Following on from our popular list of 10 Great Stories For Kids You Should Have In Your Home, we asked Mykidstime parents to recommend their favourite books, loved by their children. Here are 10 more good books for kids every home should have.
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Reading to your child is one of life’s pleasures. They cuddle up beside you, whether it’s on the sofa or in bed, and listen to your voice as you read together. These books for kids have been highly recommended by parents and stand the test of time in family homes everywhere.
Good Books for Kids Every Home Should Have
#1. Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell
Dear Zoo is much loved in our house. Young readers love lifting the flaps to discover the animals the zoo has sent – a monkey, a lion, and even an elephant! But will they ever find the perfect pet? With bright, bold artwork, a catchy refrain, and a whole host of favourite animals, Dear Zoo is a must for our list.
You May Also Enjoy The 100 Best Ever Bedtime Stories for Kids Recommended by Parents
#2. The Tiger Who Came to Tea by Judith Kerr
The Tiger Who Came to Tea is a classic story of Sophie and her extraordinary tea-time guest, loved by millions of children since it was first published. The doorbell rings just as Sophie and her mummy are sitting down to tea.
Who could it possibly be? What they certainly don’t expect to see at the door is a big, furry, stripy tiger!
#3. The Magic Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton
The Magic Faraway Tree tells the story of Joe, Beth and Frannie, who find an Enchanted Wood on their doorstep when they move to a new home. When they discover the Faraway Tree, it proves to be the beginning of many magical adventures.
They meet and make friends with characters such as Moonface, Saucepan Man and Silky the Fairy as they discover which new land is at the top of the Faraway Tree. Will it be the Land of Spells, the Land of Treats, or the Land of Do-As-You-Please?
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#4. The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
A firm favourite in households everywhere, The Very Hungry Caterpillar is a much-loved picture book that follows a caterpillar’s week as he eats through a range of foods in preparation for hibernation, before his transformation into a beautiful butterfly.
With its vivid illustrations and fun holes to explore, this is a satisfying book for young children and a wonderful first introduction to storytime.
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#5. The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn
Another book that got several recommendations is The Kissing Hand, the story of Chester Raccoon, who does not want to start school. To help ease Chester’s fears, Mrs Raccoon shares a family secret called the Kissing Hand, giving him the reassurance of her love any time his world feels a little scary. A lovely choice for kids starting preschool or school.
#6. The Bear Under the Stairs by Helen Cooper
The Bear Under the Stairs also came recommended by several parents. William is scared of the place under the stairs. He is absolutely sure there’s a great big, and probably hungry, grizzly bear lurking there.
He is utterly convinced the bear will gobble him up if he doesn’t feed it, so every day he carefully opens the door, throws in some food, and slams it shut quickly – wham, bang, thump! Find out what happens when a strange smell fills the house and Mum and William decide to investigate.
#7. A Bear Called Paddington by Michael Bond
A Bear Called Paddington is definitely on our list. Paddington, the bear from Darkest Peru, is a classic character. The Browns first meet Paddington on a railway station – Paddington station, in fact. He has travelled all the way from Darkest Peru with only a jar of marmalade, a suitcase and his hat.
The Browns soon find that Paddington is a very unusual bear. Ordinary things, like having a bath, travelling underground or going to the seaside, become quite extraordinary when a bear called Paddington is involved.
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#8. Sally and the Limpet by Simon James
Another book that was read over and over in our house, Sally and the Limpet is the heartwarming story of a little girl who learns an important environmental lesson.
When Sally pulls a limpet off a rock at the beach, it sticks to her finger – and nothing she, her family or her friends do can unstick it. Sally’s teacher says that limpets live on the same rock for twenty years. Will Sally ever get the limpet off her finger?
#9. The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson
Loads of parents recommended The Gruffalo, one of Julia Donaldson’s most popular children’s picture books. A mouse is taking a stroll through the deep, dark wood when along comes a hungry fox, then an owl, and then a snake. The mouse is good enough to eat, but smart enough to know it, so he invents… the gruffalo!
As Mouse explains, the gruffalo is a creature with terrible claws, and terrible tusks in its terrible jaws, and knobbly knees and turned-out toes, and a poisonous wart at the end of its nose. But Mouse has no worry to show. After all, there’s no such thing as a gruffalo…
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#10. Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White
Charlotte’s Web is the story of a little girl named Fern who loves a little pig named Wilbur – and of Wilbur’s dear friend Charlotte A. Cavatica, a beautiful large grey spider who lives with him in the barn. With the help of Templeton, the rat who never did anything for anybody unless there was something in it for him, and a wonderfully clever plan of their own, Charlotte saves the life of Wilbur, who by this time has grown up to be quite a pig.
Have Your Say
Any more good books for kids that are favourites in your house? Tell us in the comments below.
FAQs About Good Books for Kids
What makes a children’s book a good “every home should have” pick?
The books parents recommend most often share a few things in common: strong, memorable characters, a story that holds up to repeat reading, and something that sparks conversation or comfort for young children – whether that’s easing school worries, encouraging kindness, or just making bedtime fun.
What age are these books suitable for?
Most of the titles on this list suit toddlers through to early primary school age, with picture books like Dear Zoo and The Very Hungry Caterpillar working well for the youngest readers, and Charlotte’s Web better suited to children who are ready for a longer story, often read aloud in chapters.
Where can I find these books?
Your local library, bookshop or favourite online retailer will carry all of these titles. Many are enduring classics, so they’re widely available in paperback, hardback and board book editions.
How can I encourage my child to enjoy reading?
Little and often works best – a few minutes of shared reading at bedtime or after school builds the habit naturally. Letting your child choose the book, re-reading favourites as often as they like, and talking about the pictures and story all help build a genuine love of reading.
You May Also Enjoy
- 10 Great Stories For Kids You Should Have In Your Home
- The 100 Best Ever Bedtime Stories for Kids Recommended by Parents
- 10 Great Julia Donaldson Books
- Why It’s Never Too Early To Start Reading to Your Baby
Keep the Reading Ideas Coming
Loved this list? Browse more of our favourite books, stories and reading ideas for kids, and save this article to come back to next time you need inspiration for storytime.
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