When it comes to creating a list of the best children’s books, Good Housekeeping has secret weapon: More than 125 actual kids from all over the country poured out their hearts about books we sent them to review. They heaped on praise (“20,000 stars!”) and doled out criticism (“This book is so boring!”) Their comments swayed which of the 200-plus nominations would remain on our list and which ones would end up on the chopping block.
This year’s 42 winners — for babies through middle-schoolers — have major kid appeal, with the added assurance of a thumbs-up from a librarian. Many are fun, lighthearted reads, but a few tackle sensitive topics in an innovative way. In either case, they’re books that our diverse group of kid testers came back to again and again. We've got a hunch that they’ll become lovingly worn favorites in your home — or even the book that makes your child a reader.
Our selections span a variety of genres, formats, and interests, so you can match picks to your children like we did to our testers. We found an irresistible lift-the-flap book (with felt, no less), a pick-your-path story with a stealthy science lesson, and spellbinding mystery series that inspired tweens to choose a book over a device. A small miracle, we know! While we don’t need thanks for literally reading tens of thousands of pages so you don’t have to, we’d love for you to help us spread the word about this list and inspire the next generation of bookworms. Can we count you in?
Meet the Good Housekeeping Experts
How We Tested
Illustrated by Surya Sajnani
Babies and toddlers can’t resist running their little fingers across the variety of textures—from plush pink fur to bumpy black dots—in this dazzling title that highlights seven adorable animals with wings. It's a smidge smaller than the typical board book, so babies can hold it themselves. Keep a copy on hand for gifting. Birth and up
Tester Note: The text also impressed our reviewers. Said one parent: “The book uses great adjectives to describe each of the wings.”
Written by Camilla Reid, illustrated by Clare Youngs
Primo use of shiny foil and durable flaps made of colorful felt turn this peek-a-boo book into a multisensory delight. Each spread exquisitely highlights a different animal and the sound it makes. Scan the QR code on the back cover to hear the story complete with whimsical sound effects. Ages 0 – 3
Tester Note: The surprise at the end captivated our toddler testers. “The final page has a flap that lifts to reveal a mirror,” said one reviewer. “Watching my 15-month-old son smile at himself is adorable.”
Written and photographed by St. Clair Detrick-Jules, illustrated by Tabitha Brown
While a growing number of kids’ books celebrate Black hair, this title stood out for its catchy text and candid photos of joyful girls and boys. Rhyming couplets (“My hair is like a cloud, fluffy and light/My hair is like the stars, twinkling at night”) help Black kids see their hair as a wondrous part of nature. Ages 0 – 3
Tester Note: “The real pictures of kids with their awesome natural hair are very cool, especially since my boys don’t see kids with hair like theirs too often,” said one dad.
Written and illustrated by Erica Sirotich
A big-hearted story that follows an overalls-clad duck as he collects packages to help a sick friend doubles as a way to teach toddlers their colors. Sixteen sturdy flaps reveal hidden surprises — from a comfy red hat to minty green tea — that comprise a radiant get-well gesture. It’s the second adorable book in the Mail Duck Special Delivery series. Ages 0 – 3
Tester Note: “I haven't seen my 2-year-old daughter this engaged in a book in months,” said one reviewer. “She loves the storyline and the flaps.”
Bee: A Peek-Through Board Book
Written and illustrated by Britta Teckentrup
A enthralling way to introduce the concept of pollination, this book mesmerizes toddlers with its fanciful illustrations and clever format. As you turn each page, toddlers follow a bee’s journey from flower to flower and back to the hive through a die-cut hexagon. The lively text explains how “many of the plants and flowers you see were given life by one small bee.” Ages 0 – 3
Tester Note: “So entertaining and different than other books we’ve read, it’s teaching my kids about bees and their important job,” said one reviewer.
Written by Amy Morrison
This innovative book helps kids, especially neurodiverse children, read emotions. Rhyming text and accompanying photos focus on nine feelings — from silly to scared, from brave to bored. The goal: Increase kids’ understanding of their own emotions and their ability to empathize with other people’s moods. Sweet touches, such as a mirror on the final page and a place for a child who has received it as a hand-me-down to write their name, make the title extra-special. Ages 1 – 6
Tester Note: Instead of demonstrating each emotion with a single photograph, this book utilizes 10 inclusive images. “I like the variety of expressions that represent each feeling,” said our reviewer.
Written by Harriet Evens, illustrated by Bryony Clarkson
Curl up with your “little hatchling” as you read this ocean-themed story featuring a variety of sea creatures and intriguing die-cut pages. The gentle, rhyming text (“The day is ending now, my sleepy jellyfish/Let’s cuddle up together — we’ll snuggle and squish”) and the nighttime color palette signal that it’s time for bed. Ages 2 – 5
Tester Note: “My daughter likes that there is a small and large version of each sea creature,” said one reviewer. “She refers to them as Mama and Baby and asks me about who they are and what they are doing.”
Written and illustrated by Andrew Knapp
It’s a game of hide-and-seek inside a book! Left-hand pages have photographs of five things (three common household items and adorable pups Yaya and Boo) for kids to search for in a full-page photo on the right side. Not Where's Waldo?–level by any stretch, the book offers just the right amount of challenge for toddlers. Ages 2 – 5
Tester Note: Expect to pore over the pictures for a while. “My 2-year-old wanted to do it over and over again. We spent a good hour with this cute book,” said one reviewer. “Her giggles were priceless.”
Written and illustrated Juana Martinez-Neal
Alma, a beloved picture-book character created by a Caldecott Honor winner, now appears in a series of joyful board books for toddlers and preschoolers. In this one, readers learn about common body parts and the senses in English and Spanish. A labeled image of 15 body parts plus Alma’s quintessential pink bow merits a deep dive. Ages 2 – 5
Tester Note: The clever design facilitates dual-language opportunities. “It was easy for my child to distinguish the English and Spanish text because they are in different colors,” said one reviewer.
Written by Beatria Gimenez de Ory, translated by Lisa Rosinsky, illustrated by Paloma Valdivia
Camouflaged creatures, secret images and a guessing game of sorts make this title a preschooler magnet. Poetic verses vividly describe hidden animals and listeners are invited to guess “Who am I?” As each page is turned, a “slide and see” feature uncovers an animal that blends in with the surroundings. Mind blown! Ages 3 – 6
Tester Note: The animals aren‘t ho-hum choices. “This book introduced us to sea dragons and owl butterflies,” said one reviewer. The last two pages provide a few more fascinating details about each of the seven featured creatures.
Written and illustrated by Matthew Cordell
The most universally beloved book on our list follows a young squirrel whose mom asks her to deliver soup to her sick grandma. The brave yet scared squirrel traverses the forest, showing readers that they can conquer their fears by helping others. While the book draws on folklore and fairy tales (the squirrel wears a red cape, for instance), the ending with a twist and the incredible earth-tone illustrations demonstrate that this story is wholly original. Ages 2 – 5
Tester Note: This book is a keeper — one of the rare stories you’ll squirrel away long after the kids are grown up. One mom said, “My son told me, ‘I’m never giving this book back.’”
Written by Caspar Salmon, illustrated by Matt Hunt
This tongue-in-cheek story turns a traditional counting book on its head. No matter what the question, the answer is always one! For instance, on a spread with two whales, the author asks, “How many sausages do you see?” It's all good fun that does sneakily entice kids to count higher but not say their number aloud! Ages 3 – 6
Tester Note: Expect lots of laughs from the kids. “There were so many giggles while we were reading it!” said one reviewer. “Right after I finished, my son requested that we read it again.”
Written and illustrated by Julia Sarcone-Roach
Squirrel, a self-proclaimed “vanisher of snacks,” has a new trick up his sleeve — making ice cream disappear. Or so he brags to his friend Bear. Packed with hijinks and silly dialogue, this cheerful picture book will whet a kid’s appetite for reading (and ice cream). Ages 4 – 8
Tester Note: “It’s both a science whodunnit and a friendship story,” says Liz Hanson, youth content curator at the Chicago Public Library. “Children who pay attention to the bright acrylic art will spot clues that will help them solve the mystery well before the adorable narrator.”
Dolly Parton’s Billy the Kid Makes It Big
By Dolly Parton with Erica S. Perl, illustrated by Mackenzie Haley
The queen of country music (and an early childhood literacy advocate) crafts a howling tale about her beloved “god-dog” Billy, who follows his musical dreams even when things get, well, ruff. Before the Battle of the Bow-Wows, Billy gets picked on but still rocks the performance. The last spread features Parton’s original song “Makin‘ Fun Ain’t Funny.” Ages 4 – 7
Tester Note: “Its clear anti-bullying message is told in the context of a charming story,” said one reviewer.
Written by Carrie Tillotson, illustrated by Estrela Lourenco
When a goofy banana interjects himself into a bedtime-themed alphabet book, hilarity ensues. Banana edits the story, crossing out text and adding new ideas in word balloons. For instance, J is for jammies becomes J is for jumping, as the banana does a split — get it? Banana splits! Full of wordplay and unusual choices to represent each letter of the alphabet ("K is for Keister"), this book stands out for being simultaneously silly and educational. Ages 4 – 8
Tester Note: One reviewer compared the story to the work of another famous kid-lit creator. “The book feels very Mo Willems–esque with its conversational style, without feeling like a cheap imitation,” she said.
Written by Sandhya Parappukkaran, illustrated by Michelle Pereira
A much-needed addition to the kid-lit canon focuses on a skateboard-loving South Asian boy who feels embarrassed by his exceptionally long first name. On the first day at a new school, he shortens his name to a single syllable. But that doesn’t feel right. This feel-good story highlights how true friends can help kids be their authentic selves. Ages 4 – 8
Tester Note: “There hadn’t been a book like this when I was a child,” said one Asian American reviewer. “I’m glad this book can add to diversity and inclusion in a classroom or library.”
Written by Brad Montague, illustrated by Brad and Kristi Montague
A letter inviting kids to be special agents swoops them into this unexpectedly profound picture book. The Cave of Untold Stories is on the verge of collapse, and readers — er, agents — need to help by sharing their creative work with the world! The book’s “happily and imaginatively ever after” ending has a little trick up its sleeve. Ages 4 – 8
Tester Note: Plan for kids to linger over the detailed illustrations. “My kids especially loved the labeled map of the imagination office,” said one reviewer.
Written by Kiera Wright-Ruiz, illustrated by Claudia Lam
Who would have thought a book about ramen could serve as a lesson in self-love and body positivity? Yet here it is! The darling package on the cover wants to be more like spaghetti because it's “thin” and “popular.” In word balloons, fellow packages try to set the record straight. But it’s not until ramen is cooked that it realizes “being yourself is tasty.” Ages 4 – 8
Tester Note: The cover has major appeal. “The girls grabbed this book before I got to it, and they were squealing delightedly at every page,” reported one mom. “They kept saying how cute the different ramen noodles were!”
Written and illustrated by Travis Jonker
In a shining example of spirit and determination, a boy tries and tries to catch a snowflake on his tongue, announcing, “I’m not going back inside until I do it!” A series of hijinks later, the boy (spoiler coming!) gets his wish, but not in the way he expected. A wintery romp and a reminder to to keep an eye on the big picture rolled into one is further elevated by Jonker’s art. Ages 4 – 8
Tester Note: “This book celebrates the uniqueness in all of us,” says judge Jenna Bush Hager. “My youngest, Hal, laughed out loud.”
Written by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Christian Robinson
The book’s unconventional format — a series of 20 questions, each relating to an illustration — delightfully shakes up story time. After looking at each illustrated scene, kids are tapped to answer a question like “What is the boy hiding behind his back?” and “How did the cow get way up there?” With no right or wrong answers, their imaginations can soar. Ages 4 – 8
Tester Note: Parents reported that some of their kids’ responses blew their minds. “I learned that if my daughter came across a bag of money she would ‘give some away to people and then open a bagel store.’ Who knew?”
Written and illustrated by John Agee
An epic game of make-believe begins when a girl suggests that she and her dad pretend to be trees. Apparently Dad is very convincing, because he ends up with a baby owl on his shoulder and a robin’s nest in his hair. But it’s still not time to go inside yet! An ode to patient dads everywhere, this story piles on the charm. Ages 4 – 8
Tester Note: Kid reviewers picked up on the passage of time through Agee’s engaging illustrations. “My daughter was especially interested that it was daytime on one page and nighttime on the next page,” reported one tester.
Selected by Lou Peacock, illustrated by Matt Hunt
Akin to a day-to-day calendar, this splashy anthology contains a short, rib-tickling poem and a whimsical matching illustration for every single date of the year. Some poems, like the January 8 pick It’s Raining Pigs and Noodles, are classics from Jack Prelutsky and other greats, while others are new work. A to/from page for you to personalize and an attached yellow ribbon bookmark make the collection extra giftable. Ages 4 – 8
Tester Note: “Both of my kids look forward to their daily poem,” said one parent. “This has become my coffee-table book.”
Written and illustrated by Kevin McCloskey
Comic-style early readers are a thing, and this nonfiction caterpillar-themed story seamlessly blends facts and humor — a feat that’s even more impressive considering that it mostly limits itself to common sight words for kindergartners and first-graders. For instance, on the topic of a caterpillar’s lifestyle, it poses, “And what do you think comes out of the chrysalis or the cocoon? A big baboon? A small raccoon? A dish that ran away with a spoon?” You’ve got company, Dr. Seuss. Ages 5 – 7
Tester Note: “My daughter especially liked the part where it rained caterpillars,” said one reviewer.
Written and illustrated by Jarvis
Frog and Toad vibes are strong in this new collection of charming early reader stories about friendship. In the series debut, The Picnic and Other Stories, a comical misunderstanding helps little readers see the powerful effect of choosing kindness. Ages 5 – 9
Tester Note: “With gentle humor and genuine affection, Jarvis’s stories capture the ups and downs of friendship in a way that will resonate with young readers,” said Jenna Bush Hager. “The beautiful illustrations are the perfect complement to the stories.”
Written by Jenn Bailey, illustrated by Mika Song
A parade is going to throw off the classroom routine, and Henry doesn’t like it one bit. This new series, starring a main character who is on the autism spectrum, provides relatable scenarios for neurodivergent children and gives other kids a glimpse into their world. Ages 6 – 9
Tester Note: Children on the autism spectrum saw themselves in Henry. “I know how he feels sometimes,” said one of our testers who has autism. Added her mom, “My daughter learned that there are other kids like her, although sometimes it doesn’t feel that way.”
Written by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Chris Van Dusen
The final installment in the Tales From Deckawoo Drive series, a Mercy Watson spin-off, centers on the popular pet pig who has gone missing. With action and comedy galore, readers will get caught up in the wild search for Mercy. Lots of dialogue, short chapters, and silly artwork entice readers to keep flipping pages. Ages 6 – 9
Tester Note: “My favorite part was when Mercy was playing in a barrel of butter,” said a 7-year-old reviewer. “It was so much fun!”
Written by Andrea J. Loney, illustrated by Fuji Akashi
The third book in the Abby in Orbit series deftly explores making mistakes. Although Abby has “an icky feeling in her tummy” about Career Day on the International Space Station, she attends and accidentally causes a system to go haywire. If your kids enjoy Ada Twist, Scientist, they’re likely to be a fan of Abby in Orbit too. Ages 6 – 9
Tester Note: “I really liked the ending,” said an 8-year-old reviewer.
Written by Charlotte Guillain, illustrated by Jo Empson
Fold out this book accordion-style on the floor, and, trust us, the kids will congregate. Kids can trace the water’s flow from the top of a mountain spring to the beginning of the ocean, with waterfalls, gorges, and other interesting features in between. Short blocks of text on every page pose questions (Have you spotted the bald eagle?), dispense cool nuggets of info (paddleboarding was invented by a surfer in Hawaii), and introduce animals like prairie dogs, otters, and pelicans. Ages 5 – 7
Tester Note: Be sure to flip over the fold-out because some reviewer’s kids didn’t realize that the water’s journey continued on the other side.
Written by Kirsten Larson, illustrated by Katherine Roy
Breaking the boring mold for a picture-book biography, Larson writes the life story of astronomer Cecilia Payne (1900–1979) alongside a parallel account of the birth of a star. For instance, a sudden jolt in a cloud of dust and dirt is compared to Cecilia’s scientific revelation. Despite doing double duty, it never feels overwhelming. Ages 5 – 8
Tester Note: Look for subtle details in the illustrations. “Pay attention to how the star information slowly consumes everything behind Cecilia’s biographical history,” suggested judge Betsy Bird. “Also look at how the illustrator plays with the color yellow in Cecilia’s clothing.”
Written and illustrated by Jessica Courtney-Tickle
Music makes this engaging, fact-packed story about the planets even more noteworthy. As readers follow the adventures of siblings jetting though outer space, they can press the quarter-note icon on each spread to hear 10 seconds of classical music from famed composer Gustav Holst. Descriptions of each musical selection appear in the back of the book. Ages 5 and up
Tester Note: “My daughters, ages 5 and 7, both felt like while they already knew a lot about the planets before reading this book, there was still a lot that they learned, like the fact that Neptune has 12 moons!” said one tester.
Written by Amy Seto Forrester, illustrated by Andy Chou Musser
Similar to a choose-your-own adventure book but with a science slant, kids can pick their pilot, submarine, and dive site from numerous choices before embarking on their journey to find a giant squid. With 12 potential endings, readers are motivated to select new combinations to see how the result will change. Facts about marine science and ocean animals are seamlessly woven into the adventures. Ages 6 – 9
Tester Note: It’s also fun to read-aloud to younger kids. “I sat with my 6- and 4-year-olds for 30 minutes, reading various scenarios,” said one reviewer. “Every time I tried to stop, they wanted to start over on a different adventure!”
Written by David Roth and Rinee Shah, illustrated by Rinee Shah
A stand-up comedian and a comedy writer teamed up on this fun-to-follow illustrated book that dives into the mechanics of joke-writing for mini Mrs. Maisel’s. With formulas and practice exercises for various joke-writing strategies plus tips to make the zingers land, your kids’ jokes are bound to get a whole lot funnier. Ages 7 – 12
Tester Note: “This is a dad-joker’s dream experience,” said one reviewer. “My daughter would read the book, then tell me jokes from it and we would work on our own together using the prompts.”
Written and illustrated by Meggie Ramm
On one level, this 92-page graphic novel is about a cute half-cat, half-bat creature whose tree house has been invaded by an ice cream–stealing ghost. And on another, it serves up an inclusive anthem: “You can just be you.” Ages 6 – 9
Tester Note: “It’s kind of spooky but not too scary,” says one 7-year-old reviewer. A parent added, “The design was easy to follow and it was a fast and simple read for my child.”
Written and illustrated by Dav Pilkey
The highly anticipated 11th book in the blockbuster Dog Man series appeals to pretty much every kid — whether they usually like to read or not. And behind all the Supa Dupa goings-on that grown-ups may or may not be able to follow, this book in particular has a message of kindness and a Friendly Friends club song to boot. Ages 7 and up
Tester Note: Kids show no signs of getting tired of the Dog Man series. One of our testers rated it “20,000 stars" while another said the series keeps “getting better and better.”
Written by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Shawn Harris
Infectiously funny, this second volume of the series begins when with moon queen being poisoned by soup. In a race against time, she and First Cat will need to find a cure. The variety of of comic-panel formats helps showcase the art and keep the story visually interesting. Ages 8 – 12
Tester Note: “I like the art style, the characters, and how funny the book is,” said our 11-year-old reviewer.
Written and illustrated by Matt Tavares
This historical fiction book rewinds to 1976 when a girls’ basketball team in Indiana wants equal treatment — the same access to the gym, uniforms, and other equipment that the boys’ team receives. Readers will be rooting for the players as they appeal to the school and the community while making it to the championship. Ages 8 – 12
Tester Note: “Mila, my oldest, flew through this graphic novel that will encourage even reluctant readers,” said Jenna Bush Hager. “Hoops is a celebration of females in sports, teamwork, and the power of dreams.”
Written by Megan Wagner Lloyd, illustrated by Michelle Mee Nutter
Told from the perspective of being the oldest girl in a family of seven kids, this graphic novel underscores that seemingly opposite things can both be true: You can adore a large family’s sense of belonging but still crave some alone time (and your own room). Fans of Sisters will gobble up this book. Ages 8 – 12
Tester Note: “The storyline reinforced that it’s OK to be different and have hard feelings while adjusting to a new situation,” said one parent.
Legends of Lotus Island: The Guardian Test
Written by Christina Soontornvat, illustrated by Kevin Hong
This Thai-inspired fantasy series by a Newbery Honor-winning author checks all the boxes for kids just starting to read chapter books — it's exciting, imaginative and relatively short. In its 150ish action-packed pages, a girl who has a way with nature trains to be a Guardian, a magical creature with healing powers. But her self-doubts keep getting in the way of shape-shifting. Ages 8 – 12
Tester Note: Parents appreciated that training didn't come easy to the main character. "The book shows that you should never give up on what you want to do," said the mom of one reviewer.
by Angie Thomas
In her first book for middle school readers, Thomas, author of The Hate U Give, crafts an action-packed fantasy that grabs readers with family secrets, magic powers and a fabulous sense of humor. Nic, 12, and her long-lost twin brother go on an epic quest to prove their father innocent of a crime he didn't commit. It's a page-turner for the ages! Ages 8 – 12
Tester Note: Intrigue your kids by relating it to the Harry Potter series. Says judge Betsy Bird: “I’ve been describing this book to my kids as, "What you get if Harry Potter and his friends grew up, he started making a fantasy series for Muggles out of his adventures, Ron and Hermione had twins, and then Ron went on the run with one of the kids."
by Jaclyn Moriarty
On her 10th birthday, a once-secluded girl receives a jarful of magical coins that transport her to different times and places. They're all connected, but how? Each chapter offers a clue to unravel the tantalizing puzzle. Humor and a smidge of satire help prevent some dangerous situations from feeling too heavy. This fifth book in the Kingdoms and Empires series can be read as a standalone. Ages 8 – 12
Tester Note: The twisty plot kept our junior reviewers in suspense. "I couldn't predict how it was going to end, and it made me want to keep reading," said an 8-year-old reviewer.
The Swifts: A Dictionary of Scoundrels
by Beth Lincoln, illustrated by Claire Powell
A gothic atmosphere, a sly narrator, and zany wordplay elevate this middle-grade novel from an ordinary whodunit to a quirky, twist-packed adventure. Perfect for fans of A Series of Unfortunate Events, the mystery novel is packed with humor and action. Kids don't have to wait long to revisit the characters; a sequel will come out next year. Ages 8 – 12
Tester Note: Help kids unlock the book’s deeper meaning. “Ask your child, ‘Are you defined by the name that you're given, or the actions that you take?’” said judge Liv Hanson.
Written and illustrated by Sara Shepard
Inspired by her own struggles with anxiety, Shepard hits it out of the park with this new friendship series formatted in a style similar to Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Comical sketches, like shopping at Target, balance some of the fifth grader's more serious worries. The second book in the series, Penny Draws A School Play, is already published. Ages 8 – 12
Tester Note: Kids picked up on a valuable friendship lesson. "This book shows that some people can change but that is OK because there are always new friends out there,” said one junior reviewer.
