The Essential Reading List: Top 20 Best Selling Children’s Books

top 20 best selling children's books
Table of Contents

Criteria for Selection: What Makes a Book a Gem?

Our list of the best-selling children’s books isn’t just about the numbers. It’s a melange of popularity, critical acclaim, and the indelible mark they leave on culture and young minds alike. Each book is a mosaic piece of popular children’s literature, withstanding the test of time and the fluctuation of trending kids’ book releases. We’ve sifted through children’s book rankings, educational children’s reads, and parent-approved kids’ literature to curate a list that resonates with the chorus of childhood.

top 20 best selling children's books
From classics to new favorites, explore the essential reading list for kids.

Top 20 Best Selling Children’s Books: The Crème de la Crème

Here at Multicultural Bookstore, we present the essential reading list – books that have captured hearts and stirred the imaginations of multiple generations. These stories have become friends, teachers, and treasured memories.

List with Book Covers and Authors

Charlotte’s Web, E.B. White

A tender novel that captures the fragile web of life through the friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a wise spider named Charlotte. Beyond a tale of friendship, this is an ode to the cycle of life, a narrative that tenderly addresses themes of love, loss, and acceptance with prose that is at once both simple and potent.

Cover art for the book Charlotte's Web written by E. B. White

First Little Readers Parent Pack, Deborah Schecter

Designed to ignite a spark for reading in the early stages, this collection of stories is both a learning tool and a source of fun. Each book is a stepping stone, guiding young readers through the joys of narrative and the thrill of a newfound ability—reading on their own.

First Little Readers Parent Pack

The Drawing Book for Kids, Woo! Jr. Kids Activities

This book is an art teacher and a companion rolled into one, conveniently bound for every day of the year. Its pages encourage children to harness their inner artist, offering a place where pencils can dance and imaginations can soar through the simplicity of drawing.

Cover art for the book The Drawing Book for Kids 365 Daily Things to Draw

I Wish You More, Amy Krouse Rosenthal & Tom Lichtenheld

An inspiriting cascade of good wishes, this book extends beyond the usual storybook. It’s a series of hopeful affirmations for life’s journey, placing an emphasis on the generous, optimistic, and loving wishes we hold for our children as they grow.

Cover art for the book I Wish You More by Amy Krouse Rosenthal & Tom Lichtenheld

Baby’s First Words, Christiane Engel

This easy-to-use book is perfect for little ones, mirroring how toddlers naturally learn to speak. It introduces simple, everyday words—common objects, actions, location words, descriptors, and sounds—that are usually the first to emerge in a child’s vocabulary as they start to explore language.

Cover art for Baby's First Words, Christiane Engel

Japanese Children’s Favorite Stories

The Children’s Favorite Stories series was created to share the folktales and legends most beloved by children in the East with young readers of all backgrounds in the West. Other multicultural children’s books in this series include: Asian Children’s Favorite Stories, Indian Children’s Favorite Stories, Indonesian Children’s Favorite Stories, Singapore Children’s Favorite Stories, Filipino Favorite Children’s Stories, Favorite Children’s Stories from China & Tibet, Chinese Children’s Favorite Stories, Korean Children’s Favorite Stories, Balinese Children’s Favorite Stories, and Vietnamese Children’s Favorite Stories.

Japanese Children's Favorite Stories by Yoshisuke Kurosaki

Everywhere Babies

Every day, everywhere, babies are born. They’re kissed and dressed and rocked and fed–and completely adored by the families who love them. Marla Frazee’s popular books include two Caldecott Honor winners, the Clementine series, and The Boss Baby, among many others.

Cover art for Everywhere Babies by Meyers and Frazee

Between Us and Abuela: A Family Story from the Border

It’s almost time for Christmas, and Maria is traveling with her mother and younger brother, Juan, to visit their grandmother on the border of California and Mexico to celebrate Las Posadas. This heartwarming tale of multi-cultural families and the miracle of love was award-winning author Mitali Perkins’s debut picture book.

Cover art for Between Us and Abuela by Perkins and Palacios

My Kindergarten Workbook, Brittany Lynch

This workbook is a treasure chest of challenges that transforms mundane learning into a game-like exploration. It’s replete with colorful activities that are educational, engaging, and crafted to build on the foundational skills necessary for a successful start in school.

Bookstore in Las Vegas MKGWB Brittany Linch

The Giving Tree, Shel Silverstein

A beautifully crafted narrative about unconditional love and selfless sacrifice. It’s a book that’s both elemental and profound, teaching children about generosity and the depth of true giving through the relationship between a boy and his tree.

Bookstore in Las Vegas The Giving Tree Shel Silverstein

Dr. Seuss’s ABC, Dr. Seuss

With a zany cast of characters, this book takes readers on a whimsical romp through the alphabet. Dr. Seuss’s imaginative illustrations and playful rhymes make for a highly memorable and enjoyable way to learn ABCs and encourage a love of words.

Bookstore in Las Vegas Dr. Seusss ABC Dr. Seuss

Blank Comic Book For Kids, Blank Books ‘N’ Journals

This book is an open-ended canvas for storytelling, offering structured templates where young artists can craft their own comics. It’s an inventive way to foster narrative skills and artistic expression in a format that kids adore.

Bookstore in Las Vegas Blank Comic Book For Kids Blank Books N Journals

No, David!, David Shannon

A reflection of childhood naughtiness and the unconditional love of parenting. The book’s repetitive phrase resonates with any child who has ever tested boundaries, and its illustrations are a delight, capturing the chaos and charm of youth.

Bookstore in Las Vegas No David David Shannon

In My Heart, Jo Witek & Christine Roussey

This interactive picture book dives into the array of emotions that can fill a child’s heart. With poetic language and engaging visuals, it empowers kids to name and understand their own emotional world.

Bookstore in Las Vegas In My Heart Jo Witek Christine Roussey

Pinkalicious 12-Book Phonics Fun!, Victoria Kann

Packaged in a vibrant box set, this phonics learning series is as sweet as its titular character. Each book focuses on a specific phonetic sound, mingling learning with the bubbly world of Pinkalicious and her pinkerrific adventures.

Bookstore in Las Vegas Pinkalicious 12 Book Phonics Fun Victoria Kann

Eating the Alphabet, Lois Ehlert

A delicious way to get to know the alphabet, this book offers a serving of letters and introduces young readers to a variety of fruits and vegetables. It’s a visual feast that entices the palate and the mind, cultivating both healthy eating and language learning.

Bookstore in Las Vegas Eating the Alphabet Lois Ehlert

A is for Apple, Tiger Tales & Georgie Birkett

This interactive book not only teaches the alphabet but also entices little fingers to trace and learn the shape of each letter. The words and vibrant illustrations spark imagination and serve as an early primer to the wonders of language.

Bookstore in Las Vegas A is for Apple Tiger Tales Georgie Birkett

How to Steal a Dog, Barbara O’Connor

Tackling complex themes like poverty and ethical dilemmas, this book engages children with a gripping story that challenges them to consider right from wrong. It’s a thought-provoking tale that encourages deeper understanding and empathy.

Bookstore in Las Vegas How to Steal a Dog Barbara OConnor

All the Things, Alli Koch & Paige Tate & Co.

A guidebook to drawing that makes art accessible and enjoyable. Through simple, step-by-step instructions, it helps children realize that the power to create is in their hands, fostering confidence in their artistic abilities.

Bookstore in Las Vegas All the Things Alli Koch Paige Tate Co

The Complete Illustrated Children’s Bible, Janice Emmerson

A comprehensive and beautifully illustrated collection that brings biblical stories to a young audience. It serves as an early guide to religious education and moral understanding through the powerful medium of storytelling.

Bookstore in Las Vegas The Complete Illustrated Childrens Bible Janice Emmerson

Key Themes and Messages

In each book, a universe unfolds. Whether it’s learning resilience and the bittersweet nature of life with Charlotte or exploring the tactile wonders of language with Dr. Seuss, these stories are more than words on a page. They’re the comforting voice in the night, the gentle nudge towards greatness, and the whisper of imagination that says, “Let’s go further.”

top 20 best selling children's books
From adventure to fantasy, these top 20 children’s books have something for everyone

Explore the World at Multicultural Bookstore

Multicultural Bookstore is more than a destination; it’s an experience in diversity and discovery. As Las Vegas’s first multicultural bookstore, we are a proud beacon of inclusivity and a passionate advocate for the enriching power of literature. Within our walls, you’ll find a thoughtfully curated collection that celebrates diverse voices and spans all genres, meeting the needs of our global community of readers.

Come in and be part of our world; our shelves are not just filled with stories—they’re brimming with gateways to new perspectives and vibrant cultures. Whether you’re seeking community-driven events, educational programs for youngsters, or simply your next great read, Multicultural Bookstore is your stepping stone into the fantastic world of books. Visit us or reach out today, and let us connect you with stories that will open windows to the world.

A Bookshelf of Boundless Possibilities

In the end, these books are more than just a convenient resource. They are a legacy of laughter, learning, and love, shared between the pages and passed down through generations. As you tuck in your little one, ignite their passion for reading, and share in the stories of the top 20 best-selling children’s books, remember – you’re not just reading. You’re creating moments that, like the finest childhood tales, will last a lifetime. Welcome to the world of imagination and joy, where every book is a doorway to a new adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the current best-selling children’s books?

Current best-sellers often reflect trending themes and popular characters, but the classics continue to rule the roost.

How are best-selling children’s books determined? 

Rankings are typically based on a combination of sales data, critical reception, and popularity among readers.

How can I encourage my child to start reading more?

 Creating a reading-friendly environment at home and letting children choose books that interest them can significantly boost their reading habits.

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