X
theAsianparent Logo
theAsianparent Logo
Product GuideSign in
  • Awards
    • Parents' Choice Awards 2023
  • Pregnancy
    • Due date calculator
    • I'm pregnant
    • Trying To Conceive
    • Labour
    • After birth
    • Baby loss
  • Parenting
    • Parent's Guide
    • Relationship & Sex
  • Child
    • Newborn
    • Baby
    • Toddler
    • Pre-Schooler
    • Kid
    • Pre-Teen & Teen
  • Feeding & Nutrition
    • Diseases-Injuries
    • Breastfeeding & Formula
    • Meal Planner
    • Health
    • Allergies & Conditions
    • Vaccinations
  • Education
    • Pre-School
    • Primary School
    • Secondary School
    • Primary School Directory
  • Lifestyle
    • Money
    • Travel & Leisure
    • Fashion
    • Home
    • Fitness
    • Contests & promotions
  • News
    • International
    • Health
    • Celebrity
    • Singapore
  • TAP Recommends
  • Shopping
  • Press Releases
  • Project Sidekicks
  • Community
  • Advertise With Us
  • Contact Us
  • Become A Contributor
  • VIP

24 Kids Books Recommended for Newborn to Age 8 Years and Up

Spark your child's imagination while clocking in some parent-child bonding time with these glorious reads!

The best kids books are often fun, memorable, and delightfully unique. They make for the best experiences when a kid reads them for the first time.

That's why it's always a great idea to introduce your children to books at an early age. Like way early. Baby-early, if you will.

Reading bedtime stories to your kids is a precious time that you and your kids can spend together. And this can have a positive impact on your children later on.

Whether you have a newborn baby, a toddler, or an eight-year-old running around the house, it's never too early to start them on books. 

We've come up with a list of the best kids books out there. We hope you and your children will enjoy them, too. 

Newborns' best kids books

1. Beddy-bye, Baby

[caption id="attachment_283116" align="aligncenter" width="500"]best kids books Image source: amazon[/caption]

Beddy-bye, Baby is a touch-and-feel kind of book. It's filled with soft and interesting textures for your baby that will stimulate her mind and senses.

Beddy-Bye, Baby: A Touch-And-Feel Book

product imageBUY HERE

2. Pat the Bunny 

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="501"] Image source: Amazon[/caption]

First published in 1940, Dorothy Kunhardt's Pat the Bunny is an interactive book that encourages young readers to smell the flowers, feel Daddy's scratchy face, and play peekaboo.

Pat The Bunny Collector's Edition

product imageBUY HERE

3. The Very Hungry Caterpillar

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="502"] Image source: Amazon[/caption]

This modern classic was originally published in 1994. Eric Carle's The Very Hungry Caterpillar takes children on a fun ride and lets them watch as the very hungry caterpillar literally eats his way through the pages of this beautifully illustrated book.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

product imageBUY HERE

Best kids books for ages 1+

4. The Giving Tree

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="502"]best kids books Image source: Amazon[/caption]

No matter your age, The Giving Tree is for everyone of all ages. You can even read this to your one-year-old. It's a sweet poignant story that will stay with them until they grow old. 

The Giving Tree

product imageBUY HERE

5. Goodnight Moon

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Image source: Amazon[/caption]

Goodnight Moon is another classic, featuring a sort of quiet poetry and gentle illustrations that's perfect to end your day with. 

Goodnight Moon

product imageBUY HERE

Best kids books for ages 3+

6. Dragons Love Tacos

[caption id="attachment_283120" align="aligncenter" width="500"]best kids books Image source: Amazon[/caption]

The lighthearted Dragons Love Tacos is a book that shows kids how to deal with things when they go wrong (like when you eat spicy salsa).

Dragons Love Tacos

product imageBUY HERE

7. Sweet Dreams, Little Monster

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="523"] Image source: Amazon[/caption]

Sweet Dreams, Little Monster is the story of a friendly monster who gets ready for bed, and tells kids about bedtime routines.

Sweet Dreams, Little Monster

product imageBUY HERE

8. Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="501"] Image source: Amazon[/caption]

Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes is a metaphor for staying positive during rough times.

Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes

product imageBUY HERE

9. Green Eggs and Ham

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="499"] Image source: Amazon[/caption]

Dr. Seuss's Green Eggs and Ham has been one of the all-time favourites of young readers since it was first published in 1960. The story is about Sam-I-Am, who tries to convince a nameless character that green eggs and ham is a delicious meal that everyone should enjoy.

Green Eggs and Ham

product imageBUY HERE

10. Big Book of the Berenstain Bears

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Image source: Amazon[/caption]

The Big Book of the Berenstain Bears is a collection of stories from the huge children's book franchise. The Berenstain bears are perhaps one of the most beloved family of bears in children's literature. 

Big Book of the Berenstain Bears

product imageBUY HERE

Best kids books for ages 5+

11. Here We Are: Notes For Living on Planet Earth

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="502"] Image source: Amazon[/caption]

This New York Times bestseller is one of the best introductions to outer space and fun astronomy facts for your kids!

Here We Are: Notes For Living on Planet Earth

product imageBUY HERE

12. Don't Forget Dexter!

[caption id="attachment_283130" align="aligncenter" width="517"]best kids books Image source: Amazon[/caption]

Don't Forget Dexter! is an interactive book that asks readers to participate in the journey of a lost dinosaur. 

Don’t Forget Dexter!

product imageBUY HERE

13. Where the Wild Things Are

[caption id="attachment_283128" align="aligncenter" width="501"]best kids books Image source: Amazon[/caption]

Maurice Sendak's Where the Wild Things Are is a beloved classic by people of all ages. It's the highly imaginative tale of a mischievous boy who dresses up in a wolf costume and wreaks havoc around the house.

His parents sends him to his room, when the room magically transforms into a jungle. He then proceeds to travel to an island inhabited by "Wild Things" and meets the Wild Things there. 

Where the Wild Things Are

product imageBUY HEREq

14. Where the Sidewalk Ends

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="502"] Image source: Amazon[/caption]

Shel Silverstein's Where the Sidewalk Ends is a collection of silly poems and cartoons. It entertained us as children when it was originally published in 1974, and it will surely entertain children now!

Where the Sidewalk Ends

product imageBUY HERE

15. Everyone Poops

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="503"]best kids books Image source: Amazon[/caption]

It's written by Taro Gomi with illustrations by Amanda Mayer Stinchecum. It's a treatise on that basic bodily function we like to call pooping, told with grace and humour.

Everyone Poops

product imageBUY HERE

16. Elephant and Piggie

[caption id="attachment_283133" align="aligncenter" width="496"]best kids books Image source: Amazon[/caption]

Written and illustrated by Mo Willems, the Elephant and Piggie series is about two best friends who learn all kind of lessons from low-stakes moral dilemmas.

Elephant and Piggie

product imageBUY HERE

17. A Bear Called Paddington

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="505"] Image source: Amazon[/caption]

Written by Michael Bond with illustrations by Peggy Fortnum, A Bear Called Paddington is the classic story of the iconic bear called Paddington, who is known for his blue jacket charms, his charming clumsiness, and ridiculous antics.

A Bear Called Paddington

product imageBUY HERE

Best kids books for ages 8+

18. Charlotte's Web

[caption id="attachment_283138" align="aligncenter" width="450"]best kids books Image source: Amazon[/caption]

E.B. White's Charlotte's Web has been a favourite of young readers since it was published in 1952. The book touches on important things like friendship, change, and the miracles of life and death. 

Charlotte’s Web

product imageBUY HERE

19. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="501"] Image source: Amazon[/caption]

Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is the classic tale of the wildly famous (and famously wild) chocolate factory and the five lucky children who were given a tour of the factory by the enigmatic and strange Willy Wonka.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

product imageBUY HERE

20. Matilda

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Image source: Amazon[/caption]

We're pretty much unabashed at adding another Roald Dahl story in this list. Frankly, we think he's one of the best children's writers the world has ever read.

Matilda is the story of a highly intelligent five-and-a-half-year-old girl named Matilda, a widely read child. She pulls pranks on the adults around her because she's being constantly neglected and abandoned. Matilda then befriends a teacher who recognizes her abilities. She eventually uses her abilities for good and rises to the top of the class.

Matilda

product imageBUY HERE

21. Madeline

[caption id="attachment_283136" align="aligncenter" width="490"] Image source: Amazon[/caption]

The widely popular Madeline series of books is written and illustrated by Ludwig Bemelmans. It follows the story of a spunky French girl who goes through the trials of boarding school (and at one point, the removal of her appendix) with aplomb and poise. 

Madeline

product imageBUY HERE

22. Coraline

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="504"] Image source: Amazon[/caption]

The book tells the story of a young girl called Coraline, who moves to a new house and discovers a lurking evil. She manages to outwit and defeat the unspeakable evil who's about to destroy her family using her guts, her wits, and bravery in the face of fear.

Coraline

product imageBUY HERE

23. A Series of Unfortunate Events

[caption id="attachment_380384" align="aligncenter" width="502"] Image source: Adapted from Amazon[/caption]

Written by Lemony Snicket (Daniel Handler) with illustrations by Brett Helquist, the 13-book series follows the story of the Baudelaire children: Violet, Klaus, and Sunny. After the mysterious fire that destroyed their family home and killed their parents, the children go on a journey to seek a new home.

They are pursued by a villain by the name of Count Olaf who is after their family fortune. Using their wits, bravery, and the unbreakable bond of siblings, they manage to overcome Count Olaf and his schemes.

A Series of Unfortunate Events

product imageBUY HERE

24. The Womps: Pinto’s Pinky Promises 

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Photo: EPIGRAM Books[/caption]

Pinto is the king of pinky promises—or so he thinks. While he enjoys locking fingers and making pinky promises with all his friends, can he walk the talk? 

In the first book of 'The Womps' book series by Samantha Han, meet Pinto, So-ya, Kofi, and Chick Bee—a fun and furry bunch of characters who don’t always get things right the first time.

The Womps: Pinto’s Pinky Promises

product imageBUY HERE

More best kids books

The best thing about really good children's books is there are so many good ones to choose from out there, such as those from Amazon Singapore, Kinokuniya Singapore and Epigram Books. There are so many of them from across time and space, in different languages, that one childhood isn't enough to read them all. If you're looking for more best kids books out there, you check out Time's 100 Best Children's Book list. Teach your kids the love of reading and they will love it for a lifetime.

ALSO READ: Teach your kids how to love books at a young age

Editor's note: The product links provided here are aimed to help simplify product searches for our readers. Purchase the items at your own discretion. We do not take liability for any transaction issues and dispute. If you purchase an item from this post, theAsianparent may receive a small cut. Each item and price is up to date at the time of publication; however, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.
img

Written by

Paul

Share this article

Got a parenting concern? Read articles or ask away and get instant answers on our app. DownloadtheAsianparent Community on iOS or Android now!

  • Books For Children: Top 10 Best For Your Kids To Read

    Books For Children: Top 10 Best For Your Kids To Read

  • Best techniques to teach your child to read

    Best techniques to teach your child to read

  • I Try Tracy Lee's Hack for Egg Tarts and It's So Easy That Even Kids Can Make it

    I Try Tracy Lee's Hack for Egg Tarts and It's So Easy That Even Kids Can Make it

  • 'Family is Priceless': Malaysian Man in Singapore Rents 2 Buses So He and 60 Other Strangers Can Join Their Families for CNY

    'Family is Priceless': Malaysian Man in Singapore Rents 2 Buses So He and 60 Other Strangers Can Join Their Families for CNY

  • Books For Children: Top 10 Best For Your Kids To Read

    Books For Children: Top 10 Best For Your Kids To Read

  • Best techniques to teach your child to read

    Best techniques to teach your child to read

  • I Try Tracy Lee's Hack for Egg Tarts and It's So Easy That Even Kids Can Make it

    I Try Tracy Lee's Hack for Egg Tarts and It's So Easy That Even Kids Can Make it

  • 'Family is Priceless': Malaysian Man in Singapore Rents 2 Buses So He and 60 Other Strangers Can Join Their Families for CNY

    'Family is Priceless': Malaysian Man in Singapore Rents 2 Buses So He and 60 Other Strangers Can Join Their Families for CNY

Get advice on your pregnancy and growing baby. Sign up for our newsletter
  • Pregnancy
    • Baby
    • Education
    • Events
    • Allergies & Conditions
  • Family Occasions
    • Breastfeeding & Formula
    • Child Safety
    • Health
    • Diseases-Injuries
  • Lifestyle
    • Home
    • Money
    • Feeding & Nutrition
    • Diet & Weightloss
  • Normal Delivery
    • Cesarean Delivery
    • Behaviour
    • Secondary School
    • Formula Feeding
  • Ages & Stages
    • Latching & Concerns
    • Festivals & Holidays
    • Education
    • Pre-teen & Teen
  • More
    • TAP Community
    • Advertise With Us
    • Contact Us
    • Become a Contributor


  • Singapore flag Singapore
  • Thailand flag Thailand
  • Indonesia flag Indonesia
  • Philippines flag Philippines
  • Malaysia flag Malaysia
  • Sri-Lanka flag Sri Lanka
  • India flag India
  • Vietnam flag Vietnam
  • Australia flag Australia
  • Japan flag Japan
  • Nigeria flag Nigeria
  • Kenya flag Kenya
© Copyright theAsianparent 2023. All rights reserved
About Us|Team|Privacy Policy|Terms of Use |Sitemap HTML
  • Tools
  • Articles
  • Feed
  • Poll

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn MoreOk, Got it

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn MoreOk, Got it

theAsianparent heart icon
We’d like to send you notifications for the latest news and lifestyle updates.