now I'm remember we also really loved Sing Yourself Silly, which is different songs from Sesame Street. I can still remember Ladybug's Picnic!
Heather says
I love to read any of Julia Donaldson’s books (especially the Gruffalo, Tabby McTat, and Stick Man), Marie Louise Gay Stella and Sam books are very sweet, and also Extra Yarn is my favourite by Mac Barnett. There are so many great children’s books, I could keep going! We also have most of the ones that you listed 🙂 Happy reading!
Ida says
The Woodland Sounds book is really fun! I love The Pout Pout Fish and anything that I read as a kid too- brings back so many memories.
Melanie Goldsmith says
We love Little Blue Truck Leads the Way! And I would also suggest Giraffes Can’t Dance and Dinosaurumpus!
Laura says
Great list! Little Owl’s night is one of our favorites. We bought Ten Timid Ghosts for Halloween and both kids have enjoyed. And anything with a flap!
Christine O'Donnell says
You should definitely add “Good night, Good Night Construction Site” to your list. Super cute and one that I could read over and over without groaning!! LOL.
Kath Younger says
We have that one! It’s good : )
jacncville says
Great selection, but I would have to add We’re Going On a Bear Hunt retold by Michael Rosen. My granddaughter LOVES it and it was a favorite of my boys when they were young.
Elizabeth says
All the Mo Willems books (especially the Piggy and Gerald books but also the Pigeon books). Some are better than others but they are all great. My kids are now teenagers so I can’t remember specific titles, but the ones with a twist at end always made me laugh.
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
I love this post! I’m always fascinated by kids books, so I need to get my hands on these! 🙂
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Sara says
I’ve started reading the Zoey and Sassafras series to my 5 year-old niece over Skype. They’re books about a little girl and her cat who use science to help magical creatures. The first book features a sick baby dragon. They’re honestly so delightful, a really great mix of silly and smart. I also love that they show Zoey (and her parents) making mistakes, trying things out, doing experiments and figuring out the answers, rather than just knowing them. Honestly some of the best kids books I’ve ever read.
Story is by Asia Citro and pictures by Marion Lindsay. The inside says grades K-5 and that seems about right. Older kids could read on their own and it’s a fun read-aloud for younger ones. We read the first one in 3 or 4 sessions, so not too long.
Amanda Filler says
Awesome List! We have most of those books and good to know we share a lot of favorites! 🙂 I especially love the llama llama books and the llama llama learns to read is one of my favorites for my now 5 year old boy.
Have you seen Goodnight Construction Night series? A big hit with all the young nephews in my life as well!
Kath Younger says
Yes we have that one!! It’s a little long winded to make my favorites list, but it’s a good one!
Sharon Nelson says
So many great books! My kiddos love many of these, but you’ve given me some to add to my shopping list as well. Books make great stocking stuffers! If you haven’t already, check out Ludacris rapping Llama Llama Red Pajama – https://youtu.be/PFtHeo7oMSU. Hilarious!
Kath Younger says
I’ve seen it!! So great
Beth Pfeil says
Have you ever read Chris Van Dusen? Based on your description of your favorite types of books I think you would like him! Start with If I built a House of If I Built a School!
Kath Younger says
I will look him up! Building a house…like Thomas!
C L says
Tumble Bumble and Sheep in a Jeep
Classics – One Morning in Maine; A Time of Wonder; Blueberries for Sal
Bill Peet – a whole collection of great long fun stories
Angelica says
You must check out The Book with No Pictures and The Day the Crayons Quit. HILARIOUS.
Little Pink Pup (a true story about a pig runt) is so sweet.
As Mazen gets older, Sideways Stories from Wayside School will have him cry-laughing.
Shel Silverstein is great.
As a mom, Love You Forever always makes me sob.
I could go on forever. I love kids’ books!
Kath Younger says
Thank you!