23 Beloved Children’s Books We Can’t Get Enough Of

Do you remember that one special book from your childhood that you couldn’t put down? The one you read repeatedly or begged your parents to read aloud every night? It might have been a charming picture book or the first installment in an epic series of children’s tales. These cherished stories often leave a lasting impression, staying with us long after we’ve grown up. That’s why the Mytour team gathered to reminisce about our most treasured childhood reads. No matter your age, reading preference, or sense of humor, there’s likely a book here that will resonate with you.

1. Magic Tree House Series // Mary Pope Osborne

Whenever Jack and Annie step into their magical tree house, they are transported to a new time and place. The series blends enchantment, intrigue, and educational value seamlessly, making learning feel like an adventure. With 34 books and more on the way, plus companion “Fact Tracker” books exploring the history and science behind the stories, this series is a treasure trove for young readers. —Ellen Gutoskey, Staff Writer

2. Strega Nona // Tomie dePaola

Strega Nona, the village’s beloved witch doctor, owns a magical pasta pot and holds a special place in my heart as a carb-loving legend. When Big Anthony ignores her warnings and meddles with the pot, he nearly drowns the town in spaghetti. This tale can serve as a lesson in obedience and moderation or simply inspire kids to dream of surfing on waves of angel hair pasta, as mine did. —E.G.

3. From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankenweiler // E.L. Konigsburg

Many adults hold dear memories of this timeless tale, where a brother and sister escape home to take up residence in the Metropolitan Museum of Art—while unraveling the mystery of a peculiar statue. E.L. Konigsburg drew inspiration from a visit to the Met, where she spotted a lone popcorn kernel on a roped-off chair. She later mused, “How did that solitary kernel end up on the blue silk chair? Did someone sneak in, sit, and snack under the cover of night?” This curiosity, along with a New York Times article and a family picnic, fueled her imagination. The book earned the Newbury Award in 1967, inspired a film adaptation, and remains a talking point at the Met. —Erin McCarthy, Editor-in-Chief

4. Anne of Green Gables // L.M. Montgomery

Dive into the original escapades of the fiery, red-headed orphan Anne (spelled with an E, of course), whose story inspired a cherished ‘80s miniseries and a modern Netflix adaptation. Lucy Maud Montgomery’s eight-book series chronicles Anne’s journey from her arrival at Green Gables to adulthood, offering something for readers of all ages. —E.M.

5. Gregory, the Terrible Eater // Mitchell Sharmat

Gregory, a young goat, has an unusual appetite for fresh fruits and vegetables instead of the typical goat diet of shoeboxes and tin cans. When his parents finally persuade him to try traditional goat food, he goes overboard and can’t stop devouring everything in sight. Mitchell Sharmat’s delightful tale, brought to life by Jose Aruego and Ariane Dewey’s illustrations, teaches children the importance of balance—a valuable lesson for everyone. —E.M.

6. The Monster at the End of This Book // Jon Stone

A clever and suspenseful story starring Grover from Sesame Street, who takes readers on a thrilling adventure to uncover the identity of a fearsome monster. The twist ending is a standout. —Jake Rossen, Senior Staff Writer

7. Guinness World Records 2020

Though not explicitly aimed at children, this Guinness compilation is packed with stunning photos and incredible human achievements, making it a fantastic tool for sparking discussions and curing boredom. —J.R.

8. The Complete Life and Times of Scrooge McDuck // Don Rosa

Don Rosa’s The Life and Times of Scrooge McDuck isn’t just any comic—it’s the ultimate all-ages graphic novel for introducing kids to the medium. Rosa masterfully chronicles Scrooge’s journey from a hopeful immigrant in Glasgow to becoming the world’s wealthiest duck, boasting a fortune of "five multiplujillion, nine impossibidillion, seven fantasticatrillion dollars and sixteen cents." Filled with romance, adventure, and humor, this Eisner Award-winning tale (Best Serialized Story, 1995) is a timeless classic.

For the best experience, opt for Fantagraphics’ hardcover reprints of both volumes. The vibrant colors of Rosa’s stunning artwork are beautifully preserved, and the elegant slipcase adds a touch of prestige to this remarkable work. —Jay Serafino, Special Projects Editor

9. The True Story of the Three Little Pigs // Jon Scieszka

The True Story of the Three Little Pigs offers a wonderfully mischievous twist on the classic tale. This version is narrated by the Big, Bad Wolf, who claims his actions were misunderstood—he only wanted a cup of sugar, but his sneezing caused chaos. He even argues that eating the pigs was a practical decision after their houses collapsed.

Aimed at kids aged 5 to 8, Jon Scieszka’s edgy storytelling, paired with Lane Smith’s darkly comedic illustrations, makes this a standout. (The duo also created the beloved book .) Perfect for kids with a taste for humor that’s a little offbeat, this story breaks the mold of traditional children’s literature. —J.S.

10. Batman Adventures Volume One // various

As a child, I rarely picked up a book unless it came with a Personal Pan Pizza from Pizza Hut. But comics? I devoured them repeatedly, often until the staples fell out. Among my favorites were the Batman Adventures comics, inspired by Batman: The Animated Series. These all-ages stories feature vibrant art and concise, engaging plots that wrap up neatly in 22 pages.

Batman’s battles with his iconic villains are reimagined with fresh energy, humor, and depth in this collection. Featuring the first 10 issues of the series, it’s a must-have for any young Batman enthusiast. If the Dark Knight isn’t their favorite, similar all-ages comics featuring Superman, Spider-Man, or the X-Men could easily spark a new superhero obsession. —J.S.

11. Bridge to Terabithia // Katherine Paterson

Jesse Aarons prides himself on being the fastest runner in fifth grade—until Leslie Burke, the new girl, outpaces him. Instead of resentment, Jesse admires Leslie’s courage, and the two form an unbreakable bond. Together, they create a magical kingdom called Terabithia in the woods, a refuge from their struggles. However, reality eventually intrudes, forcing Jesse to confront profound loss. Inspired by a real-life event from author Katherine Paterson’s life, this Newbery Medal-winning book (1978) has faced bans due to its mature themes but remains a poignant exploration of resilience for readers aged 10 and up. —Jennifer Wood, Managing Editor

12. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory // Roald Dahl

Even if you’ve watched the movie adaptations, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory remains a delightful read for both kids and adults. The book offers rich details and characters not fully explored in the films, like Roald Dahl’s vivid depictions of Willy Wonka’s whimsical world, Charlie Bucket’s humble life, and the quirky Oompa-Loompas. Plus, it’s worth pondering the practical challenges of having four bedridden grandparents sharing one bed. —J.W.

13. The Giving Tree // Shel Silverstein

Since its 1964 debut, The Giving Tree has become one of Shel Silverstein’s most iconic works, though its publication was initially challenging. Interpreted as either a touching allegory about life’s cycles of giving and receiving or a warning against selfishness, the book’s layered themes made publishers hesitant. Despite its complexity, the story of a boy and his lifelong bond with a tree is a profound read that sparks meaningful conversations with children. —J.W.

14. I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark // Debbie Levy

I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark is one of several children’s books celebrating the iconic Supreme Court Justice, and that’s a fantastic development. While past generations often relied on fictional heroines, Ginsburg—known as The Notorious RBG—has become a real-life role model, especially for young women. This picture book, the first of its kind about Ginsburg, emphasizes that "disagreeing doesn’t make you disagreeable." It chronicles her lifelong battle for equality through her powerful dissents, inspiring kids to recognize the impact of their own voices. —J.W.

15. Dragons Love Tacos // Adam Rubin

If you’re throwing a taco party for your dragon pals, make sure to have plenty of tacos on hand. But whatever you do, do not serve salsa. The consequences of dragons eating salsa are best left to the imagination—or are they? This hilarious story, paired with whimsical illustrations, became a New York Times bestseller for young readers, and its playful humor appeals to adults too. —Kat Long, Science Editor

16. The Story of Ferdinand // Munro Leaf

Ferdinand is a peaceful bull who prefers lounging under his favorite tree and enjoying the scent of flowers over joining bullfights. However, when a bee sting causes him to stomp and snort, he’s mistaken for a fierce bull and taken to the bullring—with unexpected results. Some interpret the story as a pacifist message, while others see it as a call to stay true to oneself. Regardless, Ferdinand’s charming tale has captivated readers for over eight decades. —K.L.

17. Little House in the Big Woods // Laura Ingalls Wilder

Young readers will connect with Laura, the 4-year-old narrator, as she shares her pioneer family’s journey to establish a home in the dense Wisconsin woods during the 1870s. Based on the author’s own life (though not entirely factual), the book captures the trials and joys of living in a log cabin with her parents, older sister Mary, and baby sister Carrie—from autumn harvests to dancing to Pa’s fiddle tunes. Little House in the Big Woods is the first in Wilder’s nine-part semi-autobiographical series. —K.L.

18. Dazzle the Dinosaur // Marcus Pfister

From the creator of The Rainbow Fish, this book combines an engaging story with stunning illustrations. It follows Dazzle, a courageous, glittery dinosaur, and his friend as they embark on a quest—both hindered and helped by Dazzle’s unique spines—to defeat the fearsome Dragonsaurus. —Kerry Wolfe, Staff Editor

19. Mr. Putter and Tabby Collection // Cynthia Rylant

Feeling lonely, Mr. Putter decides to adopt a cat. Instead of a playful kitten, he brings home Tabby, an older cat who, like him, is a little worn around the edges. This heartwarming series captures their growing friendship and the sweet, often funny moments they share. —K.W.

20. Stellaluna // Janell Cannon

Regardless of how your child feels about bats, Stellaluna is impossible to resist. Janell Cannon’s picture book follows a young fruit bat who loses her mother and is taken in by a bird family. With its engaging story, educational value, and stunning illustrations, Stellaluna is an ideal read for young nature enthusiasts and their parents. —Michele Debczak, Senior Staff Writer

21. My Father’s Dragon Series // Ruth Stiles Gannett

This series was one of my first chapter book experiences as a child. The initial book introduces Elmer Elevator, who sets out to rescue a baby dragon trapped on Wild Island. Armed with essentials like gum, lollipops, and a hairbrush, Elmer’s seemingly random items prove surprisingly useful on his quest. —Kristen Richard, Associate Editor

22. The Phantom Tollbooth // Norton Juster

Though aimed at children, I revisited this book annually well into my teenage years and have even shared it with adults, believing its lessons are universal. The tale centers on Milo, a boy who "never knew what to do with himself—not just sometimes, but always." One day, he discovers a magical tollbooth in his room that whisks him to a fantastical world. There, he teams up with a talking watchdog named Tok to rescue two princesses, Rhyme and Reason, from a tower. —K.R.

23. Wednesday is Spaghetti Day // Maryann Cocca-Leffler

Have you ever wondered what your cat does when you’re not around? Apparently, they host a spaghetti party—but only on Wednesdays. This book, which I begged my parents to read repeatedly, follows a group of house cats who gather ingredients to throw the ultimate pasta celebration. Beyond the fun story, the vibrant illustrations are truly captivating. —K.R.