10 Classic Children's Books Every Parent Should Add to Their Family Library

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February 20, 2019

By: Samantha Lande

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Photo By: MoMo Productions

Classics You and Your Little One Are Guaranteed to Bond Over

There’s a reason these books have stood the test of time.

The Giving Tree

Most of Shel Silverstein’s books all remain classics but we are partial to this tearjerker. It’s hard to believe “The Giving Tree” has been around for 50 years, but Silverstein’s words are poignant and the book’s message about giving is pure for both kids and adults.

BUY IT: Amazon, $11

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom

This catchy alphabet book makes it is easy for kids (and parents!) to memorize and visualize letters in a fun way. The brightly colored graphics and the sing-songy cadence of the text is enchanting. It’s a perfect pick for introducing younger kids to their ABCs.

BUY IT: Amazon, $8

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

It’s hard to meet someone who doesn’t know the story of this ravenous caterpillar who eats just about everything imaginable. From pears to strawberries, ice cream and pie, the hungry caterpillar gets nice and big before turning into a beautiful butterfly. At its core, this is a beautifully illustrated book about the life cycle of a butterfly.

BUY IT: Amazon, $9

Good Night Moon

The soothing story book helps kids relax as they say goodnight to everything in the pictured little green room. Don’t be surprised if you overhear them saying goodnight to the inanimate objects around their room.

BUY IT: Amazon, $8

The Cat in the Hat

Any Dr. Seuss book could be considered a classic – “Green Eggs and Ham” and “One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish” included – but none are quite as iconic as “The Cat in the Hat.” Go on an adventure with your kids through this silly, rhyming story that has stayed in hearts for generations.

BUY IT: Amazon, $6

Corduroy

There is just something so heart-warming about Corduroy, the less-than-perfect stuffed bear that eventually finds a home with a very loving little girl. Following Corduroy through his department store adventures is fun for any kid and the takeaway still rings true today.

BUY IT: Amazon, $7

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day

We all have bad days – even kids. This classic chronicles Alexander’s worst day ever. From getting gum stuck in his hair to finding no dessert in his lunch box, everything gets so bad that Alexander wants to move to Australia! This is a great way to teach kids that everyone has a bad day sometimes – even in Australia.

BUY IT: Amazon, $7

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie

This iconic book has sparked a whole series (“If You Give a Moose a Muffin,” “If You Give a Pig a Pancake,” etc.) and a television series on Amazon, but the original is still worth grabbing off the shelf over and over again. Get ready for a day with a mouse who is busy enough to exhaust any child!

BUY IT: Amazon, $12

The Little Engine That Could

The “I think I can, I think I can” mantra rings through generations and still inspires kids to try their best, even if they aren’t the biggest or fastest. The little blue train saves the day in a way that the shiniest or strongest engines couldn’t. And what little kid doesn’t love trains?

BUY IT: Amazon, $8

Where the Wild Things Are

Even a half century later, this Caldecott medal winning children’s book and larger-than-life drawings from Maurice Sendak still continue to put smiles on faces. The Wild Things aren’t scary monsters but rather funny creatures that teach kids about the power of imagination.

BUY IT: Amazon, $8