Getting kids to put down their screens and pick up a book can be tricky, especially if they don’t like reading. But reading books has proven developmental benefits from improved concentration to expanded language and vocabulary skills to empathizing with others. And with all the interesting stories out there, your kids are sure to find a few books that they like. If you need some ideas for entertaining books that your kids won’t want to put down, we’ve collected some great options for all ages, from toddlers to preteens.
We reviewed dozens of books for kids to identify the best of the best. We looked at length, age appropriateness, reading comprehension level, and reviews to pick our top choices. All of these books can be purchased online at Amazon.
Where The Wild Things Are is our choice for the Best Books for Kids Ages 3-6. This classic children’s book is beautifully illustrated and a favorite for kids and parents to read together.
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated Books For Kids
| Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Book for Kids Ages 3-6 | Where The Wild Things Are | 4.8 |
| Best Book for Kids Ages 6-9 | Magic Tree House Boxed Set | 4.8 |
| Best Book for Kids Ages 9-12 | Percy Jackson and the Olympians Boxed Set | 4.8 |
| Best Nonfiction Book for Kids | National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Why | 4.8 |
| Best Classic Book for Kids | Dr. Seuss's Beginner Book Collection | 4.9 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
Best Book for Kids Ages 3-6: Where The Wild Things Are
The well loved book, Where The Wild Things Are, tells the story of a young boy named Max, who after dressing in a wolf suit and causing mischief around his house is sent to bed without supper. While in a rage, his room becomes a jungle and he sails to an island full of creatures called “Wild Things”. Max is made King of the Wild Things and though they start running around having a wild rumpus, he realizes that he misses home and decides to travel back.
This charming book is a nice mix of text and pictures for younger kids. The illustrations are whimsical and the monsters aren’t too scary. It’s a classic story that both young kids and adults enjoy reading together. Reviewers say this book teaches kids the importance of imagination, understanding and managing anger, and that your family loves you. They also say kids as young as 2 and 3 love listening to this book and looking at the illustrations. It’s a great addition to any kid’s book collection.
Where The Wild Things Are Key Features:
- Available in paperback, hardcover, CD, and audiobook
- Written and illustrated by Maurice Sendak
- One of the best loved children’s books
Best Book for Kids Ages 6-9: Magic Tree House Boxed Set
For kids in elementary school who are starting to read chapter books, the Magic Tree House Boxed Set is full of fun and adventure that will match their reading level. This series follows Jack and his younger sister Annie who discover a magical tree house in the woods near their house. Every time they visit the treehouse, it takes them on a new magical adventure, from the prehistoric times to a medieval castle to ancient Egypt. Readers learn a bit about each place while Jack and Annie figure out how to get home.
This set includes the first 4 books in the series: Dinosaurs Before Dark, The Knight at Dawn, Mummies in the Morning, and Pirates Past Noon. There are 28 books in the Magic Tree House Series for younger readers, as well as another 27 books as part of the Magic Tree House Merlin Mission Books series. The Merlin Mission Books feature the same main characters, but are written for older readers. Reviewers say these books are great for young readers who are ready to advance to chapter books, and that these books are easy enough for kids to read themselves. They also say younger children enjoy Jack and Annie’s adventures and like having these stories read to them.
Magic Tree House Boxed Set Key Features:
- Set includes books 1-4: Dinosaurs Before Dark, The Knight at Dawn, Mummies in the Morning, and Pirates Past Noon
- Written by Mary Pope Osborne
- Great for kids whose reading is advancing to include chapter books
Best Book for Kids Ages 9-12: Percy Jackson and the Olympians Boxed Set
The Percy Jackson and the Olympians 5 Book Boxed Set is great for older kids who love fantasy books. This series tells the tale of Percy Jackson, a 12 year old boy who thinks he’s pretty normal, until he is attacked by a minotaur, finds himself at summer camp and discovers that the Greek mythology is real. The camp is actually a training camp full of half-blood demigods, not so mythical creatures, and adventures around every corner. Kids can follow Percy and his friends as they search for Zeus’s stolen lightning bolt, protect Camp Half-Blood, battle Titans, try to save both Mount Olympus and New York City, and face all sorts of mythical monsters and Greek gods and demigods during their adventures.
Included in this set are all 5 books in the series: The Lightning Thief, The Sea of Monsters, The Titan’s Curse, The Battle of the Labyrinth, and The Last Olympian. Kids love this fantasy series and say it is fun, full of adventure, and easy to read. Parents say in the reviews that this series completely entertains their children and recommend it to kids who like fantasy series like Harry Potter.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians Boxed Set Key Features:
- Includes all 5 books in the series: The Lightning Thief, The Sea of Monsters, The Titan’s Curse, The Battle of the Labyrinth, and The Last Olympian
- Written by Rick Riordan
- Available in paperback, hardcover, and Kindle editions
Best Nonfiction Book for Kids: National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Why
Perfect for preschool aged kids who start asking “why?”, the National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Why is a great source to help you answer those questions. Full of fun and easy to understand facts, this book uses a question and answer format to deliver information. It also provides kids with hands-on games, easy recipes, and fun crafts. Aimed at young preschool aged kids, this book answers questions such as “What makes a car go?” and “How does mushy dough become a crispy cookie?”. It’s full of easy to understand and age appropriate answers, as well as colorful photos.
While this book is meant for younger kids, National Geographic also has a version of this book for older kids with more educational and complete answers to more advanced kid questions. Reviewers say this version of the book is perfect for 3-6 year olds who are starting to question everything but don’t necessarily need in depth answers. They say this book gives just enough information to answer kids’ questions without overwhelming them, and that the photos and experiments are fun aids.
National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Why Key Features:
- Available in paperback, hardcover, and Kindle editions
- Written by Amy Shields
- Great for younger kids
Best Classic Book for Kids: Dr. Seuss’s Beginner Book Collection
Dr. Seuss’s Beginner Book Collection contains five beloved books of both kids and adults. This set comes with the classic titles: The Cat in the Hat, One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish, Green Eggs and Ham, Hop on Pop, and Fox in Socks. These books are all fantastic options to read aloud to younger kids or have more advanced readers enjoy on their own.
Written by Theodor Seuss Geisel (Dr. Seuss), these iconic books are well known and loved by generations. They are helpful when teaching young kids to read, yet have advice and lessons that are still relevant to adults. The charming illustrations and fun to read books will be favorites of your kids for years. Reviewers love this set for their kids, and a few even bought them for themselves as adults. They say these books capture even a toddler’s attention, and that children love to read them again and again.
Dr. Seuss’s Beginner Book Collection Key Features:
- Set includes 5 Dr. Seuss books: The Cat in the Hat, One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish, Green Eggs and Ham, Hop on Pop, and Fox in Socks
- Great for younger kids, but loved by older kids as well
- Available in hardcover or Kindle editions
These are only a few of the many amazing books for kids on the market. These options are a great starting place to encourage kids to read and take a break from their electronics and screens. Have older kids as well? Be sure to check out our list of The Best Books For Teens.
