In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician
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By Molly Bradac ⋅ Senior Review Analyst ⋅ Jan 10, 2025
The Best Childrens Books
Starting a love of learning and reading often begins with a love of great children's books. For most new parents, it has been a while since you picked up a book for children, and you might be unsure which books can help engage little ones and help create a lifetime love of reading, books, and beyond. Finding the best children's books can be fun and create a great bonding experience for you and your child.
We've compiled a list of 11 of our favorite children's books that are exciting and worthy of a spot on your child's bookshelf. To ensure that our recommendations stand out, we did a deep dive into the market before purchasing well-loved and popular options for hands-on testing. Whether you're building your child's library or looking for a single gem, we've got you covered. Our testing method involved lots and lots of reading with kids to see which ones truly grabbed their attention. We also looked at interactive features and book format. It's safe to say we left no page unturned.
Room on the Broom is one of our favorite all-time books for kids (there is a Netflix show too!) This book has a compelling story and lovely pictures that help children of all ages find value on every page.
Another good children's book is The Good Egg. We love the powerful, positive message of this book and the encouragement to take care of oneself in the face of outside pressures.
Reading is an excellent way to connect with your child. If you're looking for more book treasures, we've also reviewed books suitable for toddlers and kids. From board books to chapter books and everything else in between, our reviews aim to help.
Editor's Note: This review was updated on January 10, 2025, with tester feelings on specific books. We updated this review on May 22, 2024, with new books.
Room on the Broom is an all-star in our review. This story follows a friendly witch and her black cat on a broomstick ride. As gusty winds blow away the witch's hat, bow, and wand, get ready for a series of delightful encounters. You'll have to read the book to see what happens next, but we promise the ending has an entertaining twist. One parent tester said, “My kid loved this adventure, and I could see she was enthralled by what would happen next.” The rhyming style of this book adds a playful rhythm, making it a fun read-aloud. You may find your toddler memorizing the lines to “read” along.
This board book is small in size, which is fitting for little hands to hold, but if you plan to read this book with multiple children, passing it around might be necessary for everyone to enjoy the illustrations. One tester stated, “If I had it to do again, I'd buy the larger hardcover option for larger pictures, but the board book is at least sturdy and travel-friendly.” Despite this minor consideration, there are no significant drawbacks to this book. We highly recommend this book to friends and family. In fact, you can't go wrong with any book by Julia Donaldson, and if you enjoy this book, check out The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo's Child.
Room on the Broom is one of our favorite books for its catchy, rhyming lines, and fun story.
The Good Egg blends humor and a valuable life lesson. In this story, The Good Egg, a standout among a dozen not-so-good eggs, faces pressure and decides to break free from the carton and the stress that comes with it. One tester said, “What a great message for children that not caving to pressure can be great, even if it is hard.” Adding a layer of suspense, will The Good Egg ever return? We think this book is cleverly written, and the humor is funny for children and adults alike. We also appreciate this story's message about self-care, and even adults can take note.
Picture books are generally longer than board books and include more complex storytelling. While this book is longer, we think children with shorter attention spans will still follow and understand the story. Plus, the illustrations are captivating. Our tester reports, “Even kids who started to zone out were always brought back in by the pictures.” After all the books we've read, we think The Good Egg is a hit and highly recommend it. If you like the author's style and storytelling, check out other Jory John books, such as The Cool Bean and The Bad Seed.
The Good Egg provides fun illustrations and humor to teach about self-care.
Published in 1960, Are You My Mother? is a beloved classic. When the baby bird emerges from its egg, it discovers its mother is gone. With no idea what she looks like, the baby bird bravely leaves to find her. Will it find its real mother? This book's simple and repetitive structure makes it perfect for young children. It's easy for them to follow along. Our tester said, “This story about a mother and child bond is something most kids can relate to.”
The book's simplicity, including its illustrations, may not wow everyone. It also doesn't feature modern humor in the same sense as contemporary children's books might, like The Good Egg. However, despite its age, this book still holds up. Its themes are timeless, making it a great addition to any kid's bookshelf. However, children without a mother might want to look elsewhere as the bird always finds its mother, and this could be upsetting for those who might not. One tester points out, “I think the book could be upsetting for kids without mothers or mothers who aren't present in their lives.” If you like this book, Go, Dog, Go! is a short read that is sure to entertain young audiences.
"Are You My Mother?" is a classic and timeless book with a simple storyline, making it great for young listeners and early readers.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Our Favorite Children's Book on the "Power to Choose"
In What Should Danny Do?, Danny is learning to become a superhero by mastering the “power to choose.” Throughout the book, Danny encounters various situations. He must make decisions, and the consequences of those decisions shape the story's outcome. Since readers actively participate by making choices for Danny, you control the story's direction. Our tester said, “I like that this book encourages engagement to help Danny make decisions.”
The book can feel lengthy, posing a possible challenge for younger or less patient readers. Remember, though, you don't have to read all nine possible endings in one sitting. One tester stated, “My kids loved that each time we read the book, it felt different than the time before.” Overall, we think this book is most suitable for older children who may better understand the concept of decision-making and enjoy the choose-your-adventure style.
"What Should Danny Do?" is a choose your adventure style book, an interactive feature that children enjoy.
Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! is a popular children's book that stars a mischievous pigeon on a quest to get behind the wheel. It's a fun book that left us giggling. But, seriously, will the pigeon actually drive the bus? You'll have to read it to find out. Our main tester felt, “The absurdity of a pigeon driving a bus is not lost even among the youngest readers, and it makes reading the book a silly adventure.”
While it doesn't rhyme, this book is packed with humor. If you're all about rhyming, you may want to look elsewhere. Besides that, we think this book is fantastic and recommend it to friends and family looking for humor. Our tester said, “I think this book might be simple enough for early or advanced readers to start reading some words themselves.”
In the book “Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!” the pigeon is determined and spunky, making it a great book to read-aloud.
"It all began when Floyd got his kite stuck in a tree…" This picture book Stuck is well-loved for its illustrations and comical storyline about Floyd's determination to problem-solve. Our tester stated, “I like that this book focuses on problem-solving and the power of critical thinking, empowering children to believe in themselves.” Also, don't miss the last picture of the book. It will make you smile.
The book's font has a handwritten style which can be slightly challenging to read. Our tester stated, “I had trouble reading the words, and this makes it less suitable for new readers to figure out the letters easily.”// Besides this factor, we think this book is a hit. If you're looking for a funny picture book, Stuck is a must-read.
The book “Stuck” has some cartoon illustrations that are lively and funny.
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie is a silly story about cause and effect. From craving milk to needing a straw and beyond, the mouse's quirky requests lead to some funny moments. Ultimately, the mouse circles back to… you guessed it, another cookie! The story will keep you smiling throughout. One parent tester said, “I like that kids can learn how one thing often leads to another if you don't think about it.” Flip to the book's last page for a fun activity called “The Great Cookie Game,” which is interactive and reinforces reading comprehension.
After multiple readings, this story's repetitive structure might lose some of its initial novelty. However, everyone's preferences vary. One tester stated, “While I was tired of the book after reading it a handful of times, my toddler could read it for days and never grow weary.” We think this children's book is a throwback and deserves a spot on your family's bookshelf.
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie is a funny book about a mouse that keeps making requests.
Grumpy Monkey is a tale about grumpiness starring Jim Panzee (what a name, right?), a character who knows a thing or two about it. His friends try to improve Jim's attitude, but nothing seems to work. Eventually, Jim explodes with emotions, teaching us that sometimes feeling grumpy is okay.
The illustrations are expressive, and the book's humor centers around Jim's grumpy demeanor. This may not resonate with every reader. But this book is a great conversation starter for talking about emotions and body language. We've all had those grumpy monkey days, right? We think this book is most suitable for kids aged three and up.
The Grumpy Monkey sparks the conversation of emotions and emotional acceptance.
No pictures? No problem! The Book with No Pictures will indeed cause a fit of giggles. This interactive book requires the reader to say silly words and outrageous things. If you find yourself in the reader's hot seat, be prepared to act goofy, be expressive, and give it your best effort.
Despite the lack of illustrations, we think this book is genius, creative, and fun for all. However, your little one may first judge this book by its cover. It also might take a few reads to really get the hang of it. But trust us, this book is entertaining.
Can you have fun with a picture-less book? The answer is “Yes!”, but the real effort is on the reader who must say silly, nonsense words and phrases.
"I'll love you forever. I'll like you for always. As long as I'm living, my baby, you'll be!" Grab the tissues because Love You Forever is sure to make you teary-eyed. This beloved story is loved by many and shares the message that no matter your child's age, you'll love them forever.
Sure, we think parts of the story can be silly and odd - like the mom rocking her adult son to sleep. However, it conveys a comforting message that parents will always be there for love and support, no matter their age. If you're looking for a touching story to share with your child, check this book out.
Love You Forever is a classic book that encompasses a parents' love and how it crosses generations.
The Wonky Donkey is a quirky and silly book about a donkey. Readers learn more details about the donkey as the story unfolds with playful wordplay and illustrations. One reader reports, “The rhymes are fun, and my child liked the pictures of the donkey.”
We understand why this book is popular. The silly, tongue-twister rhymes are a selling point and are funny-sounding when you read them aloud. However, we feel the content isn't inclusive. The donkey's differences are being ridiculed, and we think the message (perhaps accidentally) reinforces bullying behaviors and name-calling. We believe words are powerful, and promoting inclusiveness and love begins at an early age. Therefore, we think you should pass on this book as there are other books that celebrate diversity and individuality without alienating anyone. One tester said, “I get what they are trying to do with this book, but it still felt icky when reading it.”
The Wonky Donkey is not a book we recommend, especially as there are better options.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Have Fun
Have fun! Get lost in a story with humor and expression; this will show your child that reading can be enjoyable.
Each book in our review was purchased and tested to see how it performs and stands against the competition.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Why Trust GearLab
At BabyGearLab, we have been testing baby gear for nearly a decade, and by this point, we have developed extensive testing methods to rate and rank baby gear. BabyGearLab purchased each children's book for this review and completed hands-on testing to evaluate performance. We previewed books before reading to little ones and spent time reading and observing children reading the books to determine the best and most entertaining options for children.
Leading our review is Senior Review Editor, Molly Bradac, who is also a Nanny with over 15 years of experience. Molly has read countless children's books and can quickly identify unique, stand-out books. Also, Molly was an Early Learning Specialist for AmeriCorps, where she helped develop curriculum plans and promoted school readiness by teaching in preschool and kindergarten classrooms. There is no doubt that Molly has the experience to help provide expert recommendations for children's books.
We suggest creating a reading space that is inviting and comfortable.
Analysis and Test Results
Endless reading and page-turning went into our review to determine which books offer appealing features and which are bookshelf must-haves.
It can be helpful to find a book to speaks to your child's age and stage in development.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Developmental Milestones
Children dramatically change within the preschool years (roughly ages 3-5), and it can be helpful to find books that support various developmental milestones during this time. During this age range, emotions can be a roller coaster, and your child may experience a wide range of feelings. Sometimes, we wake up on the wrong side of the bed, and the Grumpy Monkey is a great book to remind us that it is important to feel our feelings. If your child enjoys rhymes and repetitiveness, Room on the Broom is the perfect book with catchy lines to recite. To help your little one practice their “power to choose” (a superhero ability), What Should Danny Do? is an excellent book that teaches that each choice has a positive or negative consequence. For children who seek humor and laughter, The Book With No Pictures fits this bill perfectly (as long as the reader is willing to be silly), and Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! and Stuck. Regardless of your child's age and stage, reading is beneficial, but it can also help to find a book that speaks to your little one's developmental milestones.
It can be helpful to find a book to speaks to your child's age and stage in development.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Interactive Features
From beloved classics to new favorites, our review includes children's books with diverse styles and themes. We noticed that those with memorable writing styles, catchy rhymes, or phrases can easily become favorites. We consider Room on the Broom to be an example of this. Others stand out for their interactive features, adding extra excitement to storytime. What Should Danny Do? empowers young readers with the power of choice. Through a choose-your-adventure structure, readers can shape the story's outcome by making decisions for Danny. The Book With No Pictures offers an unconventional approach through sheer silliness. These books can spice up your little one's library and make reading memorable.
Each book is available in various book formats, such as board books, hardcover, and paperback, and it will be up to you to choose the format that works best for your needs and goals.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Book Format
When it comes to selecting the right book format for your child, there are several factors to consider, including budget, needs, and bookshelf space. The three most common formats are board, hardcover, and paperback books. A hardcover book can provide more durability than a paperback book. So, selecting a hardcover book is the way to go if you plan to pass down a book as an heirloom. Paperback books tend to be more cost-effective and less heavy but more susceptible to damage. Board books still appear in this age group and offer thick, sturdy pages with excellent durability. However, board books tend to be smaller in size. It will be up to you to select the right book format based on your intentions.
Reading to your child every day, even 20 minutes, holds endless benefits.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
A Note on Child Development and Reading
Reading is fundamental in nurturing all aspects of a child's development, including cognitive, language, motor, and more. This lays the foundation for future learning, creativity, and success. We suggest selecting books that expose your child to new ideas, concepts, vocabulary, and more. Through reading, children learn to recognize patterns, make connections, and develop critical thinking skills as they engage in the literature. Encourage active participation by asking questions, discussing the story's events, and letting them turn the pages. These interactive moments foster your child's emerging literacy skills.
Younger Kids?
If you need book ideas for older children, check out our Best Kids Books review.
How to Pick The Best Children's Book
Finding great books to instill an early love of learning isn't the most difficult challenge of parenthood. However, it doesn't mean that you shouldn't give time and consideration to the message or entertainment value of the books.
Picking Topics
Finding a variety of topics that can both keep your child's attention and perhaps convey a message is a lofty goal. If a book is boring, your child might lose interest in books. If the message is complicated or vague, they might fail to learn anything. We recommend looking for books that match their interests or might stretch an interest to something similar. It is also a good idea to choose books that align with your values or life goals.
Visually Stimulating
In the beginning, children might be more engaged by visual images than written words. This is perfectly normal and gives you a great pathway to help encourage early engagement in books. Finding books with beautiful or funny images can keep little ones involved and foster a love for books even if the story doesn't draw them in.
Fill your child's library with a variety of books.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Conclusion
Fostering a confident reader starts with you! As your child's first teacher, reading together daily (even 20 minutes) can significantly impact your child's development. Research shows that this bonding time holds several benefits. So, pick up a book, snuggle up, and approach reading enthusiastically. Your child will notice! Let our review help guide you to the perfect children's book for your family.
