The Best Books To Read To Children

Your children are priceless and you’ll do everything you can to keep them safe and let them know they’re loved no matter what. And part of raising kids involves bedtime stories or reading them books when the weather is cold or rainy.

But what books are the best and age appropriate for young children? Here are some classic picture books for the wee ones in your home.

“Where the Wild Things Are” by Maurice Sendak

Little Max is being mischievous in his wolf costume, so he’s sent to bed without dinner. He dreams of traveling to a place where wild things are and manages to tame them. He becomes king but misses the love of his family.

“Why Mosquitos Buzz in People’s Ears” by Verna Aardema

This tells a tale of a mosquito who tells a tall tale that starts a disaster in the jungle. It works to teach kids about the effects of lying.

“Goodnight Moon” by Margaret Wise Brown

While not really a storybook, this children’s classic relies on a bunny that says goodnight to everything around him. It helps to lull kids to sleep.

“The Giving Tree” by Shel Silverstein

It’s a tale about how a tree loves a young boy and gives away pieces of itself to the boy to make him happy. It teaches kids about unconditional love.

“The Snowy Day” by Ezra Jack Keats

This classic tells the story of a young African American boy who discovers the wonder of winter’s first snow.

“Madeline” by Ludwig Bemelmans

Set in Paris, France, “Madeline” tells the tale of a young girl and her trip to the hospital.

“The Story of Ferdinand” by Munro Leaf

Ferdinand is a powerful bull who would rather relax and take time to smell the flowers instead of bothering with bullfights.

“Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters” by John Steptoe

This story is a Cinderella story set in Zimbabwe. Mufaro is the father of two beautiful daughters, one kind and considerate of others and the other selfish and temperamental. The King needs a wife. Which sister will he choose?

“The Tale of Peter Rabbit” by Beatrix Potter

What would you do if your neighbor’s rabbit was stealing your carrots?

“The Story of Babar” by Jean De Brunhoff

Have you ever wondered what would happen if an orphaned elephant named Babar survived in the big city surrounded by humans? You’ll find out.