50 Timeless Children’s Books Your Kid Needs to Read

This classic bedtime book is the perfect read for when the sun goes down. A friendly rabbit wishes sweet "goodnights" to everyone — and everything — in an effort to prolong falling asleep. By the time the last page turns, it's lights out.

The answer to how much we love this book: a lot! This is the tale of Little Nutbrown Hare on a mission to show his dad how much he loves him. Spoiler alert: It gets even sweeter at the end when Little Nutbrown Hare reveals his love for his dad is right up to the moon — because that's only half of the love Big Nutbrown Hare has for him! Aww ...

Dedicated to everybunny who ever felt different, this LGBT-friendly children's book is a whimsical way of introducing the idea of same-sex parents and relationships to little ones. You have the creative geniuses behind Last Week Tonight with John Oliver to thank for this one. 

This board book’s a must-have for story time with a tot. Majestic animals and entertaining rhymes fill each page, and it's the perfect tool for getting children familiar with different types of animals, from frogs to cats to horses! The vibrant photos will keep any toddler's attention.

In this sweet storybook, Barley the baby bear and his mama curl up in their favorite cuddle spot and have caring conversations about Barley's adoption. This book is a must-have for adoptive families and it's honestly a heartwarming and touching bedtime book for just about any family. 

In this children's book, Bella Bear and Mama Bear have a to-do list packed with errands to check off for the day, but Bella is lagging behind. In an unexpected twist, Mama Bear decides to disregard the list of responsibilities and spend the day relaxing and playing. The mother-cub duo end up having a wonderful time together! 

This Caldecott Medal-winning story book by Ezra Jack Keats was published in 1962. It was the first mainstream American children's book to feature a black main character. Plus, the dreamy story of snowfall captures the essence of wintertime excitement flawlessly. 

Read this book to your kid, and they'll never lose that snow spirit!

Get ready for rounds of hysterical giggle fits to ensue as you work your way through The Wonky Donkey with your kiddo. The endearing protagonist, Wonky Donkey, has only three legs. The tale takes the reader through the wacky story until it becomes impossible to hold the laughter in. 

This fable by Mexican storyteller Duncan Tonatiuh illustrates the hardships that a rabbit family faces after their lettuce field dries up and they embark on a journey heading north. The protagonist, Pancho, comes across a coyote who joins him on the journey. 

Though a lighthearted read, this book mirrors the very real struggles families face by illegally crossing the border in hopes for a better future. This read is an important one to share with all children.

This book features clever, rhythmic rhymes, which make for a fun bedtime story experience for all. It starts with a parent and child wondering how different animals kiss goodnight, and leads through all of the different possibilities. Your little one will likely have fallen asleep before you can even kiss her goodnight!

This popular title is at the top of every Dr. Seuss books list. In this classic story of kids bored on a rainy day, a giant cat wearing a red and white striped hat suddenly appears with his buddies, Thing One and Thing Two. The unexpected visitors create such havoc, Sally and her brother wonder if they'll get the mess cleaned up before their mom sees.

More: Must-Read Books From The Dr. Seuss Collection

This dreamy, heartfelt read is the perfect book for any parent to pick up when they're ready to inspire their child to sleep. The warmth of the messages in the book will touch any adult's heart, and kiddos fall into a deep, peaceful slumber while listening to the soothing sound of a calm adult's voice.

Featuring the silly and humorous poetry Dr. Seuss is known for, it's hard to believe that this iconic book consists of just 50 words! As a master of language and rhyme, Dr. Seuss, through the character of Sam-I-Am, manages to convince both kids and adults alike that a plate of green eggs and ham is the most delicious thing in the world.

This whimsical, heartfelt picture book is a classic children's book that you and your kid will never forget. Follow the main character, Max, on his adventure with the "wild things," who are a bit funnier than they are scary.

This classic collection by Arnold Lobel has been cherished since its release in the '80s. The set contains four tales: Frog and Toad Are Friends, Frog and Toad Together, Frog and Toad All Year, and Days with Frog and Toad. Each story details the adventurous bond between the two very best friends. 

You know Harold – and so should your kids! The upbeat story of Harold's journey with his purple crayon features fun surprises throughout the read. 

Fact: After getting through this story, you'll want an oversized purple crayon of your very own.

Do you remember Room 207? It's the classroom where the kids were launching paper airplanes, filling the room with laughter, and shooting spitballs to the ceiling. The warm teacher of the classroom, Miss Nelson, leaves the school, and she's replaced by nasty Miss Viola.

Published in 1969, this charming tale explores the facets of friendship. Alexander, a real mouse, realizes that nobody likes him — but everybody loves Willy, a wind-up mouse. It's a light read, with a meaningful message with an impression that will last for a lifetime.

The last book published before before Dr. Seuss's death in 1991, it shares inspirational messages of exploration and self-discovery. It encourages children to find the will to succeed that exists inside of everyone.

The Newbery Award-winning title tells the story of CJ, an African-American child who rides the bus weekly with his grandma. 

CJ's grandma inspires him to cultivate a positive outlook, turning his complaints into gratitude. When CJ asks questions, like why they don't have a car like his friend Colby, she gives him honest, encouraging, and hopeful answers. Set in a busy city, this is a fun, important read for all.

Oh, darling Madeline! In her yellow coat and cute cap, Madeline has been stealing hearts from her Parisian boarding school since 1939. 

"In an old house in Paris that was covered in vines, lived twelve little girls in two straight lines ..."

Full of wacky tongue twisters, the Fox in Socks challenges his friend, Mr. Knox who lives in a box, to recite a series of increasingly complex rhymes. It's not a book you can read five times fast, but it's one you and your kids will love to read over and over again.

A whimsical story, The Giving Tree is a tale of love, selflessness, and, well, giving. The adorable read can get quite emotional, but it depicts tender aspects of humankind in a way that's digestible for readers of all ages.

This adorable story is perfect for the child who loves spending time at Grandma's house. It comes packed with tips and ideas for having a blast bonding with Grandma, from silly games to play to things to do like bake snickerdoodles.

Matilda is quite spectacular, but her parents don't always make her feel that way. With relief, she heads to school, but only to meet Miss Trunchbull — who's anything but kind to sweet Matilda. The good news? Our beloved protagonist discovers a special power to fight back.

Long before global warming became a hot-button issue, the Lorax warned against mindless progress and the danger it posed to the Earth's environment and natural beauty. Given the current global climate of warmer-than-usual winters, and summers that have turned cooler, Dr. Seuss' cautionary tale is timely reading for us all.

This story never gets old! Where the Sidewalk Ends is another Shel Silverstein classic that will make the reader's heart flutter. With life breathed into unusual objects and happenings that seem to only occur in the strangest of dreams, this enchanting collection of poetry and illustrations is a must-read that all kids will get a kick out of.

Dog Man and Cat Kid is a super popular series written by the author of Captain Underpants. The protagonist, Dog Man, is ready to sniff out a new mystery with his sidekick kitty, Cat Kid. It sounds fun, but the duo must avoid the world's most evil cat, Petey, as they conquer the clues together. 

James and the Giant Peach, another Roald Dahl classic, tells the story of James Henry Trotter, whose parents are eaten by a rhino. He moves in with his aunts, which is a miserable experience. After dropping magic crystals by a peach tree, things change. Just follow the peach ...

A timeless work, The Velveteen Rabbit is a tale about a stuffed hare who, by the doing of a magic fairy (of course!), becomes real. Now he'll be loved until the end of time. "Once you are real you can't become unreal again. It lasts for always."