These toys and gift ideas for kids ages 6-9 include must-have items like the Bitzee Digital Pet and a Roblox gift card
It’s gift guide season, and today we’re tackling the elementary-age crowd (for younger kiddos, check out our preschoolers’ gift list and for the older crew our tween guide is a must-read). The 6-9 age group is so fun because they’re old enough to appreciate a thoughtful gift, yet still young enough to be wowed by the magic of it all. From the never-go-out-of-style gifts like LEGO sets to one of the hottest holiday toys of 2023, we’ve got a covetable selection of toys and gift ideas for kids ages 6-9 at a variety of budgets.
Air Hogs Zero Gravity Sprint
Zip, zoom, and drive this race car on any smooth surface, including the walls and ceiling.
The LeapFrog® Magic Adventures™ Telescope features up to 110x magnification and lets kids zoom in on the moon at night or nature during the day. Capture and save what you see, and explore out-of-this-world discoveries and more through 100+ NASA videos and images on the 2.4” screen.
If your grade school kiddo hasn’t been swept up in Minverse madness yet, here’s the perfect introduction. The kitchen comes with the UV-light oven needed to ‘make’ their treats, and two bonus recipes and oven mitts are also included.
The paper fortune cookie tellers of our youth are back and better than ever. This book is filled with tear-out pages to fill in and fold up (in gender-inclusive designs!).
Two toys for the price of one? We're there. This super durable set both light up and make sounds (but not overly annoying ones, we swear), plus they're collector's items. Hurry, though. They will sell out; they do every year.)
woom Bikes are designed specifically for kids and their needs. The woom OFF 4 Bike is a 20" bike that provides off-road capacity in a kid-friendly lightweight frame. Also available in black.
One of the coolest new toys we’ve seen in 2023, kids can pet, feed, and play with up to 15 3-D digital pets. The more they play, the faster they level up!
Create Like Frida Self-Portrait Mirror Painting Kit
Creative kids will be inspired by the world’s most famous self-portrait artist with their own art set that includes three pre-printed and one blank decal.
One of the hottest gift ideas for kids in 2023, little scientists can combine all the ingredients they need to create their very own beast. The sounds, lights, and mist actions give this kit an authentic lab vibe.
This brand-new game isn’t just fun for Barbie lovers! Design gurus will enjoy picking wallpaper and decor to create the ultimate home for the iconic doll and her friends.
Indiana Jones doesn’t have anything on your curious kid. There are six molds that look like iconic historical items like the pyramids, a Viking helmet, and the Great Wall of China. Using excavating tools, kids will dig for treasures in each one.
We love how Pair offers magnetic frames to customize your base frames, and we know kiddos will, too. Keep their sensitive eyes protected with a ton of color and lens options, so they can enjoy the sun in style.
Speedsters can create their own course with over nine feet of starter track, and you can incorporate materials you find around the house to create obstacles, tunnels, and more.
All of the fun of a pet without the cleanup! This interactive pup is ready for love and care and even comes with six games, like Fortune Teller and Ultimate Nose Boop.
Get your elementary school kids talking with three different sets of questions: Would You Rather? Family Edition, Would You Rather? Made You Think!, and Would You Rather? Christmas Edition.
In the latest installment of Dav Pilkey’s popular elementary school series, Piggy is back! Who will stop him from attempting to put his diabolical plan into action?
The ‘90s called, but we’re not giving these back! As fun as ever, kids can design their own line of clothing with this kit that now includes a set of cool stickers.
For dads, raising our girls to become smart, confident women means always encouraging their curiosity, nurturing their joy of play and exploration, and helping them realize that the sky’s the limit. We asked some of our favorite parents of daughters to share their most cherished father-daughter activities, and we received a treasure trove of ideas. From singing in the car to preparing a family meal, there are so many good ideas here. Which one will you choose?
1. Belt out songs in the car. Nothing beats the amazing acoustics in a sweet ride with your sweetest girl.
6. Go to work together. And not just on Take Your Child to Work Day. Pick a random day for your daughter to play hooky from school, and bring her to work. Whether you spend your day filing TPS reports or you’re the master of your own business, sharing with your daughter what you do for a living (and showing off how awesome she is to your co-workers) will give each of you great and lasting insights into each other.
7. Play a round of cards. Start simple with Go Fish or Old Maid and make your way up to rummy. It’s a tradition you can continue to play for years to come.
9. Build a robot. It’s a proven fact that dads and daughters love robots and there’s nothing better than working on robot projects together. In addition to instilling a love of science and engineering in young girls, robots are just super-cool.
10. Have a lunch date. Whether it’s a standing lunch date every month or for a special occasion, splurge on a fancy lunch date with your daughter, preferably at someplace that doesn’t have a kids’ menu and requires dressing up.
11. Take a selfie with her. Pictures are a great way to capture a sweet moment in time.
12. Go bowling.
13. Prepare a family meal together. Your spouse will appreciate whatever you and your daughter whip up in the kitchen, and your kiddo—no matter how young she is—will start to learn the joys of creating yummy eats for others.
14. Tell each other secrets. Start while your daughter is young so that she’ll always know that you trust her to keep your secrets and she will, in turn, know that she can trust you with hers.
15. Learn something new together. Whether you sign up for a crafting class or take your daughter somewhere to learn a new activity, it’ll be fun for her to see you learning as an adult too.
16. Work out together. Fathers and daughters who exercise together stay happy, healthy, and strong together.
17. Start a collection. Whether it’s small bottles of sand from every beach you’ve ever been to with your daughter or stubs from your favorite movies (this is the perfect place to store that type of thing) you’ve seen together, starting a shared father-daughter collection can make memories more tangible.
18. Take a walk on the beach. And while you’re at it, remember to build sandcastles, collect seashells, and play in the surf with your daughter. There are plenty of great beaches to explore.
19. Share an impromptu picnic in the backyard.Dining al fresco is best served with juice boxes and plushies.
20. Attend a sporting event. Whether it’s watching your daughter’s soccer match or taking her to see college or professional league sports, sharing a love of athletics can nurture healthy competition and good sportsmanship, and it’s a perfect father-daughter activity for a day of fun.
21. Attend a Minecraft convention. Or, really, any fan event that will let a father and daughter share something that they both enjoy.
22. Learn to code. These days, our precocious daughters could probably already teach us a thing or two about Python or Ruby on Rails, but for developing junior coders, there are plenty of programs that aim to instill a love of technology in young girls that all dads should encourage.
22. Ride a seesaw. Do it while she’s still young enough to enjoy bouncing around with her dad, but old enough to appreciate just how silly it looks.
23. Do yoga together. Centering mind, body, and spirit are helpful consequences of doing a few vinyasas and downward-facing dogs, but the true benefit of fathers and daughters doing yoga together is the quality time spent. Don’t forget to buy your mat!
24. Explore the world.Family vacations are perfect for getting away from the usual day-to-day grind of school and work schedules. Traveling to a new city or town allows fathers and daughters to experience and see things with fresh perspectives.
25. Cosplay as your favorite animated characters. What can I say except, “You’re welcome.”
27. Have “the other talk.” Because any self-possessed young girl needs to grow up understanding that Beyoncé is the Queen, no matter what anyone says.
28. Read books together. The only thing better than a dad who reads to and with his daughter is a well-read girl who grows up to be the next CEO, rocket scientist, or President of the United States.
29. Dance like nobody’s watching. It’ll be good practice for your first father-daughter dance at her wedding.
30. Ride a carousel. There’s nothing quite like a leisurely ride on a merry-go-round with your little girl, whether it’s at one of the country’s most awesome carousels like the one at Disneyland or the local park.
31.Volunteer in your hometown. Showing your daughter you have compassion will make you an awesome role model.
32. Have “the talk.” Because it’s never too early to teach your daughter the incontrovertible fact that the Marvel Comic Universe is vastly superior to the DC Comic Universe, Wonder Woman notwithstanding.
33. Build something. Start a project, and be sure to use tools because it’s never too soon to teach your kid how to be handy.
34. Go fishing. There’s nothing like the quiet togetherness that is required when you cast a line with kids. Do you have your pole?
35. Get ice cream at your favorite shop. Did yours make our list of the best ice cream shops in the country?
36.Another great father-daughter activity? Pick a class from Outschool and do it together.
37. Check out your astrology compatibility with our chart.
If you’re overdue to spend some real QT time with your son (when aren’t we?), one of the easiest ways to make it happen is to set aside a few hours at a time for just the two of you. We asked moms of boys everywhere to share their favorite mother-son activities, and from a Sugar Rush-inspired baking session to planting a garden and playing LEGO, there’s tons of ground to cover!
1. Go fishing. Grab a pole, and hit the local pond. It's a quiet sport that'll keep you present and in the moment.
4. Start a journal. There are plenty of diaries and journals for girls, but boys need a place to write down their thoughts too. Encourage him by writing in it with him. We especially love this one from Wee Society.
5. Schedule tech-free playtime. Being absolutely present with your kid, even for 20 minutes, is one of the most valuable ways to bond.
6. Run a race. Whether it’s a 5k or a 1-mile fun run, train with your son and show him what moms (and women) can do!
7. Attend a rally for a cause you care about. It's important to teach your son how to be a good citizen.
8. Bake something. Not a seasoned baker yourself? Try one of these easy kits that make you look like a cake boss, even when you’re not.
10. Have a good cry. Boys are often encouraged to hide their feelings and "man up." Letting your son know it's okay to have emotions will set him up to be a more empathetic adult.
11. Go surfing. Spend an afternoon catching waves with your kid. Don’t live near the beach? Make it a vacation, and book one of these Airbnbs that are perfect for families!
16. Get takeout from somewhere fancy and eat al fresco. Support a local restaurant by grabbing takeout and hitting the open green field for an outdoor dinner.
17. Go see a symphony or stage performance. Sharing this experience with your son will help him appreciate the theatrical arts later in life.
18. Have an up-close encounter with animals (reptiles, giraffes, starfish, etc.) at your local zoo. We can't deny that a visit to the zoo is a favorite for everyone involved.
19. Plant something. There’s really nothing like digging in the dirt and watching the fruits of your labor grow in the sunshine.
20. Make art/take a clay class. Art isn’t just for girls, it’s for everyone! Schedule a class and get ready to get messy
21. Volunteer. Compassion is a key skill in raising a strong man.
22. Pretend to be spies and create decoder messages for each other.
23. Practice random acts of kindness. Because it's awesome.
24. Play ninjas/dinosaurs/Star Wars/house Whatever he’s into, he’ll love that you’re into it too.
25. Make a “lunch” out of free samples of a shopping trip to Whole Foods or Costco. Hey, those samples are worth their weight in gold!
26. Do a big puzzle together that can be framed in his room when it’s done. It'll keep everyone busy for hours! That's gotta be some kind of record.
27. Make a surprise craft together for your partner. Do something sweet for the other person who loves him as much as you do.
28. Ask him a question.These simple prompts will help your son feel comfortable opening up and sharing his thoughts.
29. Plan out a walking (and sampling) food tour of your favorite local foodie district. Because every kid should know exactly how the neighborhood delicacies taste.
iStock
30. Go on a hike together. Because nothing goes better with bonding than the Great Outdoors.
31. Go through old family photos together and talk about your family history. To go forward, it's important to know where you've come from.
33. Have a water balloon fight in the warmer months. Don't want to deal with the broken bits of balloons after it's all over? Try our favorite water games, instead.
34. Go to a museum together. Pick a museum, any museum! From dinosaurs to cars to local history, there's something for everyone.
35. Go beachcombing for crabs and other beach critters together. Whether you live nearby, or if it's an annual trek, collecting stuff on the beach is a must.
38. Chaperone a Boy Scout trip. Dad doesn't always have to be the one on the campout.
39. Go to a sporting event. Whether it's baseball, tennis, football, golf, basketball, or hockey (or anything else!), if he's into it, he'll love being able to watch it in person.
An unbelievable summer is just a few clicks away when you sign up for one of our favorite Seattle summer camps
Sure it’s not even mid-winter break yet (hint: we’ve got camp suggestions for that too), but that doesn’t mean Seattle summer camps aren’t filling up faster than your toddler goes from calm to tantrum because their sippy cup color is wrong. In fact, some already have waitlists. But not to worry, you’ve still got summer camp options that’ll keep your kids engaged. Whether they love art, sports, science, or hanging out in nature, we’ve got a Seattle camp they’ll love. Just don’t wait too long.
This article is sponsored by Wilderness Awareness School, an award-winning program connecting children, teens, and adults with nature through adventure. Based in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, about 45 minutes outside of Seattle, WA, Wilderness Awareness School offers summer camps, youth programs, nature instructor training, and much more. Click here to learn more!
The Best Seattle Day Camps
1. KidsQuest Children’s Museum
courtesy KidsQuest
Calling all adventurers and explorers! KidsQuest Children’s Museum camps are one of the Eastside’s best bets for summer fun. It’s a chance for kids to take a deep dive into their favorite pastime, whether it’s art, science, nature, or engineering. Kid Adventurers (ages 4-6) will spend their half-days at themed camps dedicated to engineering, nature, and art, while Explorers (ages 7-10) can Tinker with Tinkerbell, sculpt with BAM, and learn about the science of slime at the museum. And if staying at home works best for your fam, KidsQuest has two virtual (prerecorded options) families can sign up for too ($125).
Good to Know: Registration for these popular camps opens March 13; members get priority registration starting March 6.
Editor’s note: WPZ’s wildly popular summer camps are full for 2023, but you can still join the waitlist or bookmark it for next year.
If your wild one wants to hang out with some animals this summer, the Day Camps at Woodland Park Zoo are the place to be. Campers explore the zoo while learning about conservation, building STEAM skills, and connecting with nature. Whether you’re a Bear Cub (ages 4-6), Black Bear (ages 6-9), or a full grown Grizzly (ages 9-13), you’ll find these camps are as engaging as they are exciting.
Dates: weekly, starting June 2023 Cost: $465/week Ages: 4-13
Get cooking at FrogLegs Culinary camp for kids. It’s a chance for chefs of all ages to put their creative skills to work in the kitchen, pairing things they love (think: Harry Potter, retro ice cream shop, or your kid’s storybook favorites) with food. Camps are available in the morning and afternoon, and kids get the chance to play games and hear stories in between whipping up tantalizing treats we’re sure they’ll willingly share.
Dates: weekly, starting June 2023 Cost: vary, depending on session Ages: 3 & up
Camps held at U Village and in Redmond, Issaquah & Kirkland. Online:froglegskca.com
4. Camp Kindness Counts
Although plans are still in the works for this Eastside camp, it’s one to keep an eye on. With a focus on putting good works out into the universe as a way to build a happy healthier world, you can count on this camp experience to focus on community service. In fact, Art in Community will be the theme this year, planned in partnership with East Shore Unitarian Church.
Good to Know: The free July camp (July 24-28) will run this summer too. Plans are being hammered out now and will be available in April.
Dates: Jun. 26-30, 2023
East Shore Unitarian Church
12700 SE 32nd St
Bellevue, WA Online: campkindnesscounts.org
For kids who love to express themselves, there’s Arts Aloft summer camps, where they immerse kids ages five and up in drawing, painting, sculpting—basically anything that gets them messy and creative. Pair your budding artist with a theme they’ll love (think: Rebel Girls, Super Mario Brothers, Fairies), then drop them at the studio where they’ll find all they need to create and have fun with friends. Pack a snack and expect some play time too.
Good to know: Expect waitlists on some of the more popular themed camps (yep, already), like Harry Potter and Star Wars.
We couldn’t think of a better place for kids to learn about and create art than through Seattle’s very own SAM. Art educators lead kids through a different theme each week, inspired by SAM exhibits and collections. This year kids can explore mixed media, paint paradise, and build with creativity at different week-long sessions. Campers are broken up by age group (grades 1-3 and 3-6) so they can make new friends too.
Good to Know: Registration opens February 15, and spots go quickly. Afternoon extended care is available until 5:30 p.m.
Seattle Asian Art Museum
400 E. Prospect St.
Seattle Online:seattleartmuseum.org
7. Redmond Art Works
If art is what your kid craves over the summer, but you’re not so big on the clean up, sign your budding artist up for a week at Redmond Art Works. They offer weekly summer camp sessions, each with a different theme. Kids can get Lost in Space, explore Enchanted Lands, and even learn about The Art of Magic.
Head to West Seattle to enjoy three-day art camps with West Seattle Art Nest. This year will include seven different sessions that cover intriguing topics like Abstract & Splatter Art, Art in Nature, and Slime, Potions, and Magical Mixtures. Expect lots of artistic expression as kids work with various mediums and techniques to create pieces parents will surely want to put on display.
This summer camp really rocks, and not just because it empowers youth of marginalized genders while fostering leadership and creativity along the way. Campers will make music, develop skills, and get to know each other in a safe and welcoming space that encourages participants to learn about the creative process (and themselves) during the week-long session. Each day is a combo of activities and creativity, accompanied by tons of hands-on fun.
Artists of all ages will enjoy learning about drawing, painting, sculpting, or creating with mixed-media at MUSEO’s summer camps,. Kids focus on specific skills in each camp sesh, building from the basics through to advanced techniques during half- or full-day classes. We love the Friday-only pottery camp ($175) that can stand alone or be tacked on to the end of your Monday through Thursday camp experience to keep the good times roll…err… throwing. Plus, add-ons like early arrival, extended stay, and a lunch hour option help busy families coordinate schedules. What will your kiddo create?
Dates: weekly, starting June 2023 Cost: $275/half-day session Ages: 5-13
160 N.W. Gilman Blvd., Suite 341
Issaquah, WA Online:museoart.com
11. Mode Music and Performing Arts
Add a little music to your summer with Mode Music’s MMPA camps. With both morning and afternoon options, you can pick and choose your way through the summer. Kids can learn about everything from Music Theory to Music in the Movies. They can even try their hand at a Songwriting Workshop or learn to play ukulele. Let’s just say we’re “hear” for it.
Dates: weekly, starting June 2023 Cost: $300/week Ages: 5 & up
Whether your kiddo wants to be on the stage or behind the scenes, SCT has a summer camp to match. One of the best things about this camp is that kids as young as 3.5 can get their drama on all summer long (and we know how much they love to do that). Kids will learn the ins and outs of acting with creative programming like Drama Quest, Tablecloth Theater, Scene Study Showcase, and even the Art of Drag. We can’t wait for the lights, camera, action of this summer camp favorite.
Dates: weekly, starting June 2023 Cost: $125-$540 Ages: 3.5 & up
If all the world’s a stage, Studio East is bringing the world to you this summer with their in-person and virtual performing arts camps. Whether you’ve got a Little Player, Tale Spinner, or a Play Maker, Studio East’s camps put kids in the spotlight. Each session offers kids of different ages and theatrical experience the chance to be drama kings and queens. With exciting themes like Paw Patrol, Encanto and Enola & Sherlock Holmes, there’s something to pique every player’s interest.
Good to Know: Take advantage of an early bird registration discount when you sign up before March 31, 2023.
Dates: weekly, starting June 2023 Cost: starting at $260 Ages: 4-19
Camps are held at six locations on the Eastside. Online:studio-east.org
14. Wedgwood Drama Studio
View Ridge Park is where these outdoor drama camps hosted by Wedgwood Drama Studio are held. Theater in the Park is the name of the game and campers will have the chance to create and bring to life original characters, practice scene work, and explore movement. But that’s not all. They’ll also have time to play, make some art, and bust out a song or two too.
Good to Know: Spots for each session are limited to 15 campers, and a few camps are full already.
Because every wild child needs a place where they can roam free, there’s summer camp programming at Wilderness Awareness School. With day camps for kids ages 6 to 12 and overnights for teens, it’s as easy as picking a week this summer to commit to keeping the kids outside. Camps focus on hands-on nature skills, play, awareness games, and storytelling. And the fact that your kiddo will know all about edible plants, animal droppings, and the natural world around them is the bonus to all this forest exploration.
Dates: weekly, starting June 2023 Times: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Cost: Starting at $565 Ages: 4-12
If your kids love gardening, or if you’re hoping they’ll grow a green thumb (or help you grow yours), Tilth Alliance Camps are your go-to spot. Offering week-long programs for kids as young as 3, these camps offer more than just outdoor fun for kids. Activities are informed by Learning in Places, a program that emphasizes equitable, field-based experiences for kids and families, so every kid has the chance to plant roots this summer. Maybe yours wants to learn to be a Garden Artist, or investigate the World of Invertebrates, or learn about Farm to Table practices over the summer. No matter what camp they choose, we know they’ll dig it.
Good to Know: Camps run each week at both locations.
Dates: weekly, starting June 2023 Ages: 3-15
Good Shepherd Center—Wallingford
4649 Sunnyside Ave. N., Suite 100
Seattle
Rainier Beach Urban Farm & Wetlands
5513 S. Cloverdale St.
Seattle Online:tilthalliance.org
Farm and nature camps on the Eastside fill up fast (just ask parents who missed the Shoofly Farm window), so if you think your kids would love the chance to run wild at camp, you better pick a camp session here while you still can.
34920 S.E. Fall City Snoqualmie Rd
Fall City, WA Online:wildwoodranch.co
The Best STEM & Computer Coding Camps in & near Seattle
18. Pacific Science Center
PacSci is ready to ignite curious minds this summer from Seattle to the Eastside with the return of their science summer camps. Their creative camps include programming on everything from Hydro Heroes and Snack Science for Pre-K kids to Duct Tape Engineering and Robotics for the oldest campers. And to make it easy for everyone, camps take place around the Sound, so no matter where you’re located your kids can get their science on this summer. Sign up for morning, afternoon, or all-day sessions.
Good to know: PacSci offers sensory-friendly and girl-focused sessions in an effort to make everyone’s camp experience a success.
Dates: weekly, starting June 2023 Cost: $182-$635, depending on session and membership Ages: 4 & up
Locations at PacSci, Mercer Slough, St. Thomas School, Kirkland Seventh-Day Adventist School, Explorer West Middle School & Salish Sea Elementary. Online:pacificsciencecenter.org
When you add your kid to the Girls Rock Math equation, the sum of it all is an educational adventure she’ll love. In addition to building her math skills, your kiddo will get plenty of fresh air and the chance to make new friends. Our favorite part is the creative approach this camps takes to making math both fun and accessible for every girl. After all, what curiously-minded camper can resist punny camp sessions like Folotastic Mathematics, Alice in Numberland, and Bead-DazzlingMath. The best part? Girls will boost their confidence and build real-world soft skills like collaboration, persistence, and strategizing that will take them far when they attend these camps.
Dates: weekly, starting June 2023 Cost: $460 Ages: 6-12
The Museum of Flight’s popular Aerospace Camp Experience (ACE) is one that kids look forward to all summer long. Campers ages 7 and up will spend each week-long camp session engaging in hands-on activities and experiences that will ignite their interest in the science of flight at any altitude. The youngest campers (going into Kindergarten) can Blast Off! or learn about the Magic of Science, while big kids (ages 6-8) can build Rockets for Rookies and more. Older campers can attend Junior Flight School, learn about Flight Dynamics, and more. Before and after care is available for all sessions.
Good to Know: Camp registration opens Feb. 27, 2023.
Dates: weekly, starting June 2023 Cost: $450-$525 Ages: 7 & up
If your kids wonder if science is magic, this is the camp for them. Working with scientific principles and adding just the right amount of imagination, kids will take their ideas from realistic to fantastic as they work together to create something special. It’s where science and engineering meet creativity.
Brick builders of all ages are in for a treat with Play-Well’s LEGO summer camps. Held at locations all over Seattle and the Eastside, your LEGO lover won’t have any problem finding a favorite summer camp to sign up for. Classes like Jedi Engineering, Women Innovators in STEM, and Robotics using the LEGO WeDo & EV systems are sure to keep your creative kiddo learning and busy this summer. The best part? 2023 summer camp registration hasn’t opened up yet, so you’ve still got time to plan (and get a spot too!).
Dates: starting June 2023 Ages: 5 & up
Various locations on Seattle & the Eastside. Online:play-well.org
The Best Dance, Circus & Sports Camps for Little Athletes in Seattle
Editor’s Note: SANCA’s summer camps are full, but you can join the waitlist or bookmark these popular camps for next year.
Spend summer under the big top when you register for one of SANCA’s weekly sessions. Tiny tumblers ages 6-8 will get an excellent introduction to the circus arts during Circus Odyssey. It’s all about body awareness, partner skills and advancing basic acrobatic skills in this one. Bigger kiddos, ages 9 and up, will take it to the next level during the Circus Ringmasters sessions. Juggling, tumbling, tightwire and aerial fabric exercises will keep kids engaged and learning new skills every day. Expect a small parent show at the end of the session so your Littles can show off what they’ve learned too.
Dates: weekly, starting June 2023 Times: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Cost: $485 Ages: 6 & up
If your kids are ready to have a blast this summer, Arena Sports can help you out. They’ll keep kids active in half- or full-day sessions with field games, inflatables, arts and crafts, and more. Camps are held both indoor and out, depending on location and weather. We love the parent perks of these camps that allow for early drop off and flexible registration that means you can sign kids up for half days, full days, even single days so your summer plans work out just the way you want them to. Plus, if you’re signed up for the Mill Creek or Issaquah locations campers get to take advantage of the Family Entertainment Complexes.
Dates: weekly, starting June 2023 Ages: 3-12
Camps are held in SODO, Magnuson, Issaquah, Mill Creek & Redmond. Online:arenasports.net
25. Kong Academy
Calling all wiggle worms! Kong Academy’s parkour programming has what it takes to keep kids active and engaged this summer. If getting your kids outside for jumps, leaps, and rolls is what you’re after, sign them up for a week of Parkour Adventure Summer Camp at Carkeek Park (they’re working on a way to connect parents for carpools). Each week of camp is held together with a story theme—this year it’s pirates. So kids can combine their mad movement skills with story elements as they work through stations learning how to vault, climb, jumping, and roll.
No matter what sport your kiddo plays, Skyhawks has a camp for that. From soccer to basketball to volleyball and golf, if it’s played on a field or with a ball, it’s in their wheelhouse. Camps are held around the city and surrounding areas and give kids the chance to improve their skills or just play their favorite sport all summer long via half- or full-day camp sessions.
Whether your creative kiddo is an artist, nature explorer, singer or dancer, the award-winning, multi-arts camps at Creative Dance Center will unleash your Little’s imagination. Camps focus on kids’ joyful self-expression, while at the same time letting campers explore movement and art, develop dance skills, and strengthen the body and brain. Kids will love camps like Ballet Stories, Art in Motion, Musical Theater, and Hip Hop. Parents will appreciate the innovative and holistic teaching methods that create an environment where children communicate, connect, collaborate and create through dance.
Dates: weekly, starting June 2023 Cost: TBD for 2023 Ages: 4-10
The newest board books, picture books, and chapter books your kids will love to read
Books can shape a child’s perception and allow them to see places, people, and ideas from around the world and beyond. In 2022, children’s book publishing continues to make great strides toward representation in kids’ books, with epic adventures, untold stories, and plenty of gorgeous art. Here are just a few of the awesome books that came out this year.
New Children's Books: Board Books
LB Kids
The Golden Girls: Goodnight, Girls by Samantha Brooke, illustrated by Jen Taylor
Snag the board book of your ‘80s dreams, and join Dorothy, Blanche, and Rose for a sleepover, with Ma trying to settle them down. Their goodnight story? Picture it: Sicily. One of the sweetest new board books brings the best of the golden oldies right to your little ones' bedtime.
Penguin Random House
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Eats Lunch: A Colors Book
Introduce your littlest ones to a variety of foods and Eric Carle’s iconic art at the same time with this die-cut board book. Follow the Very Hungry Caterpillar through lunch meals from mac and cheese to sandwiches to tacos. This one is a new release, and watch for The Very Hungry Caterpillar Eats Dinner (June 2022) and The Very Hungry Caterpillar Eats Snacks (November 2022). Ages: 0-2.
Union Square Kids
The Hair Book by LaTonya Yvette, illustrated by Amanda Jane Jones
This new board book (also available in picture book format) is a playful, poetic celebration of all kinds of hair! From party hair to long hair, cornrow hair to bun hair, all hair is welcome. The bold illustrations are the kind you wish you could frame for your walls. Ages: 0-3.
This new board book series will include four titles: Conservation with Jane Goodall; Restoration with Wangari Maathai; Preservation with Aldo Leopold, and Ecosystems with Rachel Carson. Kids will learn about important ecologists and environmentalists along with simplified ideas surrounding our impact on the environment. All books are written by former teacher and award-winning children’s author Maureen McQuerry and delightfully illustrated by Robin Rosenthal. A box set will be released in October of 2022. Ages: 0-3.
A book about community for the little ones, meet the new cats on the block who also happen to love baking cookies. It turns out, they don’t have all the ingredients, so they need to borrow them from all the neighbors, turning the book into a seek-and-find adventure for tiny hands. Full of lift-the-flap fun and vibrant art by author-illustrator Suzy Ultman. Ages: 2-4.
Another wonderful read by author/illustrator duo Jacqueline Woodson and Rafael López (The Day You Begin), the story follows a brother and sister stuck inside on a cold, rainy day. Encouraged by their grandmother to use their imagination to explore the world outside their home, the two take a fantastic journey, all in their minds. When finding themselves quarreling on a different day, they are reminded of their ancestors who came before and used their brilliant brains to show the world their strength. Ages 6-8.
Hyperion Books for Children
It’s a Sign by Jerome Pumphrey, Jarette Pumphrey, and Mo Willems
Mo Willems and his BFFs Elephant and Piggie teamed up with Disney-Hyperion publishing and some new authors/illustrators for a series of books aimed at encouraging reading for early elementary kids. In this one, we meet the loveable characters of One, Two, Kat, and Four who want to form a club. It’s a sweet story about the power of collaboration and subtly reminds kids everyone reads and writes at different levels and together we can achieve our goals—in this case naming their club! Ages: 5-8
“The ocean is turning into plastic stew,” I sing.
“O’, my friends, what shall we do?”
Mermaid Kenzie loves the ocean, exploring on both land and sea, but after diving with her mother one day she sees more plastic bags than fish and is determined to do something about it. Written in African American Vernacular English by Charlotte Watson Sherman, the entire book reads like a poem or a song and the lush illustrations by Geneva Bowers will make you feel like you’re a mermaid, too. Includes an author’s note about plastic in the oceans and how to help. Ages: 4-8.
All Molly wants to do is go to the park, and yet, her moms won't stop talking to the neighbors. She can be patient at school, at the dentist or at a dance recital, but when it comes to adult conversations? Nope! A laugh-out-loud book about patience and how kids see the world. Ages: 3-6.
New Yorker cover artist Bob Staake’s latest creation is possibly one of the most visually appealing and downright stunning books of 2022. As you might expect from the title, the book takes children on a walk along a path that leads through many landscapes. Some are calming, while others are a little scary (like a dark, chilly cave). The message rings clear: at some point you must choose your own path:
“When it splits in two, you will have to decide what to do next—and you'll create a path that's unique to you”
It’s like Robert Frost’s “The Road Not Taken” meets Dr. Suess’s Oh, the Places You Will Go! but with an entirely unique landscape of words and beautiful art that together form the author’s own unique voice. PS: The book has a bonus illustration inside the jacket that can be put up like a poster. Ages: 4-8
Crown Books for Young Readers
Alexander von Humboldt: Explorer, Naturalist & Environmental Pioneer
One of the most amazing environmental pioneers you (and your kids) have never heard of, Alexander von Humboldt is considered to be the father of modern ecology. Author-illustrator Danica Novgorodoff, an explorer and traveler herself, details the life and times of Humboldt, a native of France who arrived in Philadelphia in 1804, with “seventy-seven boxes full of notebooks, sketches, plants, rocks, and other specimens.” He also held an extremely progressive attitude toward protecting the environment and, refreshingly, unlike so many colonial “heroes” are children learn about, Humboldt was deeply opposed to slavery. According to Novgorodoff, he was “the only well-known nineteenth-century scientist to argue, throughout his career, that race was not a biological category,” and declared that “all are alike designed for freedom.” Available Feb. 22, 2022; you can preorder it now. Ages: 4-8.
Inspired by formerly imprisoned human rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize nominee Loujain AlHathloul, this is one of those beautiful little books that is about so much more than a beautiful field of sunflowers.
Little Loujain watches every day as her baba stitches his wings and flies. But in Loujain’s country, no matter how much she dreams of it, only boys are permitted to fly. But Loujain doesn’t give up and persuades her baba to teach her so that she, too, can see this field of sunflowers he has described to her. In doing so, she inspires other young girls to fly, too.
Loujain AlHathloul led the successful campaign to lift Saudi Arabia's ban on women driving. Written by Lina AlHathloul, Loujain’s sister, and Uma Mishra-Newbery, with dreamy illustrations from Rebecca Green, this is a story to read before bed to inspire dreams of courage and to read during the day to remind us not to give up. Available March 1. Ages: 4-8.
Did you know that she did not know how to cook until she was an adult and that even then the first meal she cooked for her husband, Paul, was "a disaster"? Or that one of her first recipes was shark repellant? This beautiful new picture book from by Alex Prud'homme, vibrantly illustrated by Sara Green, introduces kids to the story of how Julia Child went from being a young girl with a voracious appetite to one of the most famous chefs in history. The book even includes a bonus recipe kids can try themselves.
Ages: 5-9
A spin on the Sleeping Beauty story, Beauty Woke is a modern retelling that reads like a gorgeous, bilingual poem from author NoNieqa Ramos. Beauty is born in Puerto Rico—a proud Boricua of Taíno and African descent—beloved and celebrated by her family and community. But as Beauty grows older, she discovers a world hostile toward people who look like her. Beauty is discouraged and hurt by the insults hurled toward her community, but soon awakens to the truth behind what beauty really means. The rich illustrations by Paola Escobar are utterly sublime in this powerful cultural celebration which is also a reminder for kids that mean words can really hurt, and that it is important to celebrate the self, our differences, and the real meaning of being beautiful. Available now. Ages: 4-7.
Calkins Creek
Blast Off!: How Mary Sherman Morgan Fueled America into Space
Written with gusto by Susan Slade with splashy illustrations that leap of the page by Sally Wern Comport, for any fan of science, space, or women who rock, this is the book to add to your collection. "Blast Off" tells the lost story of one of the most important rocket scientists in history, Mary Sherman Morgan, whose diligence and intelligence helped create the technology that fuels rockets to this day. Ages: 7-10.
Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Inspiring Young Changemakers
Bindi Irwin pens the foreword in the 5th edition of the Rebel Girls series. Focused on young changemakers like Zendaya, the Linda Lindas, Greta Thunberg, Keke Palmer, and Bethany Hamilton, readers will lean about women from all over the globe and from different backgrounds who want to change the world. Ages: 6+
Sports Heroes: Inspiring Tales of Athletes who Stood Up and Out
Sports bring people together, and we have these 16 athletes to thank for it. These 16 individuals overcame barriers like racism, sexism and just plain uncomfortable clothes to become the best in their sport. Author Mia Cassany, along with illustrations by Iker Ayestaran, share inspiring and sometimes unheard-of stories that will inspire the next generation. Ages: 6 and up
For kids that love fantasy books (ala Percy Jackson), this new chapter series is a must. They'll follow the adventures of Skandar, a 13-year-old boy whose biggest dream is to escape the Mainland for the secretive island where unicorns run wild. He's been studying to become a rider for years, but on the day of the big exam, things go terribly wrong. With his hopes shattered, Skandar is shocked when someone knocks on his door late at night requesting his help; the island is in danger. Unicorn armies, sky battles, new friends, and mysterious enemies—this book has it all. Ages 9-12.
A chapter book with illustrations throughout, Cree author and known songstress Buffy Sainte-Marie weaves Indigenous stories, traditions, and language into the tale of young Tâpwê Tâpwê in an adventure story that is both relatable and enlightening for young readers. Before he leaves on a trip to the other side of the Cree reserve to visit his cousins, Tâpwê is gifted a Magic Hat from his Kokhom—his grandma. Kokhom also gives him a warning: to be wary of tricksters. Beautifully written with humor and energy, children will relate to the twists and turns along the way, all accompanied by beautiful black and white illustrations. The book includes a glossary and pronunciation guide of Cree words as well as a message to parents and teachers about trickster stories, making this an excellent read-aloud book for classrooms as well. Ages 6-11. Available June 7.
From Ching Shih—who commanded more than 80,000 ships, more than any other pirate in history—to Grace O’Malley, the long-ruling Pirate Queen of Ireland, this book is a marvelous collection of dangerous, daring, and courageous women pirates of history. Written by Leigh Lewis, who combines historical facts with pirate-point-of-view poetry to enlighten and inspire children, with appropriately bold, brash illustrations by Sara Gómez Woolley, a must-read for adventure-loving children. Ages: 8-12.
Hot off the press from Jenna Yoon, in this new children's book, you'll meet 12-year-old Lia Park, a middle schooler with strict parents who sneaks out to a birthday party with dire consequences. She’s not just breaking her parent’s rules, she’s breaking a protection spell. Lia now must rescue her parents from the undersea kingdom of the Dragon King in Korea. Ages 8-12.
Abrams Books for Young Readers
The Woman Who Split the Atom: The Life of Lise Meitner
From author-illustrator Marissa Moss, this illustrated chapter book details the mostly forgotten story of Lise Meitner, the scientist who discovered nuclear fission. Never heard of her? When you read her remarkable story, you'll wonder why. A female Jewish physicist in Berlin during the early 20th century, Meitner had already faced a fair share of sexism as a scientist. Still, when Hitler came to power, it wasn't just sexism: now, she was facing life-threatening anti-Semitism.
Meitner's discovery of splitting the atom would change the course of history forever, spurning the race to build the first nuclear bomb. Still, while her male lab partner was awarded a Nobel Prize for the discovery, she was given no credit. Meitner was deeply disturbed that her discovery was being used to build nuclear weapons and spent her later years as an advocate for pacifism. Moss' comic-like illustrations throughout will help children of any age grasp the magnitude of her contribution. Still, the recommendation for this book remains 10 and up due to the heavy subject matter. Ages: 10-14.
New from Disney Hyperion, this chapter book introduces readers to soon-to-be princess Solimar, a Mexican heroine on the brink of her Quinceañera and her official coronation. When she visits a nearby magical forest on the eve of her big day, she discovers she has the magical gift of foretelling the future, which proves to be a blessing and a curse. Written by Newbery Honor Medal winner Pam Muñoz Ryan. Available Now. Ages 8-12.
This full-color biographical book with illustrations and photographs from National Geographic and written by Gabby Salazar and Clare Fieseler introduces kids to amazing scientists including volcanologists, paleontologists, bioengineers, ecologists and more. In addition to showcasing boundary-breaking research by women, women from a variety of backgrounds, including diverse women from countries all over the world. For children of any gender, this is a powerful resource that is also chock full of interactive ideas and information. Ages: 10-14.
An epic adventure-style book in the vein of Tristan Strong and Percy Jackson, Pilar Ramirez weaves myths and magic of the Dominican Republic into a hero’s quest narrative. Written by Julian Randall, the book addresses a topic few history books cover: the Trujilo dictatorship of the Dominican Republic and the many people who were forced to flee their beloved country. Families were torn apart. Loved ones went missing. Inspired by the author's family history, the novel is written from the point of a 12-year-old girl whose cousin goes missing during the dictatorship. When Pilar attempts to learn her cousin’s fate, she is magically transported to Zafa: an island rich with beautiful creatures and sinister monsters, and the most feared of them all, El Cuco, the terrifying Dominican boogeyman. Pilar must face them all in order to rescue her cousin from the island’s prison. Ages: 8-12.
Join Osmo on a journey into the world of the dead in this magical adventure book from New York Times bestselling author Catherynne M. Valente. Osmo's mother accidentally kills an intelligent woodland creature, a Quidnunk, violating a treaty that ensured no killing between the people of his town and the Quidnunx population. Because of this error, it is decreed that her first-born son must go to the land of the dead to make amends. Ages: 8-12.
Andrews McMeel Publishing
Behind the Scenes with Burt: A Breaking Cat News Adventure
For a laugh-out-loud graphic novel told from the hilarious point of view of cats, the latest in the Breaking Cat News series will not disappoint. Burt decides to make the news station more dynamic and brings on a whole array of characters and includes some of the original Breaking Cat News newspaper comic strips before they became a bestselling book series. There are even paper dolls in this one! Available April 5, 2022. Ages: 9-12, primarily because the humor is sophisticated so older kids may "get" it more. Reading level-wise, it can skew younger.
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We love learning about awesome women, and Ada Lovelace is high up on our list! The daughter of Lord Byron and Annabella Milbank Byron, Ada was taught music, French, and mathematics at the insistence of her mother. This allowed her to work with her lifelong friend, Charles Babbage, on his invention – the Analytical Engine. She determined codes could be designed for it to carry out mathematical operations, and even wrote one as an example.
Ada Lovelace Day is celebrated on the second Tuesday of October (October 11th this year), and celebrates the achievements of women in STEM. Read on for ways to bring a little Ada Lovelace energy into your day-to-day!
Ada Lovelace Punchcard Pin
This pin is based on the punchcard code Ada Lovelace wrote for the Analytical Engine and comes with a fun card telling her story!
This 11x14 print of Ada Lovelace shows her standing in front of the gears of the Charles Babbage Analytical Engine! It's a fabulous gift for the STEM-obsessed.
This boyfriend-style tee is not only perfect for showcasing your support for women in STEM, but this shop donates 10% of its monthly profit to social justice causes!
Everyone associates the Erlenmeyer flask with research and innovation, and this iconic symbol is on display in this fun drinking glass! Each is available with straw and silicon color choices.
This sweet book is part of the Little People, BIG DREAMS series by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara. It's full of adorable illustrations and two-sentence pages, perfect for ages 4-7 years!
Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls Chapter Book Collection
The creators of Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls brings this box set featuring five tales of real-life women in history, including Ada Lovelace. In addition to Ada Lovelace Cracks the Code, Madam C.J. Walker, Wangari Maathai, Junko Tabei, and Alicia Alonso are also featured in this collection!
Their creativity will run wild with this set of 61 pieces that can be configured into 3 different designs! Instructions are included, or they can create their own.
A set that highlights 60 incredible women, including Rosa Parks and Malala Yousafzai, that's sure to inspire and ignite important and insightful discussion!
Help kids ages 7 and up explore their inner scientist with this kit! It includes supplies for 15 science experiments in combination with common household items.
Just add water! This kit contains 16 different polymers and compounds that are reusable and can be used in your garden when you're done. Create slime, a winter scene, water marbles, and more!
Chemical reactions, molecular motion, and the effect of temperature; all of this and more is covered in the 28-page lab notebook designed for 8-12 year olds. This kit contains not only the lab notebook, but equipment and instructions for carrying out 19 experiments, too!
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Summer is here and we’re betting there are plenty of sweaty afternoons ahead for you and your crew. When the weather keeps you indoors, there’s nothing like one of the best kids activity books out there. From simple sticker books to literary coloring books for tweens, these fun-filled pages will make open afternoons go by in a flash.
How to Survive Middle School: Math: A Do-It-Yourself Study Guide
Beware, these books make you smarter! While the jump to middle school can sound intimidating, these DIY study guides make the leap into higher math, science and world history actually fun. Filled with colorful illustrations and fun facts, they make the perfect companion for a long road trip or inevitable "I'm bored" this summer. Ages: 10-14
This one has a little bit of everything, and it's ideal for your preschool kiddo. Pick between tracing, coloring, word searches, mazes, dot-to-dot and much more.
These large activity books from Highlights are full of colorful images, fun games and learning opportunities. Perfect for when you are on the go, choose from numbers, letters, tracing or puzzles books.
There's a growing need for social and emotional toys and gear for kids, and this journal from Hand2Mind fits the bill. With over 68 pages of activities that revolve around feelings, mindfulness and emotions, once the book has been completed, kids can look at it again when they need to identify their feelings.
This journal gives older kids and teens a place to learn and grow through drawing, activities, creating scenarios, and more. With over 50 different activities, this activity book is essential for extending the anti-racist journey.
As part of the "Goodnight Stories from Rebel Girls" series, this sticker-by-number book has 12 pages of heavy stock paper depicting female heroes from the original book.
Possibly the coolest hidden pictures book ever, Highlight's 16-foot long fold-out puzzle is fun for the entire fam. Made on sturdy paper and featuring 280 hidden objects, this unique activity can be used on the go, completed in sections, or spread out all at once!
Playing with Paints - Watercolor: 100 Prompts, Projects and Playful Activities
The perfect cure for rainy day boredom, this book is packed with projects that teach the principles of science, technology, engineering, art and math with on-hand ingredients like shaving cream and cookies. Have fun learning early ideas in chemistry, physics, computing, color-mixing and so much more.
No sticky residue after peeling these stickers off your windows! These reusable and collectible stickers can go just about anywhere, including the scenes that come in this fun book of 400 pirate-themed images. Great for car rides, doctors' offices and shopping carts—there's nowhere these stickers can't go.
The Invisible String Workbook: Creative Activities to Comfort, Calm, and Connect
From the author of the picture book phenomenon The Invisible String, this companion workbook includes over 50 creative art therapy and writing activities to help kids recover from trauma and build healthy relationships with themselves and others.
So. Many. Stickers.: 2,500 Little Stickers for Your Big Life
There's no shortage of stickers in this 50-page book! Whether your kiddos love decorating their notes, binders or snail mail, this 2,500 collection of whimsical stickies will keep them busy and creative for at least a few hours. Parents, there's no harm in sneaking a few for yourself to dress up that planner!
Highlights' Jumbo Pad of Word Puzzles is the perfect travel companion. The 256-page book contains over 125-word searches, crosswords, riddles, codes, and logic puzzles, with tear-out sheets and comes with a sturdy cardboard backing that's great for using on your kiddo's lap.
This colorful activity book is all about combatting brain drain with over 100 original activities including codes to crack, word puzzles, rhyming games, picture puzzles, memory challenges, mazes and more. The ultimate rainy day or airplane book, we think boys will love it too.
Strong Is The New Pretty: A Guided Journal for Girls
This journal from the author of Strong Is the New Pretty is filled with meaningful quotes, over 20 of the most stunning images from the book (plus 20 new images!) and inspiring prompts that’ll allow your daughter to tap into her own “girl power.” Plus, it’ll encourage your kiddo to spend more time with her thoughts and dreams than those she sees on social media.
Designed to help girls discover their confidence and spirit of adventure, this outdoor sports sticker book features strong and confident female role models that do everything from climbing mountains to white water rafting. The adorable stickers will capture your little trailblazer’s imagination, while the empowering messages will help them believe she can do anything.
— Gabby Cullen & Karly Wood
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Whether we are reading to them or with them, books that put kids with disabilities at the center of the storyline benefit all children. For kids who have a disability, seeing themselves represented is validating and empowering. And children who do not have a disability can gain insight and empathy into the world of someone who does.
When it comes to children’s books, inclusion matters, and no one knows that better than parents of a child with a disability who has spent hours combing shelves trying to find a book that relates to their child. Many of the books on this list were written by parents of children with disabilities who wanted to see their children, and children like them, as the hero of the story. Scroll on for 11 great reads.
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When mother and author Adiba Nelson struggled to find a single children's book that showed a Black child with disabilities, she wrote one herself. Inspired by Nelson's desire for her child, who has cerebral palsy, to see herself joyfully in a book and the world around her, Adiba wrote Meet Clarabelle Blue to do just that. Follow Clarabelle through her day and learn how she is just like you—she loves to giggle, she has to brush her teeth, she loves to laugh—just like all kids. An important book for children of all abilities to read to gain insight, compassion, and the importance of representation. Also available in Spanish.
Written by the parent of a young child with autism, this book follows Landon, a boy who loves to play with his friends but struggles to communicate with others. Not only does it help show any kiddos on the spectrum that they're not alone, but it also educates all readers on some of the traits and behaviors linked to ASD. Above all, it serves as a reminder that each of us is unique and deserving of love and friendship.
Inspired by their son, husband and wife co-authors Jamiyl and Tracy-Ann Samuels wrote The Amazing Sensational Kids series to empower children with autism as well as create empathy for those who have children on the spectrum in their life. All their books are fantastic, but The Sensationally Super Sandy stands out. Sandy has a big brother who doesn’t always speak or play with her, but as her parents explain to her what having autism means, Sandy learns how important it is to be kind when someone is different. And Sandy takes that to heart on the school playground.
Both main characters are relatable and loveable. The book gives perspective on what it can feel like to be the sibling of someone with autism and provides a very clear explanation of what autism is for children of any age. By Jamiyl Samuels and Tracy-Ann Samuels, illustrated by Nidhom.
Children on the autism spectrum frequently have sensory issues, including disliking certain textures. Such is the case with our little hero, Holly, who loves science and doing experiments. But she is upset when she finds out the next experiment is going to be slime, something she strongly dislikes because it is too sticky! Together Holly, her teacher and her parents find a solution.
Ages: 4-8.
By Jen Malia, illustrated by Joanne Lew-Vriethoff.
Beautifully written by a parent with a child who has ADHD and Proprioceptive Sensory Disorder, this book is designed to empower sensory seekers and educate both sensory seekers and those around them with strategies that will help with self-regulation. But don’t just take our word for it, take their son’s: “This book gives me strategies to calm down,” he says. Using straightforward strategies and relatable language, this book is based on years of first-hand experience and Occupational Therapy. For any age child with ADHD, an SPD (Sensory Processing Disorder), and their families. Written by Christia DeShields, illustrated by Marissa Nelson.
From Francesca Cavello, co-author of Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls, this beautifully illustrated book tells the story of Paralympian Tatanya McFadden. Born in Russia with spina bifida, Tatanya lived the first six years of her life in an orphanage, where she learned to walk on her hands. After being adopted by her moms and moving to the US, McFadden began wheelchair racing at the age of just eight years old. The images by Luis San Vicente invoke the astounding speed and movement of this Paralympic star.
With a little boy named Xander as the narrator, the book explains all about cerebral palsy, including causes, types, and how it affects both him and his friends with cerebral palsy. This book teaches children about cerebral palsy and provides a representation of a strong, positive character for children with cerebral palsy to relate to and be proud of. Best for children ages 4-8 but is suitable for all ages. Written by Lori Leigh Yarborough and illustrated by Roksana Oslizlo.
This graphic novel geared toward children 8-12 not only made the New York Times bestseller list, it also won a Newbery Honor award. Based on Cece Bell’s own life as the only deaf child in a school of hearing children, Bell wore a hearing aid which allowed her to hear a little more than just the lesson plans. This humorous story reminds children that being different is good and that those differences are actually what become your superpowers. El Deafo is also now an animated series. Written and illustrated by Cece Bell.
This inclusive book for elementary-aged kids (ages 7-9) features multiple heroes who are on the search for Marshmallow, the classroom bunny. When Marshmallow goes missing, two students find him; one with a visual impairment and the other who has autism. Once found, the bunny is comforted by a student with down syndrome. By Kathryn Lynn Seifert with illustrations by Ann Murray and Jean Weir.
Zulay and her three best friends love the first grade. Zulay is blind, but she loves to do what all the other kids do, and study what they study. When the school’s Field Day comes along, Zulay announces she wants to run a race. With the help of her friends and a teacher, Zulay accomplishes her goal. The book, for ages 4-8, includes the Braille alphabet. Written by Cari Best and illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton.
Albert Whitman & Company
We Want to Go to School!: The Fight for Disability Rights
Before 1971, millions of children in the United States were not allowed in public schools. But in 1971, seven kids and their families stood up for equal education and equal rights and went to court to fight for it. Co-authored by Janine Leffler and her mother, children’s book author and illustrator Maryann Cocca-Leffler, this book tells the story of Mills v. Board of Education of the District of Columbia, which changed the course of disability education. Maryann has written a series of books based on her daughter Janine, who was born with cerebral palsy, but this is the first time they have written a book together.
This book will teach children ages 5-9, and all children and their grown-ups, about a landmark case that is not well-known. It is especially impactful for children to read at school to understand the significance of the law, the activists who fought for it, and both the history and future of disability education in the United States.
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It’s time to refresh the stack of bedtime stories on your bedside table with a few choices from our ultimate list of 90 of the best bedtime stories of all time. From 60-year-old classics to sleepy lullabies and laugh-out-loud favorites, we’ve got something for everyone—the kids may start begging you to put them to bed. Scroll down for the list.
Settle in for sweet slumber with Il Sung Na's debut children's book, The Book of Sleep. The sweet story follows an oil as he flies over the forest as fellow animals prepare for a night of rest. Told with "soothing" text and gorgeous depictions of a starry night, your littles will be sawing logs in no time.
You know you're in for a real treat when the fun of the book begins before even opening the first page. In this board book by Hans Wilhelm with illustrations by Erica Salcedo, kiddos open the "blanket" flaps of the book to discover three cozy pigs. As they turn the pages of Pigs in a Blanket, readers are greeted with fun rhymes as the three piggies start their day, embark on an adventure and eventually go to sleep. With colorful illustrations, this book will help reinforce daily rituals like getting dressed for the day, playtime, brushing teeth and winding down back to bed.
The greatest bedtime book of all time is still as quirky and delightful as it was in 1947. Reading the familiar text together night after night is deeply satisfying, as is looking for the little mouse on each page and watching the light “in the great green room” grow darker and darker.
It’s time for bed, little sheep, little sheep / The whole wide world is going to sleep.
What’s better for bedtime than cozy scenes of baby animals and their mothers, paired with musical, fun-to-read, couplets? The book concludes, appropriately, with a human mother and child.
A cumulative story that one by one, sleepy people and animals climb onto Granny’s big bed to slumber, until the very last, smallest one wakes everyone up. The restful blue palette lightens as the book progresses and day approaches.
The Little Critter books may not be fresh, original, or trendy but there’s something about those scraggly, overall-clad characters that kids just adore. In this installment, our hero is cranky about having to go to bed and trots out one creative, hopeful scenario after another to delay the inevitable. Patient Dad has a comeback for each one.
Soft illustrations of cuddly baby animals and a sing-songy rhyme on every page make for a sweet and simple bedtime book. Animals range from the expected—mice, birds—to the more exotic—penguins, whales, and kangaroos.
Soft illustrations of cuddly baby animals and a sing-songy rhyme on every page make for a sweet and simple bedtime book. Animals range from the expected—mice, birds—to the more exotic—penguins, whales, and kangaroos.
You may recognize the illustrations of author Rosemary Wells (of Max & Ruby fame) in this lovely bedtime book for little ones. Inside this bunny's cozy house, the family is going to the timeless tradition of bedtime. Follow along at each step, which will help your own child learn a routine of his own: eating dinner, cleaning up the toys, taking a bath, listening to a story. A charming addition to your bookshelf.
Kids who love musician Laurie Berkner will enjoy snuggling down with a literary version of her song Pillowland. With magical, lush art by French artist Camille Garoche, Pillowland carries readers away to a feather-fluffed dream world where bedtime is always a grand adventure.
From the tired toucan to the sleepy sloth, kids are encouraged to say goodnight to all the jungle animals as the moon rises. Set in sweet, rhyming prose, this new edition to the Night Night series from author Amy Parker will be enjoyed by your littlest readers.
This is a lovely recitation of the quiet things in life: “coloring in the lines quiet,” “right before you yell, ‘SURPRISE!’ quiet,” “bedtime kiss quiet.” The tone and gentle illustrations (featuring porcupines and teddy bears and other humorous animals) make it just right for settling down before sleep.
Kitten mistakes the moon for a large bowl of milk and tries, in vain, to reach it. Although not strictly a bedtime book, the theme of the beautiful moon that hangs over each page oozes cozy, cuddly sleepytime feelings.
The unique look of this book, with its black-and-yellow scratchboard illustrations, is what will draw you to it first. The text, a cumulative poem beginning, “Here is the key to the house,” is simple and elegant and matches the pictures to a tee.
If you cringe at your child's adoration of all-things princess, check out this modern fairy tale that puts a fresh, empowering spin on the classic Sleeping Beauty. Lex, a book-loving space princess, sets off on an adventure to break her own curse with the help of her adorable side-kick pup. It's the perfect story for crown-wearing bibliophiles (and want-to-be space explorers).
Extreme silliness, Sandra Boynton-style, and fun and short enough to be read every night, for years. The animal passengers of a large ocean liner brush their teeth, change into their pajamas and, of course, exercise, before winding down to “rock and rock and rock to sleep.”
As the zoo closes, clever Gorilla escapes from his cage and follows the zookeeper around, letting all the other animals out, too; hilariously, all of them end up following the zookeeper home to bed—unbeknownst to him. Because all the text in the book consists of goodnight greetings, parents will need to narrate the story in their own words.
Marla Frazee’s detailed, humanistic illustrations bring new life—and humor—to the familiar folk song. There’s a lot more going on here than usual, starting with a big sister who wakes up the baby in the cradle, much to the exhausted parents’ chagrin.
The Llama Llama series was an instant hit, owing to the meter and rhyme that don’t miss a beat, making them easy and fun to read aloud. Here, little Llama lies awake in bed, scared, listening to Mama washing dishes and talking on the phone in the kitchen. Will he ever be able to fall asleep?
Jerry Pinkney has become deservedly famous for his many illustrated picture books, including The Lion and the Mouse, which won the 2010 Caldecott Medal. Twinkle Twinkle sets the classic lullaby to rich, gorgeous paintings of an idealized nighttime world. Set sail for dreamland!
“Here’s a little baby, 1-2-3” begins each scene of this wonderful rhyming concept book from a beloved British author-illustrator. Marveling at the delightfully Anglo home scenes, follow the baby through his day until his mother places him, sleeping, into his crib. The cutout on each page will keep younger readers engaged.
If your kids need to get their sillies out before snuggling down, look no further! No one does goofy, expressive animals and infectious, top-tapping rhyme like Sandra Boynton. Here, she gives pajamas the silly treatment: Pajammy to the left. Pajammy to the right. Everybody’s wearing them for dancing tonight.
In board-book format, a little girl settles down for bed, saying goodnight to each of her favorite playthings (picking out one body part for each—“Goodnight fingers” for the doll, “Goodnight lips” for the fish). The soft illustrations have a lovely vintage vibe.
Bonnie and Ben got the good babysitter tonight, and he entertains them with one silly Mother Goose rhyme after another. The simple refrain is addictive and you will find yourself chanting it as you go about your day.
Little Red and Hazel are the best of friends, but winter means on one of them will be lonely. A perfect allegory for preparing for bedtime, the sweet illustrations and prose share the message that they'll be there for each other when they awake.
Don’t even bother checking this out if you’re worried about your kids learning bad bedtime manners from the masters! Children will laugh with vicarious glee to see young dinosaurs (with, oddly, human parents) behaving very badly, then coming around and doing it right.
It may not be flashy or funny, but there’s a reason this one is still a favorite since it was published in 1994. The combination of the elegant pen-and-ink pictures (reminiscent of Winnie-the-Pooh), gentle brown and green palette and the loving, ultra-simple storyline is exquisite.
Little Tiger is nervous about going to sleep, but his mother soothes his concerns with wisdom, whimsy, and reassurance. The vibrant paintings with bright swaths of primary colors will please young eyes as the loving text lulls them to sleep.
Fanciful and whimsical pictures complement the musical text of a mother singing a child to sleep. Especially adorable is the scene of the snoozing trains and tractor covered by quilts.
In this debut picture book by author Grant Snider, readers explore the shapes and colors of nighttime from an entirely new—and delightful—perspective. A comforting bedtime story, the narrator takes children on a friendly exploration of the colors of the night, from a glowing moon to the bright lights of a big city.
Bear’s friends arrive in his cave, one by one, until there’s a party going on—but Bear won’t wake up! A catchy rhyme and endearing illustrations make this a favorite for bedtime and story time alike (If your kids are fans, you’ll want to check out all the follow-ups in the series.).
Follow Amani as she plays a game of hide-and-seek at night with the friends in her apartment complex and calls to the moon to light her way as she finds each "hider." A celebration of friendship and empowerment, loving who you are, and the beauty of the night sky, this sweet tale is accompanied by lovely illustrations and told in rhyming prose that's perfect for a bedtime story.
Lemony Snickett's take on a bedtime story of sorts is illustrated by famed children's book artist Jon Klassen in this delightfully different way of looking at darkness. In this book, The Dark becomes its own thing, not something scary but something with its own personality. Winner of the Blue Ribbon Picture Book Award.
This classic from beloved Strega Nona author Tomie dePaola was first published in 1968 and tells the story of Ronald, who knows in order to stay up past bedtime, you've got to fight the night.
Chubby, cuddly Sam and his big, shaggy mama make a comforting, engaging pair in a bedtime book that reinforces the importance of routine. The contrast of the wild storm outside and the cozy interior will make bedtime seem a happy and safe place for toddlers and preschoolers. A great choice for kids who have the nighttime jitters.
Dinosaur has never lost a fight—but bedtime will be his biggest challenge ever. Loud, fast and funny, this is one you’ll want to start, not end, with (It’s also a fantastic read-aloud for a classroom visit.).
Your own kids might not get along this well—but we can all dream! When little Willa can’t sleep, her big brother Willoughby steps in, gently pointing out all the happy things around her, to help bring on the Sandman. Adorable Willa, with her floppy ears and stuffed animal look, will captivate listeners.
In perhaps the most unusual of our bedtime book suggestions, Mickey dreams a crazy dream in which he helps out the breakfast cake bakers in a most spectacular way. This fun bedtime story is another blast from the past that has held up nicely.
In a twist on a familiar bedtime story, instead of the child saying goodnight to his surroundings, here we have all the things around the child saying goodnight to him: And the stars said, ‘We will twinkle and sprinkle sweet dreams to you. And a car driving by said, ‘Beep beep, sleep, sleep.’ The illustrations, wonderful sketches with a watercolor rinse, are by a well-known editorial cartoonist, and look it.
Poor beleaguered Bear. First Mouse shows up unexpectedly on his doorstep (Bear was sure his visit was scheduled for another night). Then Mouse can’t seem to keep quiet, and Bear can only go to sleep in absolute silence. But then Bear hears another sound, and suddenly he’s glad Mouse is there to help.
Every page here has just one word (or phrase): streetlight, headlight, lantern light, firelight, candlelight, etc.—each one a different kind of light. Combined with the illustrations, they tell the story of a child’s special day, from biking home with mom to blowing out the birthday candles and finally, going to sleep under the moonlight. Magical.
Any book starring porcupines is a contender right from the start! This one has also got a simple story about a child who doesn’t want Mama to finish the bedtime book (because that means bed), and a special twist at the end.
Mercer Mayer is known mostly for his Little Critter books (and one of those is on this list, too), but this picture book is special, funny and tender. It belongs in every child’s library.
It’s hard to pinpoint the best feature of this eternal classic: Is it the beautiful prose, the repetition of key phrases or the poignant moment when naughty Max suddenly ”was lonely and wanted to be where someone loved him best of all?” Regardless, indulge in nostalgia and make it part of your bedtime routine.
Princess Alice has lost her blankie and when she finds it in the arms of a dragon, she sets out to find him his own lovey. Told in rhythmic style, this beautifully illustrated book is not only the perfect bedtime story, but is also one of kindness and friendship.
In this interactive bedtime book, children are invited to participate in the closing of the day. They press a firefly, blow a breeze, pat a deer, blink their eyes to fill the sky with stars and trace the Big Dipper on the page. It’s a lovely way for parents and children to welcome the night.
“The sun has set, the work is done; / It’s time for trucks to end their fun.” Take a tour of a bustling building site as Crane Truck, Cement Mixer, Dump Truck, Bulldozer and Excavator finish up their jobs and go to bed. Truck enthusiasts will ask for this one every night—and day, too.
Frances and her bedtime delay tactics are as utterly funny and enchanting as they were 55 years ago, and the minimalist illustrations by Garth Williams (of The Little House books fame) are perfect enough to frame.
Like all Berenstain Bears books, this one is on the long side, is filled with dialogue, complex situations and offers a message. When you need something a bit meaty to lull little people to sleep, this is just the ticket (and the don’t-be-afraid-of-the-dark theme doesn’t hurt).
Author John Sullivan's Ezra Jack Keats Award-winning story is based on his real-life watchman experience, with his stray sidekick cat, Bebee. But what happens when the watchman’s new friend goes missing? A feel-good, good-night read.
Beautifully written and illustrated by Babylit books illustrator Alison Oliver, Moon is all about getting into the woods to find your inner (gentle) beast. Head into the fantastical forest with Moon this summer and encourage kids to connect with their wild side.
Wind down from your busy day with something a little different: The Big Book of Super Hero Bedtime Stories gives kiddos a glimpse into the night time routines of their favorite super heroes: does the Green Lantern act as his own night? Does Batman sleep upside down? Because after a day of fighting crime or working their day jobs, just like kids, even super heroes need a good night's sleep.
A fun, graphic novel-style book (multiple boxes per page, speech bubbles, sound effects) gives new life to a familiar story of a bear who just wants to sleep. The festive snowy outdoor scenes will put kids in a holiday mood, so save this one for winter.
From award-winning lettering artist Jessica Hische comes her debut children's book, Tomorrow I'll Be Brave. Inspired after the birth of her own daughter, Hische wanted to give kids an opportunity to reflect on their day, to understand that tomorrow is a new beginning and that self-forgiveness is the best gift you can give yourself. Filled with strong words like Brave, Confident, Creative, Smart and Curious and complemented by gorgeous illustrations, Hische's first foray into children's literature is a success.
Dave Eggers is at it again with his newest release for kiddos ages 3-5, Tomorrow Most Likely. Publishing this month from Chronicle Books, this new read illustrated by Lane Smith reinvents the classic bedtime book. Instead of focusing on what happened that day, the little boy protagonist focuses on the future and imagines all the fun, dreamy and whimsical things that might happen tomorrow.
Little Bear is afraid of the dark, even when Big Bear keeps getting him bigger and bigger night lights. So Big Bear brings him to see the biggest light there is—the moon. As cozy and comforting as a cup of cocoa after dinner.
Every kid loves to hear stories about themselves, and Max and Ruby are no exceptions. Here, Grandma recalls their adventures in making a restaurant, swimming at the lake, and refusing to go to school. Rosemary Wells’s signature brightly colored illustrations are as pleasing to the eye as ever.
Alice, bouncing on her bed way past bedtime, wants blue, only blue. But as her mother brings her one special sleep-inducing gift after another (flowers, tea, an extra quilt, a wind chime), her room becomes beautifully suffused with all different colors. Finally, as she nods off to sleep, the moon comes in and makes everything blue.
The mystery-loving fox from Apples for Little Fox is back in this book by Ekaterina Trukhan. Follow along as Fox dreams the moon is missing, and he and his friends go on a quest to return it to the sky.
Even knights have to go to bed; the only difference is, it’s way more grand and exciting when you’re a knight! A little boy demonstrates some magical thinking as he brushes his teeth, puts away his things, and says goodnight to his pet (a dragon), all in a fantastical medieval setting.
Snuggle up under the light of the moon with this sweet bedtime book. Bright and bold colors tell the tale of a little frog singing alone in a swamp. As his pals join in, nothing sounds quite right until every voice is included––even a tiny firefly. A story of the power of little voices, By the Light of the Moon will take a permanent place in your heart and your bedtime rotation.
This sweet entry, perfect for right before the lights go off, shines with vintage-style illustrations that seem to step right out of a Little Golden Book. Gentle verse imagines a series of sleepy children, each holding a stuffed animal, on a special voyage with their stuffie come to life.
Written by Kenyan-born actress Lupita Nyong'O, this is as much her personal story as it the story of young Sulwe, a girl whose skin is the color of midnight. The stunningly gorgeous illustrations by Vashti Harrison are reason enough alone to want this book in your library, but the story itself is beautifully told; it's about differences, acceptance of oneself no matter how we think others see us, it's about wanting to fit in and yet being unique. A vital message for every kid out there, regardless of race or gender. Read it today with your kids.
From saving the city to trying to avoid being slimed, being a superhero is a hard job! That's why it's important to have a good routine once the day is done. From dinner to bath to reading a book, even superheroes need to recharge their batteries. This adorable picture book from YA author Katherine Locke is sure to be a new bedtime favorite.
Another loud and jolly entry (it may not soothe kids to sleep, but it’s sure to make bedtime fun), this one stars an overeager chicken who just can’t keep from interrupting dad as he tries to read bedtime stories. Guess who ends up falling asleep first?
Little Snow gets a big bed, but he can't seem to resist jumping on it. Every time he jumps, feathers fall out...this beautiful story from Caldecott Honor winner Grace Lin pairs the natural mischief of a sweet young child with the magic of winter for a story you'll want to read every cozy night or snowy day.
This adorable book by Benjamin Scheuer will soothe any anxious child with its rhythmic words that we’re betting you won’t be able to help but sing to your little one. And the illustrations by Jemima Williams are just as comforting. For anyone who has ever felt a little scared or lost or shy (and we can all relate to that) this book reminds us all that we can hibernate together, where it’s cozy and safe.
Monsters Are Afraid of Babies
$23
Everybody knows ... monsters are afraid of babies! From the way babies howl to how sticky and stinky they are, monsters have a great fear of these crawling little creatures. Adorable, funny, rhyming prose will delight your kids as you reassure them not to fear (babies OR monsters). Written by Nicholas Tana and illustrated by Elise Leutwyler and Jessica Abbott.
The Charlie and Lola books are wildly popular with kids of all ages—and with adults, too, because the stand-out voice and witty dialogue are truly a pleasure to read. Here, stubborn Lola refuses to go to bed, and her fabulously sympathetic big brother Charlie steps in to help.
We love our kids' wild imaginations but when those imaginations conjure up images of monsters under the bed and prevent your little from falling asleep at night, it's time to bring in reinforcements. Turn to this magical book by Jordan Chouteau with illustrations by Anat Even Or, to help your kiddo conquer her fears. With goofy monster illustrations and even a real no-more-monsters patch your child can wear to bed, this book is sure to drive away those monsters in no time.
How far will one mother shrew go just to help her sick son? She'll go to the moon, and back. This beautifully illustrated book by amazingly self-taught author/illustrator Kenneth Kraegel is as touching and moving as it is visually pleasing.
Written by Newbery Medal winner Susan Cooper and illustrated by Caldecott Honor winner Carson Ellis, this magnificent book based on Cooper's "The Shortest Day" a poem written for John Langstaff's Christmas Revels. It is the story of the shortest day, of the Solstice, and how our Yuletide traditions have evolved from the desire to burn against the impending darkness of winter. Absolutely gorgeous.
The Reader is an ode to joy for young bookworms, celebrating the thrill of diving into a good book—especially when you really should be asleep. It is the story of a gender-neutral reader who chooses adventure over naptime, and you get to go along for the ride as the reader swims with whales, chases jaguars, and climbs dinosaurs as big as mountains.
Ira’s sleeping over at his friend’s house for the first time ever. But should he bring his teddy bear? Or will Reggie make fun of him? A winning, chatty voice, wonderfully sketchy illustrations (circa 1972), and a surprise ending make this a hit with kids and adults alike.
A humorous take on the perils of sleeping near a snoring parent, My Daddy Snores will give the entire fam a chuckle. When daddy snores, the walls shake and no one seems to get any rest, not even the family pets.
Bear is so tired, he feels he could sleep for months. His neighbor Duck, on the other hand, has never felt so awake. Maybe he’ll just go see what Bear is up to. A hilarious all-dialogue story, great fun to read aloud and reminiscent of Elephant and Piggie.
Annie’s career day at school prompts her family to guess all of the things Annie wants to be when she grows up—and her family puts their own hopes and dreams into her. She’ll tell the world her story like her reporter grandfather, soar high like her basketball star mom, bake brave like her grandma. But Annie’s dream of being an astronaut takes all those things and more. Bonus info about famous female astronauts and facts about the moon, make this the perfect book for any aspiring astro-lover of any age or gender.
Read your little rebel to sleep with these bedtime stories and she’ll dream the impossible. This “most funded book in crowd funding history” features short, page-long bios on 100 seriously smart, driven women from around the world, so your little dreamer can learn what it takes to reach the same heights as Freda Kahlo, Jane Goodall and the Williams’ sisters, to name a few. Dream big, kiddos!
Don’t let the title fool you: this recent sequel to the Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls collection is appropriate for boys and girls, anytime, day or night. Beautifully illustrated, the book contains 100 outstanding women from Beyoncé to Nefertiti. We promise you'll learn something, too! And with 100 different women, the book will last you all summer long (unless you devour it, like we did, in one sitting). A great book to keep on hand for future essays!
Breathtaking illustrations take center stage in The Night Gardener. Overnight a wise owl has been sculpted into the tree outside William's window, the first of many to come that will bring color and beauty to his drab town. But who is this mysterious gardener who only works at night?
The classic story of Harold and his artistic adventures has been entertaining kids for over six decades. Follow along as our pajama-clad hero has an expedition of colorful proportions. From drawing landmarks to creating his own purple picnic to finding his way back to bed, this lovely tale should be on every bookshelf.
We're not sure what we love the most about this charming bedtime story: the gorgeous illustrations, the sweet storyline that follows the world as it turns in for the evening, or the guided meditation at the end that helps your little wiggle worms settle down for the evening.
Sleeping in the dark can be scary. From monsters under the bed to things that go bump in the night, kids have all sorts of spooky bedtime fears. But never fear, the Night Knights also show up at night, charged with the valiant challenge of protecting kids as they make their way through dreamland. A new release from author Gideon Sterer with beautiful illustrations drawn by Cory Godbey.
Bedtime can test any parent’s patience—even Darth Vader. This instant classic by Jeffrey Brown examines how the Sith Lord gets his wild ones in bed. The answer? With a bedtime story full of droids, Yoda, robots, rebels, and furry critters, of course.
Henry brings home a new puppy, and his first challenge will be figuring out how to get Charley to sleep in a strange, lonely house. His parents said no dog in his room, but that’s the only place Charley wants to sleep. It’s told in lyrical prose and complemented by light, enchanting watercolors.
Follow the adventures of little Sandy, in whose bedroom tiny stars appear every night. She turns them into magical creatures who stay with her until she falls asleep, and in the morning, she brings them back to life with magical illustrations. It's when a little girl named Morfie shows up at school, and she knows all about the pictures, that things get really interesting. There are a few scary aspects to this beautifully illustrated graphic novel, so we recommend this for your very oldest kids.
C.S. Lewis' classic tale is a must for pre-bedtime reading. Enjoy a chapter a night as you follow Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy through a magical wardrobe and into Narnia where they battle trials of good and evil. This gateway book is the perfect introduction to the entire series, The Chronicles of Narnia.
Told much in the same humor and whit as the classic film, The Princess Bride is an adventure beyond compare. Pirates, princesses, miracles and of course true love abound in this action-packed novel that is bound to make your kiddos excited for bedtime reading.
The 1948 classic, My Father's Dragon, has been a family fave for decades. Follow Elmer Elevator as he strikes out to rescue a baby dragon from Wild Island, where he is selfishly enslaved. Armed with lollipops, rubber bands and chewing gum, Elmer and his adventure will charm your kiddos like he has done for over 50 years.
—Emma Bland Smith with Gabby Cullen, Karly Wood and Amber Guetebier
There’s nothing quite like snuggling up in a cozy reading nook and getting lost in a good book. With so many titles out there, how do you know what will be a hit and what will be a bust? To help you out, we’ve created the ultimate list of 100+ classic kids’ books they’ve got to read before they turn 12. How many new titles can you add to your regular reading list?
1. Wonder by R. J. Palacio Fifth-grader Auggie Pullman is about to enter Beecher Prep for the first time. But unlike most of the kids there, he’s never been to school with his peers because of a birth defect that kept him from attending a mainstream school. What challenges will Auggie face? Your whole family will marvel at this debut novel by author, R. J. Palacio. Ages 8-12. Buy it here.
2. We Are Water Protectorsby Carole Lindstrom and Michaela Goade Inspired by Native-led movements to protect the environment, this beautiful book won the Caldecott Medal in 2021. Written by an Indigenous-author-illustrator team is an urgent cry to protect the Earth's water from pollution and harm. Ages 3-6. Buy it here.
3. The Crossover by Kwame Alexander Written in fast-moving verse that mirrors the pace of bouncing balls on the basketball court, this novel follows the life of two brothers, Josh and Jordan Bell as they navigate life both on and off the court. Ages 10-12. Buy it here.
4. Lola Plants a Garden by Anna McQuinn Proving books can be a point of inspiration, young bookworm Lola decides to grow a garden of her own after reading a garden-themed poem. With her Mommy in tow, they head to the library to research before choosing seeds and flowers and then get down to planting. What a great book for growing imagination! Ages 2-5. Buy it here.
5.The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein "Once there was a tree ... and she loved a little boy." It only takes one read for this story of unconditional love to stick with your munchkins forever. Read it before bedtime or have them tackle it on their own. Ages 5-7. Buy it here.
6. Pat the Bunny by Dorothy Kunhardt Written by mom Dorothy Kunhardt, this classic lets hands-on tots get interactive with fur, sandpaper, mirrors, and more. There's even an app version for the iPad and iPhone that comes with background music and sound effects. Ages 18 months & up. Buy it here.
7. The Day the Crayons Quitby Drew Daywalk This clever picture book, released in 2015, will leave your kids in stitches as they read compliments and legit complaints written as an epistolary to young Duncan from his crayons. It seems they’ve unionized and won’t go back on duty until Duncan listens to their concerns, which he does in the most colorful and creative of ways! Ages 3-7. Buy it here.
11. Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson Harold and his big imagination take a purple crayon out for a walk under the moon one night. As he draws his own adventures, he comes across a pie-only picnic, a monster guarding an apple tree and a friendly policeman who finally points him in the right direction—back home to the comfort of his own bed. It’s a classic for a reason. Get the scoop on more classics to read with your sidekick here. Ages 4-7. Get yours here.
12. Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site by Sherri Duskey Rinker and Tom Lichtenheld Fans of Toy Story and Cars are not going to get enough of this one. Complete with catchy rhymes for smooth read-aloud flow, old-fashioned illustrations and machines with personality, Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site will be sure to cement going to bed as something to look forward to. Ages 1-3 (& up). Buy it here.
13. The Story of Ruby Bridges by Robert Coles This is a beautifully illustrated and well-told true story of the six-year-old Ruby Bridges who, in 1960, was the first African-American to attend an all-white school. Children will relate to the emotions and courage throughout the story. It’s an excellent example of connecting kids to history in a way they won’t forget. Ages 5-9. Buy it now.
14. Pinkalicious by Victoria Kann It's a modern fairytale that could have inspired Katy Perry's entire career. After reading about a girl who turns blushing-red from eating too many pink cupcakes, your princesses and princes will be happy to eat their greens. Filled with bright colors, humor and a surprise at the very end, Pinkalicious is a great energetic read for pink fiends. Ages 5-7. Shop it here.
15. Chameleon's Colors by Chisato Tashiro Chameleon wants to stop changing colors, but Lion, Hippo, Elephant and all the other animals of the jungle would love to change their stripes. But the chaos that ensues with these colorful coats, soon makes Chameleon very grateful with his own skin. Your tiny animals will love the bright colors and patterns, but may not like how the entire jungle chases Chameleon at the end. Ages 4-8. Get it now.
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16. The Bee Bookby DK, Emma Tennant & Fergus Chadwick Get ready to learn all about one of the hardest-working creatures out there: the honeybee. Kids will learn how bees talk to one another, the life of a queen bee, and what a worker bee actually does. Discover how much bees matter, why they're declining, and what everyone can do to help the bee population. Ages 5-8. Get a copy here.
17. Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson Jacqueline Woodson’s novel, written in verse, chronicles her life growing up in the Civil Rights era. Caught between two worlds, one black and one white, one New York and one South Carolina, each of the book’s poems weaves in another strand of her life’s history, as she tries to both find and define her place in the world. Ages 10 & up. Buy today.
18. Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Dayby Judith Viorst Looks like Alexander’s got a case of the “Mondays.” He’s got gum stuck in his hair; he gets the hump seat on the ride to school; He’s served lima beans at lunch. What else could go wrong? Find out when you read this classic kids book. Ages 6-9. Buy it now.
19.Llama, Llama, Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney Infectious rhymes make this book an ideal and memorial bedtime tale for your sleepers. On top of the amazing artwork and detailed facial expression of the baby llama, Llama, Llama, Red Pajama also teaches kids patience and reassurance that mom is not far away. Ages 2-5. Buy it here.
20.Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale by Mo Willems With Dad in charge, a trip to the laundromat is blissful fun until Trixie leaves her Knuffle Bunny behind. New Yorkers will especially love the black and white photos of Brooklyn, which are paired with colorful illustrations. Get your mini-me's favorite toy ready, they'll be asking for it after the last page. Ages 2-5. Get your copy here.
Pixaby
21. Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh There's no sugarcoating friendships and mean girls when it comes to Harriet the Spy. When Harriet's friends find her notebook with all the truthful but awful things about them, Harriet has to find a way to mend her friendships. It's a lengthy, but great, beginner's read into the world of novels. Age 9 & up.Buy it here.
22. The Princess in Black series by Shannon & Dean Hale Princess Magnolia may live the frilly life of a typical pink-ified princess, but her alter ego, the Princess in Black, lives the life many little girls dream of—fighting monsters to save sheep in this beginning reader chapter book series. But don’t worry, she does typical princess things too, like throw a rocking party and vacation at the beach. It’s all in a day’s work for this power girl! Ages 5-8. Buy it here.
23. On the Night You Were Bornby Nancy Tillman It turns out you weren’t the only one celebrating on the night your sweet baby was born. In this magically illustrated tale, kids discover all the other creatures and elements from the natural world who lauded their arrival. From the polar bears who danced until dawn to the smiling night moon and the whispering wind and rain, everyone in this book is excited to meet this newly-minted one-and-only you. Ages 1-4. Get your copy here.
24. The Junie B. Jones series by Barbara Park If you’ve got a kid with sass (or were a kid with sass!) this is the series for you. Start with Junie B.’s adventures in kindergarten and read along as she progresses through school dealing with all the typical issues, like a stupid, smelly school bus, friend jealousy, tooth loss and more. Ages 6-9. Buy yours here.
25.Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown and Clement Hurd For cuddlers who are embarking on their first night alone, Goodnight Moon is a perfect fit. Everything (mostly) rhymes in this story as Bunny says goodnight to everything around him. Ages 2-6. Get it here.
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26. The Harry Potter seriesby J.K. Rowling Got a pre-teen who hates reading? Hand them Harry Potter. Praised for inspiring kids to read, the Harry Potter series is an entirely new world to explore. And thanks to Rowling's penchant for being extremely detailed, things from the book have become real-life—Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans, anyone? Of course, read the books before watching the movies. Ages 11 & up. Get your set here.
27. Sweet People Are Everywhereby Alice Walker This gorgeously sweet poem by the beloved writer Alice Walker is a testimonial to the goodness throughout the world, accompanied by illustrations QuimTorres. Ages 5-8. Buy it now.
28. Tales of a 4th Grade Nothing by Judy Blume By popular children's author Judy Blume (Are You There God, It's Me Margaret), Tales of a 4th Grade Nothing is an entertaining read about Peter, a nine-year-old boy, who learns how to get along with his lil' brother Fudge. Ages 9 & up. Get in now.
29. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl Candy lovers who will get a sugar high from all the delectable descriptions in Roald Dahl's arguably most famous work. When Charlie Bucket gets the most coveted golden ticket to Willy Wonka's chocolate factory, a tasty adventure that'll stretch kids' creativity like everlasting gum. Ages 8-12. Buy it here.
30. Mama, Do You Love Me?by Barbara M. Joosse A gorgeously illustrated picture book that answers the question every kid wonders about—mama, will you still love me if I … With thoughtful reassurances this Inuit mother lets her daughter know that yes, even when she puts lemmings in her mukluks or pours water onto the fire, she will love her always and forever, dear one. Ages 2 & up. Get it here.
31. The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle Who knew a hole puncher was an inspiration to one of the most famous children's books in the world? Kids will delight in reading (and counting) all the treats that the caterpillar combs through while learning about metamorphosis. Plus, there's almost nothing as much fun as poking your finger through the holes of each food. Ages 2-6. Get it here.
32. Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls by Elena Favilli and Francesa Cavallo Don’t let the title fool you: this recent collection is appropriate for boys and girls, anytime, day or night. Beautifully illustrated, the book contains the life snapshots of 100 heroic women, told in a voice that kids can relate to. Ages 4-101. Buy it now.
33. The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch Princess Elizabeth has a very nice life until a dragon burns it all (including her clothes) to the ground and takes off with her prince. Follow along as the spunky and brave protagonist dons a paper bag and rescues the prince (who turns out to be a dud) instead of waiting to be rescued herself. This classic children's book has a strong feminist message and is a lot of fun. Ages 4-7. Get your copy here.
34. Elephant & Piggie series by Mo Willems Pink and grey may become your sidekick's favorite colors after getting through this early reader series. The comic book style sets it apart from most children's books, with Piggie's speech in pink and Gerald's (the elephant) in grey. Ages 3-5. Get it here.
35. Caps for Sale: A Tale of a Peddler, Some Monkeys and Their Monkey Businessby Esphyr Slobodkina This humorous story of a peddler chasing after mischievous monkeys for his hats will have your teeny rascal holding their stomach in stitches. A twist on the saying, "Monkey see, monkey do," Caps for Sale is a timeless read-aloud with repetitive sentences that invite listeners to join in. Ages 4-8. Buy it now.
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36. Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr and Eric Carle Does your toddler have the makings of an Eye-Spy pro? Designed to help tykes associate colors and meaning to objects, Carle's memorable illustrations along with Bill Martin Jr.'s sing-song text will really get their search gears kicking. Ages 2-5. Get your copy here.
37. Juneteenth for Mazie by Floyd Cooper As Mazie listens to the tale of her great-great-great Grandpa Mose, she learns about the history of African American freedom that started in the cotton fields when Texas slaves finally learned they were free—two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. It moves through other Civil Rights milestones before Mazie heads off to celebrate freedom with her own family. Interested in reading more about the history of African Americans in America? Put some of these on your reading list. Ages 6-9. Get it today.
38. Diary of A Wimpy Kids series by Jeff Kinney Originally a web series that was brought to life by popular demand, Diary of a Wimpy Kid is a fictional middle schooler's musings of his daily adventures. Just like a kid's diary, the series' books are filled with hand-written notes and simple drawings to go along with the text. Ages 8-12. Get it now.
39. Holes by Louis Sachar Wrong place, wrong time, but nevertheless extremely lucky—Stanley Yelnats IV's time in Camp Green Lake will have you0 campers swallowing the book whole. Ages 8-12. Buy it now.
40. The Quiet Book by Deborah Underwood This is a lovely ode to the quiet things in life: “coloring in the lines quiet,” “right before you yell, ‘SURPRISE!’ quiet,” “bedtime kiss quiet.” The tone and gentle illustrations (featuring porcupines and teddy bears and other humorous animals) make it just right for settling down before sleep. Ages 3-8. Buy it here.
41.The Sisters Grimm Series by Michael Buckley After their parents disappeared, sisters Sabrina and Daphne Grimm were passed from one foster home to the next. Until a grandmother they thought died long ago comes to claim them, and the story she tells them changes their lives forever! Living among the Everafters (we have a feeling you’ll recognize them all), they solve a different fairy tale mystery in every book. Ages 8-12. Shop them here.
42. El Deafoby Cece Bell Introduce your kids to a new kind of superhero with Cece Bell’s autobiographical graphic novel, El Deafo. Losing her hearing at age four, and getting a Phonic Ear to help her hear separated Cece from her classmates, family and friends. But once she figures out she gained some “super” abilities too, she finds her place in the world. Ages 8-12. Get it now.
43. Schomburg: The Man Who Built A Library by Carole Boston Weatherford Afro-Puerto Rican immigrant and hero Arturo Schomburg was a law clerk with a passion: he collected books, letters, art and music from Africa and the African diaspora. Find out how he turned his passion into the curated “Negro Division” collection at the New York Public Library in 1905 when you read this picture book replete with little-known history. Ages 9-12. Get yours here.
44. Last Stop on Market Streetby Matt de la Peña It all starts with a question—“Nana, how come we don’t got a car?”—and the story of young C.J. and the wisdom his grandma imparts is off and running, just like the bus they ride down Market Street after church on Sundays. This simple story about the perspective only grandparents can give their grandkids won the Caldecott Honor award in 2016. Ages 3-5. Buy it now.
45. No, David! by David Shannon The story behind this story is almost as cute as the book itself. When he was five, author David Shannon wrote a book about how he broke all of his mother’s house rules. This is the re-telling of that story. It’s a simple one where David keeps getting into trouble, as curious kids are want to do, and his mother keeps reminding him, “No, David!” Ages 4-8. Get it here.
46. Black Boy Joy: 17 Stories Celebrating Black Boyhood From seventeen acclaimed Black male and non-binary authors, and edited by bestselling author Kwame Mbalia, comes a vibrant collection of stories, comics, and poems about the power of joy and the wonders of Black boyhood. Get it here.
47. Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak With only 338 words and beautiful illustrations, Sendak's chronicle of Max and the Wild Things will stick with your lil' king long after they've grown out of their tantrums. Reign over curious monsters, and find comfort in a bowl of soup with this classic story. Ages 4-8. Buy it now. .
49. The Fun Jungle series by Stuart Gibbs For any kid who wished they lived at Disney World, this story’s for you! Teddy Fitzroy’s parents work with exotic animals at the world-renown theme park—Fun Jungle—one as a photographer, the other a biologist, which puts Teddy and his mystery-solving sidekick Summer at the center of things when animals go missing. Currently, there are four books in this entertaining series by Stuart Gibbs. Ages 8-12. Get them here.
50. The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis Despite not having a single clue what Turkish Delights were, our mouths were watering for some right at the beginning of C.S. Lewis' most famous work. Pick The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe (or start from the beginning of The Chronicles of Narnia with The Magician's Nephew) for a truly epic tale of good versus evil. There's magic, talking animals, complex characters and a huge battle at the end. Ages 8 & up. Buy it now.
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51. There’s a Wocket in My Pocket by Dr. Seuss Sometimes we all feel quite certain there’s a jertain in the curtain ... this classic, wonderful, whimsical book of rhyme encourages young readers to get creative and silly with language. Ages 2-3. Get it here.
52. Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan In a story about overcoming the obstacles life throws at you, this book by Pam Munoz Ryan stands out. Forced by circumstances, Esperanza and her Mama trade a pampered life in Mexico for the life of Mexican farmworkers in California during the Great Depression. As uplifting as it’s the title, this is a must-read for older kids. Ages 8-12. Buy it now.
53. Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Skyby Kwame Mbalia The first book in a trilogy, this book punched a hole in the amazing-novels-for-middle-graders scene. During a month at his grandparent's house which he thinks is going to be boring, Tristan Strong, ends up on an unexpected adventure encountering figures from both West African gods along with African American folk heroes. Not the summer he was expecting. Ages 9-12. Get it here.
54. Stone Soup This folktale hails from many countries, but the core message of cooperation and kindness remain the same. Read this story while boiling away, it really does make a clever recipe. There are dozens of variations available. Ages 4-8. Get it now.
56. My Heart Fills with Happinessby Monique Gray Smith What makes your little one happy? Reflect on the joy of simple things, like holding hands, drumming and the smell of warm bannock baking in the oven (psst … it’s a type of fry bread) as you turn the pages of this brightly illustrated board book. A gorgeous vehicle for an oft-needed reminder! Ages 2-4. Buy it here.
57. The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats Explore a tranquil winter wonderland with Peter, an African-American boy who dons a rather iconic red suit. Keats' illustrations have a humble and peaceful aura that makes us eager for winter. Ages 3-5. Buy it today.
58. Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans This seven-year-old French girl will have your maestros claiming how much they love their bread, butter and most of all, each other. Madeline's chic outfits and polite behavior will have you saying, "Oui," whenever this story is pulled from the shelves. Age 3-8. Get it now.
59. Forest Worldby Margarita Engle This newly released novel follows Edver as he travels from America to Cuba to visit family he barely knows, including an older sister Luza. The two work together trying to get their mother to visit, and get mixed up in some serious business while they’re at it. A blending of culture, technology and time, this book is an engaging read for older kids. Ages 10 & up. Buy it here.
60. A Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L'Engle Travel between universes and go on an adventure that digs into the meaning of family bonding and friendship. Note to sensitive bookworms: The plot can get dark and teems with unsavory characters. Ages 10 & up. Get it here.
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61. Make Way for Ducklingsby Robert McCloskey There's a statue in Boston Public Garden of McCloskey's mother duck and her eight ducklings. Your fluffy waddler is going to want to visit the Boston park after seeing all the popular spots on paper. Ages 6-8. Get it here.
62. Corduroy by Don Freeman Everyone loves teddy bears, and there's no furry friend more lovable than Corduroy. This small teddy bear in overalls, waiting to become someone's best friend, is a classic story for all generations. Ages 3 & up. Buy it now.
63. The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman This award-winner is a fanciful tale about a boy named Bod, who was raised in a graveyard by the ghoulies and ghosts who live there. Caught between two worlds, the living and the dead, he’s got challenges to face. Will he be up to the task? Ages 10 & up. Get it here.
64. The True Story of the Three Little Pigs by John Scieszka For those who know that the truth is out there, you’ve gotta get your hands on The True Story of the Three Little Pigs. Told by the Big Bad Wolf (from the comfort of his jail cell many years after the incident) he proclaims his innocence and insists it was all a misunderstanding. Ages 5-8. Buy it here.
65. Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss Written using only a variety of 50 words, Green Eggs and Ham is a great pre-reading book that even we enjoy perusing through again and again. The pickiest toddlers might even learn a thing or two about trying anything once. Ages 3-7. Get it here.
66. The Library Lion by Michelle Knudsen and Kevin Hawkes A lion in the library should cause chaos, but not in this case! This charming story teaches kids to follow the rules but also helps to develop their own judgment on when it's okay to break them. Ages 4-8. Buy it now.
67. Little Kunoichi, The Ninja Girl by Sanae Ishida She trains in a secret ninja school on a secret island. But, truth be told, Little Kunoichi has lots to learn about being a skilled ninja. She trains shugyo style, with determined enlightenment, alongside her friend Chibi Samurai, in preparation for the schools’ Island Festival. Ages 3-7. Get it today.
68. Charlotte's Webby E. B. White and Garth Williams Many of us can credit Charlotte's Web for teaching us the words "humble," "radiant" and "salutations." Remember to prepare tissues for this story of love, friendship and community. Ages 8-11. Buy it now.
69. Lucky Broken Girl by Ruth Behar A compelling coming-of-age story, Lucky Broken Girl remembers the author’s early years, her immigration to New York from Cuba and the devastating car crash that left her confined to bed in a body cast. A powerful read about the strength of the human spirit. Ages 10-12. Get it here.
70. The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds For anyone who’s ever felt they weren’t creative enough, this uplifting story was written for you. Vashti, a young artist, turns a simple dot she drew out of frustration into a prolific installation all her own. Ages 4 & up. Get it here.
71. The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf All timid bull Ferdinand wants to do is sit under his cork tree in the shade and smell the flowers. But a case of mistaken ability leads Ferdinand to the bullfights in Madrid, where he comes face to face with the Banderilleros, Picadores and the brave Matador who, try as they might, just can’t get him to fight. Ages 3-5. Get it here.
72. Who's Driving? by Leo Timmers Figure out who is driving what vehicle! Is it the rabbit, the snake, the pig or any of the other adorable animals that trot through the pages? Timmers' book is a guessing game and story all in one. Ages 2-5. Buy it here.
73. Olivia the Pig series by Ian Falconer Featured on stamps, TV shows and even on an iPad app, Olivia the Pig is one of the most beloved characters of children's stories. Olivia's love for life will rub off on even the quietest of kids. Ages 3-5. Check them out here.
74. I Stink by Kate & Jim McMullan It’s hard to pick just one of these books, told from the POV of the machine and detailing a night on the job. In I Stink we find a belching dual-op garbage truck. We’re also fans of I’m Dirty (backhoe), I’m Cool (a Zamboni) and I’m Brave (fire truck). Get them all! We won’t stop you. 4 & up. Buy it here.
75. I Dissent, Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark by Debbie Levy A non-fiction picture book that walks kids through the life and accomplishments of the Notorious RBG, readers will learn tons about this famous sitting Supreme Court Justice. From her early life New York to her days in law school where she was one of nine women in a program of over 500 men, to the fact that according to her family, she can’t cook a pot roast to save her life, little tidbits of inspiration are scattered throughout this easy-to-read bio. Ages 4-8. Get your copy today.
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76. Love the Worldby Todd Parr The latest bright and boldly illustrated book by Todd Parr, Love the World sends a message of positivity to young readers everywhere. With Parr’s trademark simplicity, the author invites everyone to love—the world, your face, your space, your walk … and the list goes on. Ages 3-6. Buy it now.
77. Click, Clack, Moo, Cows that Type by Doreen Cronin A book that answers the question, what would happen if farm animals could communicate, this fun romp details a long-coming standoff between Farmer Brown and his cows. Their demand? Blankets to keep them warm in the barn at night. The hilarious back-and-forth negotiations will leave you and your kids LOL-ing during story time. Ages 5-7. Get yours today.
78. Frog and Toad collection by Arnold Lobel Sledding in winter to eating ice cream on hot summer days, Frog and Toad are best friends who go on leisurely adventures. These five poignant short stories are an ideal start for new readers. Ages 4-8. Buy it now.
79. Old Turtle by Douglas Wood If illustrations are your kid’s jam, put this picture book on your bookshelf. In it, Old Turtle explains the nature of creation and God through a series of wise and spiritually focused answers. Simply beautiful storytelling. Ages 4-8. Get yours today.
80. I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen Have you seen my hat? Gentle bear is on the lookout for his missing red cap, and guess where he finds it? This is one of those books that doesn’t require words on every page to tell the story and will leave your kiddos guessing and giggling. As fun to read for grown-ups as for littles. Don’t miss: This Is Not My Hat and We Found a Hat. Ages 4-8. Buy it now.
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81. The Mercy Watson series by Kate DiCamillo Mr. & Mrs. Watson don’t have any children, but they do have Mercy, the porcine wonder, and she keeps them just as busy. You can always count on wild romps in these early chapter books by Kate DiCamillo, like Mercy’s hankering for buttered toast that requires a fire department response, or her search for buttered popcorn that leaves an outdoor movie theater in shambles. Ages 6-9. Get yours today.
82. The Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan With the release of The Lightning Thief, author Rick Riordan proved what English majors have known for generations—myths are some of the coolest stories around! Follow the adventures of ADHD high schooler Percy Jackson as he diligently works to figure out who stole Zeus’ lightning bolt (in the first book), and then keeps Kronos from taking over the world (throughout the rest of the series). Ages 10-14. Buy it now.
83.Press Here by Herve Tullet A totally interactive book that asks readers to press dots, move the book around and all manner of things making each page a surprise. Watch as each page brings multiplying dots and more. It’s funny and clever. They’ll read it on repeat. Ages 2-6. Get it today.
84. My Father’s Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett This classic and Newbery honor book was first published in 1940, starring Elmer Elevator. Elmer packs his bag (with two dozen pink lollipops, rubber bands, chewing gum, and a fine-toothed comb) and heads out on a rescue mission to save a flying baby dragon. Ages 4-8. Buy it now.
85. Clementine by Sara Pennypacker Clever, creative and not-so-common third-grader Clementine lives in an apartment building in the city with her artistic parents: she’s like a modern-day Ramona Quimby who tackles all the big issues: being sent to the principal’s office, getting a new sibling, having a best friend who is opposite of her, and more. There are more books in the series too! Ages 7-10. Get it now.
86. The Mysterious Benedict Society books by Trenton Lee Stewart This excellent collection features genius orphans battling an evil villain. Older kids will love trying to solve brainteasers and mysteries. Ages 10 & up. Get it here.
87. Rainbow Fishby Marcus Pfister Sometimes being special makes you feel like an outsider. But when the Rainbow Fish learns to share his gift with others, he makes friends easily. This classic from your childhood is another good one to share with your little bookworm. Ages 4-8. Get it now.
88. Goodnight Ganeshaby Nadia Saloman Told with stunning illustrations by Pooam Mistry, Nadia Saloman's bedtime story explores the rich beauty of an Indian night. Children will follow along with the rhyming prose as grandparents and grandchildren get ready for bed. Ages 3-7. Get it here.
89. The Spooky Old Treeby Stan & Jan Berenstain Simple rhymes and repetition make this Berenstain Bears book a good one for beginning readers. The illustrations make the larger-than-life spooky old tree come alive, as the three bears make their way across alligator-infested waters, through a creepy hall and over a great sleeping bear, before finally landing safely back at home with Mama Bear. Ages 2-5. Buy it now.
90. Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis This Newberry Award winner is set in Flint, Michigan in 1936, and centers around the story of Bud Caldwell, a 10-year-old orphan. After escaping an untenable foster situation, Bud and his friend Bugs head West in search of his father, Herman E. Calloway, a musician. What Bud learns and who he finds, in the end, will keep you turning the pages of this novel. Ages 8-12. Buy it here.
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91. Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty This best-selling book about a little girl with big dreams has equally fun spin-offs (Iggy Peck, Architect and Ada Twist, Scientist). The illustrations support the theme with a blocky font and grid background, and the bouncy rhyme begs to be read aloud. The awesome hook here is that Rosie is the great-niece of the famous Rosie the Riveter and is determined to follow in her aunt's groundbreaking footsteps. Ages 4-8. Buy it here.
92. The Ramona Quimby books by Beverly Cleary Short of simply writing “anything ever written by Beverly Cleary” we’re going to be choosy by adding her star novels featuring Ramona Quimby. Spend a few years hanging out with Ramona, Beezus, Howie and the other regulars on Klickitat Street. Ages 8-12.Shop them here.
93. Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin One of several books by the dynamic duo of author Adam Rubin and illustrator Daniel Salmieri, you’ll find yourself suggesting this one for story time again and again. Dragons love tacos but they can’t eat spicy food. When your house burns down, lesson learned. Right? We also love Secret Pizza Party and Robo-Sauce by this duo. Ages 3-7. Get your copy today.
94. The Quickest Kid in Clarksville by Pat Zietlow Miller Alta is the quickest kid in Clarksville, Tennessee, just like her idol, Wilma Rudolph, who went on to win three medals in the 1960 Olympics. Even though Alta has holes in her shoes and faces her toughest competition yet (a new girl with new shoes), she knows she can win, just like Wilma. From foot races to the big parade in Wilma’s honor, Alta shows what it means to be a true champion. Ages 5-8. Get it here.
95. The Lorax by Dr. Seuss It’s hard to not keep putting Dr. Seuss books on this list, but The Lorax holds a special place in the library of children’s books. In true Seussian genius, the greater issue of deforestation and industrialization is told in jolly, lulling rhymes. The best part is the message at the end: kids can help! Ages 6-9. Get it here.
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96. Number the Stars by Lois Lowry An important work of historical fiction, Lois Lowry’s Newberry Award winner offers young readers a glimpse into the Holocaust. Centered around two families living in Copenhagen during WWII, one Jewish, one not, the story chronicles the way a family helped rescue their Danish Jewish neighbors from being sent to a Concentration Camp. Ages 10-12. Get it here.
97. Stellaluna by Janell Cannon When a young fruit bat is separated from her mother, a bird family takes her under their wings to raise her. It doesn’t take long to see her bat behavior is different from that of the daytime adoptive family. But one night, Stellaluna is reunited with her bat family, but she learns that differences really make us all the same. Ages 4-7. Buy it today.
98. The Book with No Pictures by B.J. Novak Comedian B.J. Novak has written a book that is, not surprisingly, guaranteed to make kids laugh, mainly because it makes parents say ridiculous things. Designed to be read out loud by a grown-up, kids will request you read it again and again, even though it actually has no pictures. Ages 5-8. Get it here.
99. Inside Out & Back Again by Thanhha Lai A Newberry Medal and National Book Award signal the significance of this debut novel by Vietnamese writer Thanhha Lai. Loosely autobiographical, the story follows Ha and her family during the Vietnam War, when they are forced to sail to America (Alabama to be specific) after the Fall of Saigon. The free-verse style will capture your kid’s imagination as much as the compelling story will. Ages 8-12. Get it here.
100. Cuddly Critters for Little Geniusesby James and Susan Patterson. This follow-up to the Patterson's best-selling first book (Big Words for Little Geniuses) takes kids on an animal journey that leaves the cows, chickens and sheep in the barnyard. From swimmers to flyers and beyond, kids will discover the sloth, the wombat, the tarsier and much more. Charming illustrations complete the equation, making this book a must-have bookshelf addition. Ages 3-6.Buy now
101. The Night Diaryby Veera Hiranandani In 1947 India, 12-year-old Nisha is not sure where she belongs as a half-Muslim, half-Hindu in her country. When her father decides to leave Pakistan, Nisha and her family become refugees and embark on a long and challenging journey to find a new home. The hopeful and personal story of this family is told through Nisha's letters to her mother. Ages 8-12. Buy it today.
102. Little Blue Truck by Alice Schertle Who doesn’t love the sing-songy rhymes of this toddler fave about a little blue truck, his animal friends and the need to slow down every once in a while? Blue and the farm animals he meets along the way help a big dump truck get unstuck from the mud with a bit of teamwork and a chorus of moo’s, baas and beep beep beeps. Ages 4-7. Get it now.
103. Goodnight Gorilla by Peggy Rathmann This adorably illustrated wordless picture book about a tired zookeeper and a mischievous gorilla puts kids in the narrator’s seat. They’ll have to pay close attention to the illustrations to get the full, hilarious story here. If books that put your kid to sleep are what you’re looking for, try these. Ages 1-3. Get it here.
104. Rain Reign by Ann M. Martin This touching story of a young girl with Asperger’s and her beloved dog, Rain, is set against the backdrop of a fictional hurricane that floods Rose’s rural town. During the storm, Rose’s dog disappears and her quest to find him brings her closer to friends, classmates and family. Ages 9-12. Buy it today.
105. One Crazy Summerby Rita Williams-Garcia One Crazy Summer is the story of three young sisters who set out from New York to spend a month in California with their poet mother. The year is 1968, and they soon find out the summer they have envisioned is far from the one they experience during their stay. This award-winning book is a fantastic snapshot of a moment in America’s history. Ages 8-12. Get it now.
