Books That Should Be in Every Kid’s Library

Where the Wild Things Are, by Maurice Sendak
The first time reading this book to a little one is pure magic—but fortunately for parents, so is the 500th time. Sendak’s brilliant tale of a boy’s journey into a strange and wondrous land is a classic that belongs on the shelf of every young reader.

The Day the Crayons Quit, by Drew Daywalt and Oliver Jeffers
One day Duncan opens his crayon box only to realize that his beloved art supplies have gone on strike. Blue is sick of coloring in skies; Black is tired of only being used to outline. This sharp, funny book will have kids appreciating how much their crayons do for them, and urging them to stay on the job!

The Giving Tree, by Shel Silverstein
Silverstein’s classic story of the friendship between a little boy and the selfless tree who loves him is sure to inspire plenty of thoughtful conversations about the true nature of friendship. No matter how well you know the story, it still packs an emotional wallop each time you reach the end.

Where the Sidewalk Ends, by Shel Silverstein
Another Silverstein classic, this book of rhyming poems has a silliness that kids can’t get enough of—but it’s also got a subversive charm that speaks to adults. Unforgettable line drawings bring Silverstein’s wild imagination to life. Introduce a child to Shel Silverstein, and you’ll doubtless win him another lifelong fan.

This Book Just Ate My Dog, by Richard Byrne
Bella was minding her own business and taking her dog for a walk when he disappeared—into the gutter of the book you’re reading right now! Not only that, but a series of rescuers proceed to find the same fate. Will Bella find her dog and set things right? This mind-bending tale will set kids’ imaginations loose.

Peanut Butter and Cupcake, by Terry Border
All Peanut Butter wants is a friend! But Cupcake is busy, Hamburger has other things going on, and Egg is cracking himself up without any help. Will Peanut Butter find a friend? Or is it a lost cause? This book is filled with wacky illustrations of anthropomorphic food, which is highly entertaining in itself—but even better, it’s even got a rhyming refrain. A tasty addition to any child’s home library.

A Perfectly Messed Up Story, by Patrick McDonnell
Louie is just trying to tell a story—but it keeps getting messed up! He finds this more and more frustrating—until he takes a step back and realizes that actually, his story just might be all right the way it is; imperfections and all. McDonnell brings us a smart, funny book about the perils of perfectionism.

Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening, by Robert Frost
Beautiful illustrations of a wintery wonderland will draw children into the world of Frost’s legendary poem—and the seasonal theme makes this classic, first published in 1978, the perfect holiday gift.

Sam and Dave Dig a Hole, by Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen
Sam and Dave have big plans for their hole-digging expedition, so they’re a bit surprised—and disappointed—when things don’t pan out exactly the way they’d hoped. That is, until something completely unexpected occurs, and turns their whole day around. Delightful illustrations and an engaging storyline will make this one a family favorite.

Marcel the Shell With Shoes On, by Jenny Slate and Dean Fleischer-Camp
Those who have seen the mesmerizing YouTube video in which Marcel the Shell made his auspicious debut already know that he makes a charming and quirky picture book hero. With his sweet, off-the-wall observations and adorable miniature lifestyle (he wears a lentil as a hat), Marcel the Shell is bound to become a modern classic.

Percy Jackson’s Greek Gods, by Rick Riordan and John Rocco
With his trademark wit, Percy Jackson, son of Poseidon, gives us the rundown on everything we’ve ever wanted to know about the Greek gods, but were afraid to ask. With vivid illustrations and a full-color Greek gods family tree created solely for Barnes & Noble, this funny, informative volume is a must-have for young mythology lovers and dabblers alike.

The Giver, by Lois Lowry
Lowry’s unforgettable, award-winning dystopian classic is now available in an exclusive Barnes & Noble Collector’s Edition, which includes a special Q&A with the author as well as a stunning gold foil cover. Required reading for every young adult (and required re-reading for every adult), The Giver is one of those books you turn to again and again.
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