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Children’s literature has captivated me since… well, childhood. And I am here to say that even as a grownup, these treasures formed out of paper and ink still have me in a chokehold. Long before I had my children, I was sifting through and enjoying children’s books. (Did you know, for instance, that I started the Harry Potter series at 26?!)
I’ve made it a personal goal of mine to get my hands on as many children’s books as possible to discover which ones are gold, like some children’s lit detective on a very fun mission. I had many years to do this as an elementary teacher. And now, as a mom, I’ve refined my bookfinding skills even further to bring the best of the best to my babies.
Criterion for Finding Great Children’s Books
Before we dive in, you may be wondering what kind of criteria I use to judge children’s books. I am always looking at several factors in a book.
First is content. Obviously, if I don’t agree with the content or the lessons it teaches children, it won’t make it to our book pile. For example, “Strawberry Girl” by Lois Lenski, published in 1945, is a nice classic I read as an adult that really gave me a historical peek into life in the frontier days of Florida. I’d be hesitant to let a child read it, however, because one scene involves a random village man going on a rampage and beating the school children. Not ideal. I suppose the kids can handle that part of the story when they’re older, but am I handing this historical tome to my 8-year-old? Nah.
My second filter is quality and educational value. Not every book has to be educational. I repeat: Not every book HAS to be educational. But, hear me out: We are living in the Wild West of publishing. It is so easy for anyone to publish something. And now we have the addition of content produced by AI. Because of this, I am always on my guard for quality in children’s books. If a book is trying to rhyme, for instance, it needs to do so well, with proper meter. I have little tolerance for books that are attempting to rhyme but don’t actually do so effectively. Word choice matters, too. I am partial to expanding my little ones’ vocabulary through wonderfully written books. This is actually the best way to learn new words, by reading them. Let the word choice be robust! So while one or two-word books might provide some entertainment value, no, they’re not going to make the cut for the best of the best (!)
A third factor I consider is the beauty and enjoyment the book brings. Does the book have gorgeous, hand-drawn illustrations? Sign me up. Does the book have us in stitches on the living room sofa? It’s earned a place at the top. These are the kids’ and my instinctive favorites. Beauty and entertainment value are also valid filters, but I apply these in conjunction with the rest of the criteria.
(A word about age ranges: The age ranges listed by each title are completely my own, based on 10+ years in the classroom and with my own kids in mind. Use it to guide you, or not. There are many established reading level programs you can refer to as well.)
So, without further ado, let me introduce you to my bookshelf.
My List of the Best Children’s Books as a Mom and Teacher
Read aloud ages 0-99
Independent reading ages 6-12
One time I was substitute teaching a second-grade class, and I really wanted to emphasize the point of including first and last names in the students’ essay questions. When the students respond to the question about Benjamin Franklin, for example, they should write Benjamin Franklin, instead of just Benjamin, or– I pointed out– “Who’s to know if you mean Benjamin Franklin? It could any Benjamin, like Benjamin Bunny!”
I was met with blank stares.
“You know, Benjamin Bunny, Peter Rabbit’s cousin?”
More blank stares.
This all can be avoided with a generous diet of Beatrix Potter books. Not only are they classic tales that have held the interest and delight of children for more than a century, but they also include a bountiful harvest of a vocabulary, commonsense life lessons, and beautiful illustrations.
From Jamima Puddleduck to Squirrel Nutkin, there are wonderful adventures to behold and detailed hand-drawn pictures of very cute animals dressed smartly in Victorian attire. It’s a Cottagecore 101 win, to boot. Get the books, a whole set of them, if you want! (I do prefer the version of “The Tale of Peter Rabbit” that does not mention his father getting baked into a pie. I’m a full-grown adult, and that little snippet is disturbing to me.) Either way, these classics are worth getting for your children’s library, and can be enjoyed again and again!
The “Paddington” series by Michael Bond
Read aloud ages 0-99. Picture book readaloud age: toddler. Chaper book readaloud age: 6+
Independent reading ages 7-12
There’s something about the foibles of this bear that captivates the young readers. Children live for the hilarious hijinks Paddington gets into! Pictured above is a picture book version, which I recommend, as well as any of the classic chapter books you can get your hands on. Come across an entire Paddington set? Even better. Seriously. I read “A Bear Called Paddington” each year teaching my first graders, and they loved it! Note: This book is full of British terms, and even more foreign to little American readers, mid-century British terms. Some may need to be explained (or even looked up by the reading grownup!). Have a dictionary or search engine handy for understanding what Michael Bond was writing. This vastly improves the Paddington experience.
Read aloud ages 0-99. Ideal readaloud age: 10
Independent reading ages 10+
I actually read this for the first time after having my first child. This book may be a serious contender in keeping the postpartum depression at bay. It is a nature-loving, joy-filled, heartwarming classic! I seriously looked forward to opening this book each day and immersing myself in the beauty of the Alps. This is a must-read. Pictured is the Puffin in Bloom version, which has the cutest cover, in my opinion.
“A Little Princess” by Frances Hodgson Burnett
Read aloud ages 0-99. Ideal readaloud age: 10
Independent reading ages 8+
This is another Puffin in Bloom classic I got to match “Heidi.” I wanted to read this book ever since laying eyes on the gorgeous and moving 1995 film adaptation. It really is such a powerful story! This classic details the harsh contrast between the upper class and the lowest classes in the Victorian era, as main character Sarah is thrust from her posh position to a humble servant in one tragic event. Everyone should read this captivating tale at least once!
“Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott
Read aloud ages 0-99. Ideal readaloud age: 12
Independent reading ages 12+
There are so many pretty covers for this classic, but to keep up with the collection, again I chose to take home the Puffin in Bloom version. This classic novel is hyped up for a reason. It has been made into several movie adaptations for a reason. Little Women is simply wonderful! You could use this as a readaloud younger children, or to read independently starting around age 12.
(Okay, I have loved collecting the Puffin in Bloom set of four classic books beautifully illustrated by Anna Bond. You can also just buy the whole set all together for about ten dollars a book!)
The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street
Read aloud ages 0-99 (but ideal readaloud age would be around 9. There are preteen issues in this book.)
Independent reading ages 9+
This novel series is such a hidden gem. I recently discovered the series in adulthood, and now I get to enjoy them! When my kids are old enough, I can’t wait to share the series with them. If you love warm family tales with a strong/cozy sense of place, a little adventure, and heartfelt lessons, get to know the Vanderbeeker family!
The Vanderbeekers are a large family (5 kids and mom and dad– I consider that large nowadays!) that lives in a beloved New York City apartment. What follows is a story of the hijinks a family of this many children ranging from toddler to preteen can get into, the inevitable squabbles and challenges, as well as a deeper look into what it’s like to live in a city and to cultivate community with neighbors.
I highly recommend starting with the first book or even diving in with the complete Vanderbeekers set. Karina Yan Glaser seems like a gem of an author, and from what I can tell based on her Instagram page, she responds to a lot of her fan mail! Don’t wait too long for these.
That’s my book list as a teacher and mom so far! I will be adding onto it, as there are always new favorite books to discover! If you’re interested in substitute teaching tips, you can read that section of the blog. Or if you want to check out more motherhood tips, DIYs and favorite product lists, head over to my motherhood section.
What books do you think I NEED TO add? Tell me in the comments.
Thanks for stopping by Chocolate for the Teach!
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