Whether you’re reading it covertly under the covers while using a flashlight or your reading it out loud with your kids, children’s books will always have the charm to capture children’s attention and imaginations. This genre introduces different informative, delightful, and magical worlds to children when they open their first book. From Captain Nemo’s scary and mysterious sea monster to Max’s wild rumpus and Winnie’s reflections on true friendship – we are here to list down some of the best-loved children’s books of all time.
Best Children’s Books for ages 1-4
1. The Mitten: Written by Jan Brett
The Mitten tells the story of Nichi’s mitten being lost in the woods. When Nichi found his mitten, he saw a mole crawl into it, then a rabbit and other creatures. Later on, he found a brown bear trying to squeeze into his mittens to seek a warm refuge. This is a lovingly illustrated book that will show you where to seek comfort during a cold winter day.
2. On the Night You Were Born: Written by Nancy Tillman
This book perfectly conveys the message that every child is unique. It has touching rhymes along with splendid illustrations that will spark your children’s imagination. On the Night You Were Born is a story that deserves to be read aloud because it teaches the kids how to appreciate and love themselves.
3. Snuggle Puppy: Written by Sandra Boynton
This book is written by a famous American cartoonist, Sandra Boynton. She put together her uncanny sense of fun together with her whimsical illustrations into a book she called Snuggle Puppy. This story is about how the mother dog is telling her puppies how much she loves them. This book is a joyful and heartwarming love letter from a parent to a child, and this definitely deserves to be read aloud.
4. The Napping House: Written by Audrey and Don Wood
This book is filled with rhyming narrative and dusky illustrations that tell the slumber story of a family up until the sun comes up and becomes more wakeful.
5. Dear Zoo: Written by Rod Campbell
This is a lift-the-flap book that tells the story of the narrator trying to find the perfect pet. However, the zoo keeps pointing him to the wrong kinds of animals, from the too-scary snake to gigantic elephants.
6. Say Hello!: Written By Rachel Isadora
This book will teach your kids the different ways to say hello, from hello, konnichi wa, hola, to woof and meow. Aside from that, it will also teach other various introductory statements and the diversity of languages of the world.
7. The Tiger Who Came to Tea: Written by Judith Kerr
This book tells the story of a young girl and her mother who received an unexpected house guest who happens to be a tiger. The mother and daughter invited the tiger in for tea, and the story goes as the tiger moves through their kitchen and gobbles up all their foods in the cupboard.
8. The Duck in the Truck: Written by Jez Alborough
This book is filled with lyrical rhymes that tell the story of a duck who got his truck stuck in the muck. Your children will enjoy this book and appreciate how the power of teamwork solves a problem.
9. Families, Families, Families: Written by Suzanne Lang and Max Lang
This book will teach your kids all about the possible combinations of dads, moms, kids, uncles, aunts, cousins, and grandparents – and they are all portrayed by cute portraits of cartoon animals. This book will open your child’s mind to the fact that there’s no wrong way to make a family. Trust us, and if you want to teach your kids all about diversity, then this book is the perfect one.
10. The Velveteen Rabbit: Written by Margery Williams and Florence Grahams
This book tells the story of a once well-loved toy rabbit who is now a worn-out and discarded item. One day, a magical fairy came to him and took him to Rabbitland. This book has a Pinocchio-like twist as the velveteen rabbit eventually becomes a real rabbit when he received a child’s love.