Key Highlights
- Discover timeless stories that have shaped children's literature for generations.
- Our list of the best books includes classics like fairy tales and modern favorites.
- Experts from around the world helped select the greatest children's books ever written.
- Explore a diverse children’s book collection, from picture books to chapter novels.
- Many of these beloved books appear on top 100 lists,
- Find out which authors and titles are consistently recommended for young readers.
Introduction
Welcome to a celebration of the stories that have shaped childhoods for decades. The world of children's literature is a magical place, filled with enchanting fairy tales, vibrant picture books, and unforgettable characters. These stories do more than entertain; they teach, inspire, and stay with us long after we've grown up. Are you ready to revisit old friends and discover new treasures? This list brings together the best of the best, offering a journey through the most cherished books of all time.
Reading is so important and reading to and with your child is such a special ritual. I hope you find some new titles to enjoy together.
Think of this list as a living document. Please comment with any suggested titles that may be missing from this list that you think should be included any why. Thanks for reading and your input.
The 101 Best Children’s Books of All Time: Timeless Classics and Modern Favorites
Creating a "top 101" list is a massive undertaking, but it’s a wonderful way to honor the greatest children's books.
This children's book list is a fantastic starting point for building a library and sparking a lifelong love of reading. Below, we highlight some of the most iconic titles that consistently make the cut.
The list includes title, author, and original publication year (date published).
Here is a numbered list of 100 of the best children's books of all time. This draws from highly regarded aggregated sources like the BBC's 100 greatest children's books (2023 poll of experts), Time Magazine's list, Goodreads popularity and "best ever" rankings, New York Public Library's classics, NPR's favorites, and other expert compilations. These are timeless classics and highly acclaimed works spanning picture books to middle-grade novels.
The list includes title, author, and original publication year (date published).
- Where the Wild Things Are - Maurice Sendak (1963)
- Alice's Adventures in Wonderland - Lewis Carroll (1865)
- The Very Hungry Caterpillar - Eric Carle (1969)
- The Cat in the Hat - Dr. Seuss (1957)
- Charlotte's Web - E.B. White (1952)
- Goodnight Moon - Margaret Wise Brown (1947)
- The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe - C.S. Lewis (1950)
- Winnie-the-Pooh - A.A. Milne (1926)
- The Little Prince - Antoine de Saint-Exupéry (1943)
- Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone - J.K. Rowling (1997)
- Green Eggs and Ham - Dr. Seuss (1960)
- The Giving Tree - Shel Silverstein (1964)
- Matilda - Roald Dahl (1988)
- The Hobbit - J.R.R. Tolkien (1937)
- Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - Roald Dahl (1964)
- The Snowy Day - Ezra Jack Keats (1962)
- Madeline - Ludwig Bemelmans (1939)
- The Gruffalo - Julia Donaldson (1999)
- Pippi Longstocking - Astrid Lindgren (1945)
- The Secret Garden - Frances Hodgson Burnett (1911)
- Good Night, Good Night Construction Site - Sherri Duskey Rinker (2011) — wait, better: Anne of Green Gables - L.M. Montgomery (1908)
- The Tale of Peter Rabbit - Beatrix Potter (1902)
- Corduroy - Don Freeman (1968)
- Guess How Much I Love You - Sam McBratney (1994)
- Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? - Bill Martin Jr. (1967)
- Chicka Chicka Boom Boom - Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault (1989)
- If You Give a Mouse a Cookie - Laura Numeroff (1985)
- The Story of Ferdinand - Munro Leaf (1936)
- Make Way for Ducklings - Robert McCloskey (1941)
- Harold and the Purple Crayon - Crockett Johnson (1955)
- The Wind in the Willows - Kenneth Grahame (1908)
- Peter Pan - J.M. Barrie (1911)
- The Jungle Book - Rudyard Kipling (1894)
- Heidi - Johanna Spyri (1881)
- Little Women - Louisa May Alcott (1868)
- The Phantom Tollbooth - Norton Juster (1961)
- A Wrinkle in Time - Madeleine L'Engle (1962)
- The Outsiders - S.E. Hinton (1967)
- Bridge to Terabithia - Katherine Paterson (1977)
- Holes - Louis Sachar (1998)
- The Giver - Lois Lowry (1993)
- Tuck Everlasting - Natalie Babbitt (1975)
- From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler - E.L. Konigsburg (1967)
- James and the Giant Peach - Roald Dahl (1961)
- The BFG - Roald Dahl (1982)
- Coraline - Neil Gaiman (2002)
- The Graveyard Book - Neil Gaiman (2008)
- His Dark Materials (Northern Lights / The Golden Compass) - Philip Pullman (1995)
- The Wonderful Wizard of Oz - L. Frank Baum (1900)
- Mary Poppins - P.L. Travers (1934)
- The Borrowers - Mary Norton (1953)
- Harriet the Spy - Louise Fitzhugh (1964)
- The Westing Game - Ellen Raskin (1978)
- Because of Winn-Dixie - Kate DiCamillo (2000)
- Where the Sidewalk Ends - Shel Silverstein (1974)
- The Lorax - Dr. Seuss (1971)
- Pat the Bunny - Dorothy Kunhardt (1940)
- Blueberries for Sal - Robert McCloskey (1948)
- Curious George - H.A. Rey (1941)
- Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! - Mo Willems (2003)
- The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs - Jon Scieszka (1989)
- Stellaluna - Janell Cannon (1993)
- The Day the Crayons Quit - Drew Daywalt (2013)
- Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day - Judith Viorst (1972)
- Caps for Sale - Esphyr Slobodkina (1938)
- Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel - Virginia Lee Burton (1939)
- The Runaway Bunny - Margaret Wise Brown (1942)
- Little House on the Prairie - Laura Ingalls Wilder (1935)
- The Railway Children - E. Nesbit (1906)
- Black Beauty - Anna Sewell (1877)
- Treasure Island - Robert Louis Stevenson (1883)
- The Adventures of Tom Sawyer - Mark Twain (1876)
- Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm - Kate Douglas Wiggin (1903)
- The Velveteen Rabbit - Margery Williams (1922)
- Mike Teavee (wait, better: Frog and Toad Are Friends - Arnold Lobel (1970)
- Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs - Judi Barrett (1978)
- The Polar Express - Chris Van Allsburg (1985)
- Jumanji - Chris Van Allsburg (1981)
- The Invention of Hugo Cabret - Brian Selznick (2007)
- Persepolis - Marjane Satrapi (2000) — youth edition aspects
- Esperanza Rising - Pam Muñoz Ryan (2000)
- Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry - Mildred D. Taylor (1976)
- Number the Stars - Lois Lowry (1989)
- Hatchet - Gary Paulsen (1987)
- The Indian in the Cupboard - Lynne Reid Banks (1980)
- Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH - Robert C. O'Brien (1971)
- Island of the Blue Dolphins - Scott O'Dell (1960)
- The Witch of Blackbird Pond - Elizabeth George Speare (1958)
- Johnny Tremain - Esther Forbes (1943)
- Caddie Woodlawn - Carol Ryrie Brink (1935)
- The Call of the Wild - Jack London (1903)
- The Twenty-One Balloons - William Pène Du Bois (1947)
- Ginger Pye - Eleanor Estes (1951)
- Thimble Summer - Elizabeth Enright (1938)
- On the Banks of Plum Creek - Laura Ingalls Wilder (1937)
- D'Aulaires' Book of Greek Myths - Ingri and Edgar Parin d'Aulaire (1962)
- The People Could Fly - Virginia Hamilton (1985)
- Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters - John Steptoe (1987)
- The Arrival - Shaun Tan (2006)
- Julián Is a Mermaid - Jessica Love (2018)
- Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery (1908)
Additional details on books below.
THIS IS A WORK IN PROGRESS : )
Where the Wild Things Are - Maurice Sendak (1963)
- Title: Where the Wild Things Are
- Author: Maurice Sendak
- Date Published: 1963
- Book Cover Photo: Features the main character, Max, in his wolf suit, standing on an island with one of the large, friendly "Wild Things."
Maurice Sendak’s masterpiece, Where the Wild Things Are, is a quintessential children's book that celebrates the power of imagination. The story follows a mischievous boy named Max who, after being sent to his room without supper, sails away to an island inhabited by the "Wild Things." Instead of being scared, Max tames the creatures and becomes their king.
This classic picture book is celebrated for its honest portrayal of childhood anger and its resolution. Sendak’s illustrations are as iconic as the story itself, bringing the wild rumpus to life with vivid and expressive detail. It’s a story that acknowledges a child’s complex emotions and the comforting return to safety and love.
Ultimately, Max sails back home to find his supper waiting for him, "and it was still hot." This simple, loving gesture concludes a perfect adventure, securing the book’s status as one of the top classic children's books everyone should read.
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland - Lewis Carroll (1865)
The Very Hungry Caterpillar - Eric Carle (1969)
- Title: The Very Hungry Caterpillar
- Author: Eric Carle
- Date Published: 1969
- Book Cover Photo: Features the bright green caterpillar with its red head, set against a simple white background.
Eric Carle’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar is a masterpiece of children's literature, beloved for its colorful collage artwork and interactive design. The story follows a newly hatched caterpillar who eats his way through an increasing number of foods each day of the week, from one apple on Monday to a whole feast on Saturday.
This iconic picture book does more than just tell a charming story. It cleverly teaches young children about the days of the week, counting, different foods, and the life cycle of a butterfly. The die-cut holes in the pages, showing the caterpillar’s path through the food, make it an engaging, hands-on reading experience for little ones.
For kids under 10, this is an absolute must-read. The caterpillar's eventual transformation into a beautiful butterfly provides a hopeful and satisfying conclusion. The Very Hungry Caterpillar is a joyful celebration of growth and change that continues to delight its audience.
The Cat in the Hat - Dr. Seuss (1957)
- Title: The Cat in the Hat
- Author: Dr. Seuss (Theodor Geisel)
- Date Published: 1957
- Book Cover Photo: Shows the tall, mischievous Cat, wearing his signature red-and-white striped hat and a red bow tie, balancing on a ball.
Dr. Seuss created a revolution in children's reading with The Cat in the Hat. The story begins with two bored children, Sally and her brother, stuck indoors on a rainy day. Their dull afternoon is suddenly interrupted by the arrival of a tall, anarchic cat in a red-and-white-striped hat who promises to show them "a thing or two."
What follows is delightful chaos, as the Cat, along with Thing One and Thing Two, turns the house upside down with his wild games. Written with a vocabulary of just 236 different words, this children's book was designed to make learning to read fun and engaging, and it succeeded brilliantly. It remains one of the best books for early readers.
Appearing on many recommendation lists, including the BBC’s 100 greatest, The Cat in the Hat is a testament to the joy of playful rebellion and the eventual need to restore order. It’s a rhyming, rhythmic adventure that continues to charm children and parents alike.
Charlotte's Web - E.B. White (1952)
- Title: Charlotte’s Web
- Author: E.B. White
- Date Published: 1952
- Book Cover Photo: The iconic cover often features a spiderweb with the words "Some Pig" woven into it, with Wilbur the pig and Charlotte the spider nearby.
This enduring classic of children's literature tells the heartwarming story of an unlikely friendship. When a young pig named Wilbur learns he is destined for the dinner table, a clever and kind spider named Charlotte hatches a plan to save him. She begins weaving words into her web, describing Wilbur as "Some Pig," "Terrific," and "Humble," turning him into a local celebrity.
Written by E.B. White, Charlotte's Web is a poignant exploration of friendship, loss, and the cycle of life. It’s a beautifully written story that has touched the hearts of readers for generations, making it one of the best books for children and a title that regularly appears on top 100 lists.
The tale’s gentle handling of profound themes ensures its place as a timeless classic. It reminds you of the power of words and the importance of true friendship, making it a must-read for every childhood.
Goodnight Moon - Margaret Wise Brown (1947)
- Title: Goodnight Moon
- Author: Margaret Wise Brown
- Date Published: 1947
- Book Cover Photo: A simple, calming image of the "great green room," featuring a fireplace, a red balloon, and a window looking out at the moon.
Goodnight Moon is the quintessential bedtime story, a soothing and poetic ritual that has lulled millions of children to sleep. Written by Margaret Wise Brown with illustrations by Clement Hurd, this classic picture book follows a young bunny as he says goodnight to everything in his "great green room."
The book's simple, repetitive text creates a calming rhythm. The bunny bids farewell to the picture of the cow jumping over the moon, the three little bears sitting on chairs, the kittens, the mittens, and finally, to the moon itself. The illustrations cleverly transition from bright and vibrant colors to darker, sleepier tones as the story progresses.
As one of the most commonly recommended titles on top 100 lists, Goodnight Moon is celebrated for its ability to provide comfort and security. It’s one of the best books for establishing a peaceful bedtime routine, making it a timeless favorite in nurseries everywhere.
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe - C.S. Lewis (1950)
Winnie-the-Pooh - A.A. Milne (1926)
The Little Prince - Antoine de Saint-Exupéry (1943)
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling (1997)
- Title: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
- Author: J.K. Rowling
- Date Published: 1997
- Book Cover Photo: The original American cover depicts Harry Potter flying on a broomstick, reaching for the Golden Snitch in a Quidditch match, with Hogwarts castle in the background.
J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone launched a global phenomenon and redefined modern children’s literature. The book introduces you to Harry Potter, an orphaned boy who discovers on his eleventh birthday that he is a wizard. He is whisked away from his miserable life with his aunt and uncle to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
This first installment in the beloved Harry Potter series is a magical adventure filled with friendship, courage, and the classic battle between good and evil. Alongside his new friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, Harry navigates a world of spells, potions, and enchanted objects while uncovering the truth about his parents' deaths and his own destiny.
The Potter series is a prime example of a famous children's book series that captivates readers of all ages, earning its spot among the best books of all time. Its incredible world-building and compelling characters have made it a cornerstone of contemporary fiction.
Green Eggs and Ham - Dr. Seuss (1960)
The Giving Tree - Shel Silverstein (1964)
Matilda - Roald Dahl (1988)
- Title: Matilda
- Author: Roald Dahl
- Date Published: 1988
- Book Cover Photo: Quentin Blake's classic illustration shows the small but determined Matilda standing with a pile of books, often looking defiant.
Roald Dahl's Matilda is a triumphant story about a brilliant and gifted girl who is misunderstood by her neglectful family. Matilda Wormwood is a child prodigy who teaches herself to read by the age of three. Finding escape in the world of books, she endures her TV-obsessed parents and the tyrannical headmistress of her school, Miss Trunchbull.
This modern classic is a powerful ode to the love of reading and the strength of a sharp mind. Matilda discovers she has telekinetic powers, which she uses to stand up to the bullies in her life, including the formidable Miss Trunchbull. Her only ally is her kind teacher, Miss Honey, who recognizes Matilda's genius.
Matilda is celebrated as one of the best books of its era, a perfect blend of Dahl's signature dark humor and heartwarming storytelling. The book champions intelligence, kindness, and the courage to fight for what is right, making it one of the most inspiring modern children's books.
The Hobbit - J.R.R. Tolkien (1937)
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - Roald Dahl (1964)
The Snowy Day - Ezra Jack Keats (1962)
- Title: The Snowy Day
- Author: Ezra Jack Keats
- Date Published: 1962
- Book Cover Photo: Shows a small boy named Peter in a bright red snowsuit, making footprints in the deep, white snow.
Ezra Jack Keats' The Snowy Day is a groundbreaking classic in children’s literature, celebrated for its simple beauty and for being one of the first mainstream picture books to feature an African American child as its protagonist. The story follows a young boy named Peter as he explores his neighborhood after the first snowfall of winter.
The book perfectly captures the quiet wonder and joy of a snow day from a child’s perspective. Peter makes footprints, creates snow angels, builds a snowman, and tries to save a snowball for later by putting it in his pocket. The narrative is gentle and relatable, focusing on the simple pleasures of discovery and play.
A must-read for kids under 10, The Snowy Day uses a beautiful collage style that makes the urban landscape feel magical. Its universal theme of childhood joy and its quiet, profound impact on representation make it one of the most important picture books of the 20th century.
Madeline - Ludwig Bemelmans (1939)
The Gruffalo - Julia Donaldson (1999)
Pippi Longstocking - Astrid Lindgren (1945)
The Secret Garden - Frances Hodgson Burnett (1911)
Good Night, Good Night Construction Site - Sherri Duskey Rinker (2011) — wait, better: Anne of Green Gables - L.M. Montgomery (1908)
The Tale of Peter Rabbit - Beatrix Potter (1902)
- Title: The Tale of Peter Rabbit
- Author: Beatrix Potter
- Date Published: 1902
- Book Cover Photo: A classic illustration by Beatrix Potter shows Peter Rabbit in his little blue jacket, hopping away.
The Tale of Peter Rabbit is one of the most famous and enduring classic children's books ever published. Written and illustrated by Beatrix Potter, this charming story follows the mischievous young Peter Rabbit as he disobeys his mother and ventures into Mr. McGregor's vegetable garden.
While his well-behaved siblings Flopsy, Mopsy, and Cotton-tail stay close to home, Peter indulges in lettuces and radishes until he is spotted by the fearsome Mr. McGregor. A frantic chase ensues, with Peter losing his little blue jacket and shoes as he desperately tries to escape. The story is a gentle cautionary tale about the consequences of disobedience.
Potter's delicate watercolor illustrations are as famous as the story itself, capturing the beauty of the English countryside and the expressive personalities of her animal characters. As one of the top classic children's books, its simple narrative and timeless appeal make it a perfect first story for young children.
Corduroy - Don Freeman (1968)
Guess How Much I Love You - Sam McBratney (1994)
Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? - Bill Martin Jr. (1967)
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom - Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault (1989)
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie - Laura Numeroff (1985)
The Story of Ferdinand - Munro Leaf (1936)
Make Way for Ducklings - Robert McCloskey (1941)
Harold and the Purple Crayon - Crockett Johnson (1955)
The Wind in the Willows - Kenneth Grahame (1908)
Peter Pan - J.M. Barrie (1911)
The Jungle Book - Rudyard Kipling (1894)
Heidi - Johanna Spyri (1881)
Little Women - Louisa May Alcott (1868)
The Phantom Tollbooth - Norton Juster (1961)
A Wrinkle in Time - Madeleine L'Engle (1962)
The Outsiders - S.E. Hinton (1967)
Bridge to Terabithia - Katherine Paterson (1977)
Holes - Louis Sachar (1998)
The Giver - Lois Lowry (1993)
Tuck Everlasting - Natalie Babbitt (1975)
From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler - E.L. Konigsburg (1967)
James and the Giant Peach - Roald Dahl (1961)
The BFG - Roald Dahl (1982)
Coraline - Neil Gaiman (2002)
The Graveyard Book - Neil Gaiman (2008)
His Dark Materials (Northern Lights / The Golden Compass) - Philip Pullman (1995)
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz - L. Frank Baum (1900)
Mary Poppins - P.L. Travers (1934)
The Borrowers - Mary Norton (1953)
Harriet the Spy - Louise Fitzhugh (1964)
The Westing Game - Ellen Raskin (1978)
Because of Winn-Dixie - Kate DiCamillo (2000)
Where the Sidewalk Ends - Shel Silverstein (1974)
The Lorax - Dr. Seuss (1971)
Pat the Bunny - Dorothy Kunhardt (1940)
Blueberries for Sal - Robert McCloskey (1948)
Curious George - H.A. Rey (1941)
Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! - Mo Willems (2003)
The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs - Jon Scieszka (1989)
Stellaluna - Janell Cannon (1993)
The Day the Crayons Quit - Drew Daywalt (2013)
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day - Judith Viorst (1972)
Caps for Sale - Esphyr Slobodkina (1938)
Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel - Virginia Lee Burton (1939)
The Runaway Bunny - Margaret Wise Brown (1942)
Little House on the Prairie - Laura Ingalls Wilder (1935)
The Railway Children - E. Nesbit (1906)
Black Beauty - Anna Sewell (1877)
Treasure Island - Robert Louis Stevenson (1883)
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer - Mark Twain (1876)
Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm - Kate Douglas Wiggin (1903)
The Velveteen Rabbit - Margery Williams (1922)
Mike Teavee (wait, better: Frog and Toad Are Friends - Arnold Lobel (1970)
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs - Judi Barrett (1978)
The Polar Express - Chris Van Allsburg (1985)
Jumanji - Chris Van Allsburg (1981)
The Invention of Hugo Cabret - Brian Selznick (2007)
Persepolis - Marjane Satrapi (2000) — youth edition aspects
Esperanza Rising - Pam Muñoz Ryan (2000)
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry - Mildred D. Taylor (1976)
Number the Stars - Lois Lowry (1989)
Hatchet - Gary Paulsen (1987)
The Indian in the Cupboard - Lynne Reid Banks (1980)
Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH - Robert C. O'Brien (1971)
Island of the Blue Dolphins - Scott O'Dell (1960)
The Witch of Blackbird Pond - Elizabeth George Speare (1958)
Johnny Tremain - Esther Forbes (1943)
Caddie Woodlawn - Carol Ryrie Brink (1935)
The Call of the Wild - Jack London (1903)
The Twenty-One Balloons - William Pène Du Bois (1947)
Ginger Pye - Eleanor Estes (1951)
Thimble Summer - Elizabeth Enright (1938)
On the Banks of Plum Creek - Laura Ingalls Wilder (1937)
D'Aulaires' Book of Greek Myths - Ingri and Edgar Parin d'Aulaire (1962)
The People Could Fly - Virginia Hamilton (1985)
Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters - John Steptoe (1987)
The Arrival - Shaun Tan (2006)
Julián Is a Mermaid - Jessica Love (2018)
Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery (1908)
- Title: Anne of Green Gables
- Author: L.M. Montgomery
- Date Published: 1908
- Book Cover Photo: Covers typically show the fiery, red-headed Anne Shirley in a pastoral setting on Prince Edward Island, often with the Green Gables farmhouse.
Anne of Green Gables is a timeless work of children's literature that introduces one of the most beloved characters ever created. Written by L.M. Montgomery, the story follows Anne Shirley, a spirited and imaginative orphan who is mistakenly sent to live with Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert, an aging brother and sister who had intended to adopt a boy.
Despite the initial mix-up, Anne's vibrant personality, talkativeness, and "scope for imagination" gradually win over the Cuthberts and the entire community of Avonlea. The novel chronicles her adventures, mishaps, and growth from a precocious child into a mature young woman. It’s a story rich in beautiful descriptions of Prince Edward Island.
As a classic of the English language, Anne of Green Gables consistently appears on major top 100 lists for its unforgettable protagonist and its heartwarming exploration of belonging, friendship, and finding a family. Anne's optimistic spirit continues to inspire readers more than a century later.
Conclusion
In conclusion, exploring the 101 best children's books of all time reveals a treasure trove of timeless stories that ignite imagination and foster a love for reading. From the whimsical adventures of "Where the Wild Things Are" to the enchanting world of "Harry Potter," these beloved tales not only entertain but also impart valuable life lessons. Each book on this list has earned its place by captivating generations of readers, making them essential additions to any child's library. Embrace the joy of storytelling and the magic these books bring to young minds. If you're ready to dive into the world of literature, head to your nearest bookstore or library to pick up your next book!
For best local book stores in Sonoma County, check out this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
Which children’s books are considered timeless classics and appear on most top 100 lists?
Certain classic titles are staples on nearly every list of the greatest children’s books. These include Charlotte's Web, Where the Wild Things Are, and collections of traditional fairy tales. These stories are considered the best books because their themes of friendship, imagination, and morality continue to resonate with every new generation.
How do experts and critics select the best children’s books for these lists?
Experts and critics, like those in the BBC Culture poll, typically select the best children's books based on literary merit, originality, cultural impact, and lasting appeal. Voters from around the world list their personal top ten, and these choices are scored and ranked to create a comprehensive list, though it often shows a bias toward English-language books.
Are there any famous children’s book series included in the top 100 recommendations?
Yes, many famous series are featured among the best books. The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling is a prominent example, with multiple Potter books often making the cut. Other acclaimed series you'll find on these lists include Philip Pullman's Northern Lights trilogy and the Moomin books by Tove Jansson.
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