Buzz
Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing
Image courtesy of Random HouseWhile many authors fade into obscurity, a select few who write for children leave an indelible mark. Legends like Dr. Seuss, Beatrix Potter, and E.B. White have brought joy to families for decades with their enduring classics. No bookshelf is complete without the antics of a hat-wearing cat, a kind-hearted spider, or a mischievous rabbit named Peter.
Though Seuss, White, and Potter have long dominated best-seller lists, the 1990s brought a seismic shift. J.K. Rowling, a struggling British author, cast a spell that transformed children's literature. Her debut, "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," introduced a young wizard who captivated the world. With seven books, Rowling soared to become one of history's most successful authors, embedding terms like Hogwarts, Muggle, and Quidditch into our everyday language.
Rowling's triumph reshaped the landscape of children's best-sellers. Publishers Weekly last compiled the list in 2001, long before the 2007 release of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows," which sold 15 million copies in its first day. This staggering feat surpassed the lifetime sales of the long-standing champion, "The Poky Little Puppy," first published in 1942 [sources: Forbes; Random House].
By 2011, J.K. Rowling had sold approximately 450 million Harry Potter books [source: ABC News]. The term "approximately" is used because tracking exact sales figures is as challenging as catching a Golden Snitch in a Quidditch match. In fact, by the time you finish this sentence, hundreds more copies of Harry Potter and Cat in the Hat have likely been purchased.
Proceed to the next page to explore the 20 best-selling children's books of all time, including the staggering sales figures for, dare we say it, Harry Potter. You might even spot a personal favorite or two among them.
20: "Island of the Blue Dolphins"
Island of the Blue Dolphins
Image courtesy of Random HouseAuthor: Scott O'Dell
Copies Sold: 6.6 million
Hardcover
The Children's Literature Association ranked "Island of the Blue Dolphins" among the top 10 American children's books. Inspired by true events, it tells the story of Karana, a 12-year-old Native American girl who leaps from a ship to stay with her younger brother, left behind on an island. After her brother's death, Karana discovers resilience and peace while learning to survive alone.
19: "Where the Red Fern Grows"
Where the Red Fern Grows
Image courtesy of Random HouseAuthor: Wilson Rawls
Copies Sold: 6.7 million
Paperback
Similar to the protagonist Billy, Wilson Rawls cherished his childhood adventures in the woods. Despite not reading a book until high school, Rawls later developed a passion for writing. At one point, he discarded all his manuscripts, only to rewrite them later, encouraged by his wife.
18: "Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing"
Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing
Image courtesy of Random HouseAuthor: Judy Blume
Copies Sold: 7.1 million
Paperback
Judy Blume drew inspiration for "Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing" from a newspaper story about a child swallowing a small pet turtle. Initially, she wrote the manuscript as a picture book titled "Peter, Fudge and Dribble." Encouraged by an editor to expand the story, Blume developed Peter Hatcher, his family, and his mischievous younger brother Fudge. This book marked the beginning of Blume's beloved "Fudge" series.
17: "The Cat in the Hat"
The Cat in the Hat
Image courtesy of Random HouseAuthor: Dr. Seuss
Copies Sold: 7.2 million
Hardcover
Dr. Seuss and his whimsical cat in a hat have taught countless children to read. In the 1950s, critics argued that children's books lacked excitement and failed to captivate young minds. This changed when Dr. Seuss, also known as Theodor Geisel, introduced "The Cat in the Hat," a story about a playful feline who entertains two siblings on a rainy day. Though not his first work, Seuss believed this book would make a significant impact. Before its release, he remarked, "We have the potential to spark a major conversation about why Johnny can't read."
16: "Scuffy the Tugboat"
Scuffy the Tugboat
Image courtesy of Random HouseAuthor: Gertrude Crampton
Copies Sold: 7.3 million
Hardcover
Thomas Wolfe famously claimed that one can never return home, but he clearly wasn't referring to Scuffy the Tugboat. Scuffy, destined for grander adventures, found sailing in a bathtub too limiting. Guided by the man in the polka dot tie, Scuffy embarks on a journey down a vast river, discovering the wonders—and challenges—of the world. Ultimately, Scuffy realizes the bathtub is where he truly belongs. "This is the perfect place for a red-painted tugboat," Scuffy declares upon returning. "And this is the life for me."
15: "The Saggy Baggy Elephant"
The Saggy Baggy Elephant
Image courtesy of Random HouseAuthor: Kathryn and Byron Jackson
Copies Sold: 7.4 million
Hardcover
Sookie (not to be confused with Charlene Harris's vampire-loving Sookie Stackhouse) is a typical elephant with a long trunk and wrinkled skin. However, when a rude parrot mocks his appearance, Sookie becomes deeply self-conscious. His confidence is restored when he encounters others who share his traits. Written in 1947, "The Saggy Baggy Elephant" remains relevant in today's appearance-focused society.
14: "Pat the Bunny"
Pat the Bunny
Image courtesy of Random HouseAuthor: Dorothy Kunhardt
Copies Sold: 7.5 million
Hardcover
Before creating "Pat the Bunny," Dorothy Kunhardt was already a celebrated children's author. She believed books should be more than just words on a page. When crafting "Pat the Bunny" for her 3-year-old daughter, Edith, Kunhardt included interactive "touch and feel" features to engage young readers.
13: "Love You Forever"
Love You Forever
Image courtesy of Barnes & NobleAuthor: Robert Munsch
Hardcover/Paperback Sold: 7.9 million
Robert Munsch, who once worked in a daycare, discovered that storytelling could quiet children during naptime. "Love You Forever" has since become a beloved bedtime story for countless parents, helping to soothe their little ones to sleep. Thank you, Robert Munsch.
12: "Green Eggs and Ham"
Green Eggs and Ham
Image courtesy of Random HouseAuthor: Dr. Seuss
Copies Sold: 8.1 million
Hardcover
"Green Eggs and Ham" stands as Dr. Seuss's most beloved work, with over 8 million copies sold since its release in 1960. Using just 50 simple words, Seuss crafts a tale where Sam-I-Am persistently tries to persuade a skeptical character of the deliciousness of green eggs and ham.
11: "Tootle"
Tootle
Image courtesy of Random HouseAuthor: Gertrude Crampton
Copies Sold: 8.5 million
Hardcover
Tootle is a young locomotive with dreams of becoming the Flyer on the New York to Chicago route. To achieve this, Tootle must attend school and master the art of staying on track. However, distractions like chasing butterflies, picking flowers, and racing horses make the journey challenging.
10: "The Tale of Peter Rabbit"
The Tale of Peter Rabbit
Image courtesy of Barnes & NobleAuthor: Beatrix Potter
Copies Sold: 9.3 million
Hardcover
Originally published in 1902, Beatrix Potter not only authored this timeless tale of the mischievous Peter Rabbit but also illustrated it herself. Potter honed her painting and drawing skills by using her pet mice, birds, lizards, and snakes as subjects.
9: "The Outsiders"
The Outsiders
Image courtesy of Barnes & NobleAuthor: S.E. Hinton
Copies Sold: 9.6 million
Paperback
Authored by a teenager for a teenage audience, "The Outsiders" is a coming-of-age novel written by S.E. Hinton in the 1960s. The story's characters, especially its narrator, Ponyboy Curtis, grapple with the challenges of adolescence and emotional turmoil.
8: "Charlotte's Web"
Charlotte's Web
Image courtesy of Barnes & NobleAuthor: E.B. White
Hardcover/Paperback Sold: 11.3 million
Who could ever forget the pig who rose to fame with the help of his loyal friend Charlotte and a lively barnyard crew? E.B. White, who also wrote "Stuart Little," found writing challenging but persevered. His dedication paid off when he received the National Medal for Literature in 1971.
7: "The Poky Little Puppy"
The Poky Little Puppy
Image courtesy of Random HouseAuthor: Jannette Sebring Lowery
Copies Sold: 14.8 million
Hardcover
Before the era of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, "The Poky Little Puppy," written by Jannette Sebring Lowery and illustrated by Gustaff Tenggren, reigned as the best-selling children's book of all time. It was one of the original 12 Little Golden Books.
6: "The Very Hungry Caterpillar"
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Image courtesy of Barnes & NobleAuthor: Eric Carle
Copies Sold: 35 million
Eric Carle captures a universal truth: caterpillars are insatiable. In "The Very Hungry Caterpillar," the titular character devours everything in sight, from plums and pickles to Swiss cheese and salami. While caterpillars have short lives, transforming into butterflies, this particular caterpillar has been delighting readers since 1969.
5: "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows"
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
Image courtesy of ScholasticAuthor: J.K. Rowling
Hardcover/Paperback Sold: 44 million
Without revealing any spoilers for those who haven't read the final Harry Potter installment, this book sees Harry face off against He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. Upon its release in 2007, it sold 15 million copies within the first 24 hours [source: Forbes].
4: "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban; Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire; Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix"
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Image courtesy of ScholasticAuthor: J.K. Rowling
Hardcover/Paperback Sold: 55 million
The third, fourth, and fifth books in the Harry Potter series are tied as the third best-selling books of all time. Harry Potter's enchanting world turned J.K. Rowling from a mother relying on public assistance into one of the wealthiest individuals globally.
3: "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets"
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Image courtesy of ScholasticAuthor: J.K. Rowling
Hardcover/Paperback Sold: 60 million
In the second book of the Harry Potter series, Harry returns to Hogwarts after a miserable summer with the Dursleys. Back at school, he discovers he can suddenly speak Parseltongue, the language of snakes. However, this pales in comparison to the mystery of students being petrified at Hogwarts.
2: "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince"
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Image courtesy of ScholasticAuthor: J.K. Rowling
Hardcover/Paperback Sold: 65 million
The sixth installment in the series delves into the growing divide in the wizarding world as the conflict with the dark Lord Voldemort escalates. Harry, alongside Dumbledore, works tirelessly to uncover the intricate history of Tom Riddle, the boy who would become the dark lord.
1: "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone"
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
Image courtesy of ScholasticAuthor: J.K. Rowling
Hardcover/Paperback Sold: 107 million
Released in 1997, "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" marked J.K. Rowling's debut novel about the young, bespectacled wizard and his adventures. Just before turning 11, Harry, living with his dreadful aunt and uncle, receives an owl-delivered letter inviting him to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Today, it stands as the sixth best-selling book of all time, trailing only "The Book of Mormon" by Joseph Smith. The rest, as they say, is history.
