Great Books for Children

You know your children best, but these great stories appeal to a range of kids, from birth through 10 years of age (ordered from youngest to older readers). This list was created by LeAnn Petrie, Youth Services supervisor.

Check out these books and enjoy quality stories (and illustrations) by great authors. Click the book titles to be taken to the library’s catalog where you can request the book. Or come in and cruise our bookshelves.

“The Big Storm: A Very Soggy Counting Book” by Nancy Tafuri – Cute forest critters take cover one-by-one as thunder rumbles and a storm approaches. Pick up anything by this author, and you and your toddler will be delighted with the storytelling through words and pictures.

“Dawdle Duckling” by Toni Buzzeo – A coming-of-age story about an easy-to-love duckling, his siblings and the protective mama duck. Beautiful, lively graphics help tell the story that your baby to preschooler will want to hear over and over again.

“Mouse Paint” by Ellen Stoll Walsh – Use of color makes this book engaging and simple to flip through with baby in your lap. If your little one loves this author’s style, you’ll be happy to know “Mouse Paint” is just one in a whole series of cute critter stories.

“Gossie” by Olivier Dunrea – Part of the beloved Gossie and Friends series intended for preschool/kindergarten kids. This one introduces you to the character Gossie and starts you along his journey reminiscent of a typical preschooler’s experience.

“Knuffle Bunny” by Mo Willems – Sepia-toned photos with bright cartoon drawings superimposed on them serve as a springboard for this not-so-typical lost-and-found tale. Moms and dads could see a bit of their own children in Trixie, the main character, and toddler distress symptoms.

“RRRALPH” by Lois Ehlert – A tale of a talking dog perfect for 4 to 8 year olds but appealing to all in the family. Clever graphics bring this dog to life. Ralph proves to be quite the jokester and will likely get the kiddos (and maybe even dad) giggling.

“Flower Garden” by Eve Bunting – Rhyming and illustrations help pre-readers along through this story of a thoughtful little girl with a garden. Beginning readers will likely develop an understanding of planting and growing and may appreciate the detail in the enchanting artwork depicted on the pages.

“Sheila Rae, the Brave” by Kevin Henkes – This is a great story for sisters! Sheila Rae and her sister Louise face their fears head-on, producing an engaging and oftentimes amusing storytime experience for families. Anything by this author is recommended reading for young kids.

“The Rain Came Down” by David Shannon – Just the cover alone will make you want to pick this book up. Children learn that in life there are setbacks, arguments and attitude in this story that ends all smiles.

“Roly Poly Pangolin” by Anna Dewdney – Meet a scaly critter who becomes more and more human as the story goes on. Expressive faces and a surprise ending will make you want to pick up this book a second time. Great for those practicing newly acquired reading skills.

“The Bee Tree” by Patricia Polacco – This is the story of a sweet pursuit featuring a Mary Ellen and her grandpa. This book, one of many by Polacco, is aimed to spark a child’s curiosity and desire for adventure while reaffirming the message of working toward a reward. A great read for lower elementary students.

“Ogres Don’t Hunt Easter Eggs” by Debbie Dadey (Bailey School Kids series) – Has an ogre taken over the city park? The Bailey School Kids investigate. If you and your child are looking for a great series, try this one – perfect for readers who are getting the hang of following a story through several chapters.

If you would like a librarian to create a personalized reading list, good news, you can request that! Fill out this online form and a librarian will send you back titles and authors they think you will enjoy.