9 Best Books for Kids

We all know that reading to your kids is important. And there’s millions of books out there to choose from! But how do you know what’s actually a good book for your kid (and also not the worst book ever to read as a parent!). We’ve read our fair share of not so great books out there and wanted to compile a list of the best books for kids (from our experience)!

Rishi and I recently heard a small part of an interview of a woman talking about what talking and reading to your child actually does for them. There are so many incredible things that happen when you read to your child. Reading allows them to hear more words which in turn helps them learn and understand more.

Sometimes it can be hard to know what to say to your child, especially when they’re infants (and if you’re an introvert!). But picking up a book and reading it to them is a great way to start. Here are 9 of the best books for kids that we personally love!

There are links to all of these on Amazon! One thing I love about shopping for books on Amazon is that you can get used ones very inexpensively! Save a bit of money and go used (and help out the Earth while you’re at it!).

This post may include affiliate links which means I may earn a small commission if you shop using the links below at no additional cost to you. Paisley + Sparrow is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Thanks so much for supporting me and this blog!

9 Best Books for Kids

1. The Wonderful Things You Will Be

The Wonderful Things You Will Do written by Emily Winfield Martin

We found this book when were out shopping at a local bookstore, Wild Rumpus. Roy was about one and he just happened to be wearing the same thing as the kid on the front cover of the book so naturally we bought it. (New parent alert haha!)

Turns out it one of our absolute favorite books to read the kids and one we buy for our friends when they’re expecting their first baby. It’s heartwarming, the kids love and it’s not too wordy – aka perfect!

2. Mr Bear’s ABCs

 Mr.Bear’s ABC written and illustrated by Virginie Aracil

This book is amazing! Roy is learning all of his letters and is starting to string them together to form words. This book is full of super cute illustrations of tons of different items and also introduces your kid to lowercase letters, uppercase letters and cursive.

It’s educational, beautiful and great for kids of all ages! We all love it.

3. Star in the Jar

Star in the Jar written by Sam Hay, illustrated by Sarah Massini

We were introduced to this one in Parent Magazine. Rishi saw it and immediately ordered it. It talks about friendship, being kind and is an overall great book for kids of all ages.

Roy’s been starting to read along with us and sound out some of the words too! We all love this one!

4. Hi-Five Animals

Hi-Five Animals written by Ross Burach

This is such a fun book for both our kids! It introduces the kids to different animals as well as high fiving – and is the only book where it’s appropriate to hit it. Haha!

Penelope thinks it’s absolutely hilarious to hit a book (appropriate for a one year old) and Roy loves counting all the different hands to slap.

5. Green Eggs and Ham

Green Eggs and Ham written by Dr. Seuss

And oldie but a goodie. Roy is currently obsessed with this book which fits in perfect because he also is going through a phase where he doesn’t want to try any new food! You can reference this book to encourage your little one to try new foods as well as just have some fun while reading it.

6. The Jesus Story Book

The Jesus Story Book written by Sally Lloyd-Jones, illustrated by Jago

Roy refers to this as his “Jessus book”. This book walks through the Bible in short stories. We try to read one story each night (although he always begs for more!) to start sharing the Bible with him.

This is great for kids of all ages!

7. The Rainbow Fish

The Rainbow Fish written and illustrated by Marcus Pfister

This is one of Rishi’s favorite books to read to the kids. It’s a beautiful book about friendship and teaches your little one to share at a young age! This is such a great story and the illustrations keep your kids attention so well!

8. Pajama Time

Pajama Time written by Sandra Boynton

Ok, let’s be real. Any book by Sandra Boynton should be on this list. Her books are so cute! The one that has stayed at the top of the list for SO long now is Pajama Time. It’s great to get your kid involved since it repeats the same phrase throughout the book and just a fun way to encourage your kid to get ready for bed! 🙂

9. Brown Bear, Brown Bear

Brown Bear, Brown Bear written by by Bill Martin Jr, Eric Carle

Another classic that you need to read with your little one! They can learn colors and animals as you go through this book with them.

The next time you’re at a library or need to pick up a book for a baby shower or for one of your own kid, pick up one of these! We hope you love them just as much as we do.

Be sure to swing over and read these 7 Mom Hacks to make your life easier or 27+ toys for toddlers for even more gift ideas!!

As always, thanks for reading and sharing!

Jen