0-2 Years
Goodnight Moon
by Margaret Wise Brown
Why we love it: Soothing rhythm, perfect bedtime routine
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
by Eric Carle
Why we love it: Counting, colors, tactile holes to explore
Brown Bear, Brown Bear
by Bill Martin Jr.
Why we love it: Repetitive patterns, vibrant illustrations
Pat the Bunny
by Dorothy Kunhardt
Why we love it: Interactive touch-and-feel elements
Dear Zoo
by Rod Campbell
Why we love it: Lift-the-flap surprise, animal sounds
3-4 Years
Where the Wild Things Are
by Maurice Sendak
Why we love it: Imagination, emotions, beautiful art
The Gruffalo
by Julia Donaldson
Why we love it: Rhyming, clever storytelling, memorable
Pete the Cat
by James Dean
Why we love it: Positive attitude, catchy refrains
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom
by Bill Martin Jr.
Why we love it: Alphabet learning through rhythm
Dragons Love Tacos
by Adam Rubin
Why we love it: Humor, engaging premise
5-6 Years
Elephant & Piggie series
by Mo Willems
Why we love it: Easy reading, expressive dialogue
Dog Man series
by Dav Pilkey
Why we love it: Graphic novel format, reluctant reader magnet
Frog and Toad
by Arnold Lobel
Why we love it: Friendship themes, gentle humor
Mercy Watson series
by Kate DiCamillo
Why we love it: Chapter book bridge, funny adventures
The Bad Guys series
by Aaron Blabey
Why we love it: Fast-paced, illustrated chapters
7-8 Years
Magic Tree House series
by Mary Pope Osborne
Why we love it: Adventure, history, perfect chapter length
Diary of a Wimpy Kid
by Jeff Kinney
Why we love it: Humor, illustrations, relatable
The Wild Robot
by Peter Brown
Why we love it: Nature, survival, emotional depth
Charlotte's Web
by E.B. White
Why we love it: Friendship, life lessons, classic
Ivy + Bean series
by Annie Barrows
Why we love it: Friendship, adventures, humor
Books by Theme
Bedtime Stories
Calming books perfect for winding down
- Goodnight Moon
- The Going to Bed Book
- Time for Bed
- Llama Llama Red Pajama
- The Napping House
Building Confidence
Stories about believing in yourself
- Giraffes Can't Dance
- The Dot
- Beautiful Oops!
- I Like Myself!
- The Most Magnificent Thing
Summer Reading
Adventures for sunny days
- Last Stop on Market Street
- The One and Only Ivan
- Hatchet
- Island of the Blue Dolphins
- My Side of the Mountain
More curated book lists
In-depth picks by age, theme, and reader type.
The Best Books for Kindergarten
Ages 5–6
The Best Bedtime Books for Toddlers
Ages 1–4
The Best Chapter Books for 2nd Graders
Ages 7–8
Picture Books About Feelings
Ages 3–7
The Best Books for Reluctant Readers
Ages 6–11
Books About Kindness for Kids
Ages 3–8
The Best Read-Aloud Books for Preschool
Ages 3–5
Funny Chapter Books for 3rd Graders
Ages 8–9
Books for New Siblings
Ages 2–6
Early Reader Books for 1st Grade
Ages 6–7
Books About Starting School
Ages 3–6
The Best Books for 3-Year-Olds
Age 3
Books by reading level
What kids read at each grade and Lexile range.
Kindergarten Reading Level
Ages 5–6
First Grade Reading Level
Ages 6–7
Second Grade Reading Level
Ages 7–8
Third Grade Reading Level
Ages 8–9
Books at Lexile 200–300
Typically Grade 1
Books at Lexile 400–500
Typically Grade 2
Guided Reading Level J Books
Typically early Grade 2
Early Chapter Book Reading Level
Ages 6–8
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