Using five million data points—gathered from questionnaires, reading experts, book reviews, and parental feedback—Literati combines human expertise and innovative technology to curate the best books for kids. Every month, readers receive a box of five books aligned to their interests and reading level, and parents only purchase the books their child loves. 

Literati strives to ensure every book selection is an exciting, perfectly challenging adventure, allowing every child to fall in love with books and excel at reading. Below are this year’s favorites from across eight categories.

Literati’s Kids’ Favorite Books of 2022

Board Books

1. The ABCs of Love by Rose Rossner; illustrated by AndoTwin
2. Wild Animals by Ingela P. Arrhenius
3. My Magical Dragon by Yujin Shin

Girl Power Books

1. Marie Curie: My First Marie Curie by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara; illustrated by Frau Isa
2. Dinosaur Lady: The Daring Discoveries of Mary Anning, the First Paleontologist by Linda Skeers; illustrated by Marta Álvarez Miguéns
3. Women Who Dared: 52 Stories of Fearless Daredevils, Adventurers, and Rebels by Linda Skeers; illustrated by Livi Gosling

Dinosaur Books

1. Play Felt Roarsome Dinosaurs! by Amber Lily & Dan Crisp
2. Bizzy Bear: Dinosaur Safari from Nosy Crow; illustrated by Benji Davies
3. Illumisaurus: Explore the World of Dinosaurs with Your Magic Three Color Lens by Lucy Brownridge

Social-Emotional Learning Books

1. The Cool Bean by Jory John; illustrated by Pete Oswald
2. Tomorrow I’ll Be Brave by Jessica Hische
3. Learn to Go to School by Margot Channing; illustrated by Ilana Excelby

STEM Books

1. Weird But True 10 from National Geographic Kids
2. Our Weather from Little Hippo Books
3. Good Night to Your Fantastic Elastic Brain by JoAnn Deak & Terrence Deak; illustrated by Neely Daggett

Activity Books

1. Puzzle Masters Dot to Dot by Sarah Wade
2. Write and Draw Your Own Comics by Howard Hughes
3. What’s So Funny Diary from Peaceable Kingdom

Chapter Books

1. A Collection of Rudyard Kipling’s Just So Stories
2. Stairway to Doom: A Miss Mallard Mystery by Robert Quackenbush
3. Stick Dog by Tom Watson

Fiction Books

1. A Wolf Called Wander by Rosanne Parry; illustrated by Mónica Armiño
2. Nine by Zach Hines
3. The Terrible Two by Jory John; illustrated by Mac Barnett

List of Winners Includes Most Kept by Kids Book Club Customers in 2022

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Wild Honey from The Moon

by Kenneth Kraegel

Brace yourself for a wild ride as Mother Shrew sets off to save her son from an unexpected illness. The cure? Wild honey from the moon, of course. This picture book contains seven exciting chapters full of twists and turns that’ll take you and your little one on a fantasy-filled adventure. Pace yourselves as Mother Shrew overcomes numerous adversaries on her quest to find the wild honey. As you read, your preschooler can use the book’s vibrant watercolor illustrations to make thoughtful inferences and connections. Wild Honey From the Moon is captivating and creative —and might just be a story you pass down for generations.

Don’t Wake the Dragon

By Bianca Schulz

If you’re looking for the ultimate bedtime story for the tiny tot who loves to say, “I’m not sleepy!” look no further. From the very first page, you learn that the rascal dragon has finally fallen asleep, and it’s up to you and your little one to ensure it remains sleeping. (It’s a bit more challenging and a lot more fun than it sounds!) Using a variety of playful and engaging text, this interactive book sharpens your children’s listening skills (lest they risk waking the dragon!) while simultaneously tuckering them out for their own night of peaceful, fire-snuffed slumber.

Bear and Wolf

By Daniel Salimieri

Invite your curious explorer to join Bear and Wolf, two unlikely strangers who become companions as they explore and bond over their shared home: the snowy woods. They masterfully employ their 5 senses to discover discreet, yet beautiful, aspects of their surroundings—an owl overhead, the fish sleeping under a frozen lake, and so much more. Help your child uncover the beauty of appreciating the little joys in life with one of Daniel Salimieri’s best picture books, brimming with poignant illustrations and moving imagery.

Duck for President

by Doreen Cronin

Now begins the official campaign: Duck for President. Like many presidential candidates, this duck began his life in a humble pond, progressing up the ladder to the position of farmer and governor. You won’t want to miss any stops on the campaign trail of his most ambitious journey yet: running for president. Your preschooler will appreciate the humorous barnyard illustrations and can even gain a basic understanding of democracy along the way. At the same time, you’ll be laughing at the uncanny similarities between the duck and a few well-known politicians.

The Antlered Ship

by Dashka Slater

Marco is an inquisitive fox. And like any curious creature, he has questions… okay, he has a lot of questions. Unfortunately, the other foxes don’t share Marco’s burning need for truth. So when a spectacle of a ship adorned with antlers arrives, Marco joins the crew in search of answers. On this beautifully illustrated quest, your little explorer will find adventure, intrigue, and the answer to a profound secret to friendship. (We won’t give it away, but we’ll give you a hint: asking questions is a marvelous place to start.)

Find the Best Picture Books for Your Kids with Literati

Whether your little one is just beginning to put two-word sentences together or practicing new sight words, picture books are a wonderful place for preschoolers and other young learners to jumpstart a curiosity and love for flipping pages. And here at Literati, we have so many more of the best picture books for your child to discover. 

With Literati’s monthly book club, our team will handpick five curated books tailored to your reader’s comprehension level and interests. Gone are the days of wondering if you’ve found a book they’ll actually like. Instead, you can spend that time reading with them and supporting them on their path to literary success. 
To get the ball rolling, take our personalization quiz to tell us what your learner loves, and we’ll assemble a perfect picture-book box just for them.

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Dragon Post

By Emma Yarlett

If your little one has ever wanted to receive a letter of their own, invite them to open their very own Dragon Post. In this fun tail—err, tale—little Alexander discovers a red dragon in his basement and embarks on a mail-service mission to educate the whole town on how to handle his scaly friend. Letters with dragon-handling tips arrive throughout the story for kids to unfold and read aloud, making it ideal for young minds that thrive on interactive learning. With memorable, poetic language and cartoon-like illustrations, Emma Yarlett weaves an approachable fantasy for vocabulary expansion and reading confidence.

Little Children’s Nature Activity Book

By Rebecca Gilpin

Calling all leaf-pile divers, bug catchers, and butterfly chasers! With Little Children’s Nature Book, your backyard or neighborhood park becomes a whole world of literary exploration. Lace up your sneakers and tackle stimulating activities like mazes, puzzles, dot-to-dots, and drawing—each with the goal of providing your child an up-close experience of nature and new concepts. In an environment your child is ecstatic to be in, they won’t hesitate to confidently turn each page and soar through challenges as smoothly as the kites in the sky. Gifting your child a lasting love of reading and our beautiful planet? We can’t think of a better win-win.

The Cool Bean

By Jory John

This title is a wonderful introduction to puns and wordplay, and captures the hearts of any kid who’s ever wanted to be the coolest bean in school. But what makes a bean cool? Kindness, of course. When this lovable bean starts to feel like an uncool “has-bean,” the resident Cool Beans in school show him that being cool means making people feel included and special. This heartwarming tale will teach your little reader valuable lessons about inclusion and friendship. You might notice them start to share the way stories like this one make them feel—complete with a punny joke or two.

Memoirs of a Hamster

By Devin Scillian

Elementary-school readers will enjoy the humor, art, and thrills aligning in this enriching tale packed with learning opportunities. Life is pure bliss in hamster Seymour’s cage. But when Pearl the Cat comes knocking, he leaps into life outside his home. In this diary-style tale, readers are exposed to the first-person format to build comprehension and empathy with plenty of helpful illustrations in between. Your child won’t be able to resist grabbing their own helmet (and maybe even their diary) and hopping on Seymour’s FuzzyBoy 360 hamster wheel to enjoy the ride!

Wild Honey from The Moon

by Kenneth Kraegel

Brace yourself for a wild ride as Mother Shrew sets off to save her son from an unexpected illness. The cure? Wild honey from the moon, of course. This picture book contains seven exciting chapters full of twists and turns that’ll take you and your little one on a fantasy-filled adventure. Pace yourselves as Mother Shrew overcomes numerous adversaries on her quest to find the wild honey. As you read, your preschooler can use the book’s vibrant watercolor illustrations to make thoughtful inferences and connections. Wild Honey From the Moon is captivating and creative —and might just be a story you pass down for generations.

Mold Your Little Learner into a Confident Reader With Literati Book Clubs

Toddlers who are first learning to read have boundless potential waiting to be unlocked. One of the best learning tools you can hand them are books for kids learning to read. Books like the titles above help them channel their imagination into a lifelong commitment to reading, learning, and creativity.

As a Literati Kids Book Club member, you can keep the bookshelf forever full of books curated for your child’s learning stage—at every stage. No more guessing or letting books gather dust in the playroom. Just take our personalization quiz to tell us what your child loves, and we’ll take care of the rest. Start your subscription today and watch the remarkable journey of your child learning to read tomorrow.

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The Land of Roar

By Jenny McLachlan

Crawl inside the creaky bed in grandad’s attic and enter a secret world: The Land of Roar. With soaring dragons and crafty wizards, twins Arthur and Rose created Roar as their own make-believe playground. But when Grandpa disappears into the bed, the lines between fantasy and reality blur. Can they save Grandpa from the magical world they designed? Hitting the sweet spot between childhood and teenhood, Jenny Mclachlan’s captivating fantasy is a tale of vivid language and heart. Middle-grade readers will learn to believe in the power of imagination—and more importantly, the power of familial love.

The Lost Property Office

By James R. Hannibal

Thirteen-year-old Jack Buckles can find just about anything. A missing diary? No problem. A lost family locket? Easy peasy. But when Jack’s dad disappears, he is thrust into the most important search of his life. Now, Jack must enter The Lost Property Office (a secret society of British detectives) to save his father—and the entire city of London. Riveting and complex, The Lost Property Office blends history, mystery, and old-fashioned problem-solving. Young readers will learn problem-solving and puzzle decoding with every step through James R. Hannibal’s literary maze.

Ways to Make “Sunshine”

By Renee Watson

Ryan Hart is like most fourth-graders. She rolls her eyes at her bossy older brother (ugh); she practices her class speech on wobbly knees (eek), and she can’t believe her family is moving (oh no!). But no matter what life throws her way, Ryan knows she can always “make sunshine”—finding the positive in every single day. In this slice-of-life series, Renee Watson teaches young minds that happiness is a practice. Ways to Make “Sunshine” is one of the best chapter books for younger readers, showing them that all emotions help pave the road to happiness. Watch your child make their own sunshine with this relatable and accessible tale.

Revenge of the Witch (Last Apprentice #1)

By Joseph Delaney

It’s not scary enough that the world expects Tom, a regular 12-year-old, to take over the job of the Spook. Now he has to confront age-old witches and save the human race, too? The Spook’s job is to ward off ghosts, goblins, and other evil entities from the town—and as the seventh son of a seventh son, he must step into these fateful shoes. Between creepy suspense, clever character development, and imagery that’ll have them skeptical of their own basement, Revenge of the Witch is ideal for inspiring your middle grader to read independently. We promise they won’t be able to put this one down (or the rest of the books in the series).

The Inheritance Games

By Jennifer Lynn Barnes

We’re inviting Jennifer Lynn Barnes to our next Escape Room party, because she is a master of puzzles. This fast-paced chapter book fuses mystery, suspense, and romance into its 400 pages of meticulous thrill. Avery Grambs is prepared to walk (or stumble) down her graduation stage like any other high school senior—until she receives a hefty fortune from a billionaire she’s never met. But that’s not even the best (or worst) part. She must unweave this billionaire’s tangled web of cryptic messages in his very own estate to claim her prize. The Inheritance Games is perfect for burgeoning true-crime lovers or readers who need a little motivation to share what they’re learning with you.

Shadow Queen

By C.J. Redwine

For fantasy adorers, hopeless romantics, and fans of the stellar work of Sarah J. Maas, Shadow Queen offers no shortage of mystic twists and turns. Meet Lorelai, a magic-wielding princess and fierce trailblazer of paths less traveled. When her father is taken from her and the throne is taken from her people, she’ll have to battle the dangerous and cunning Queen Irina—who has some tricks of her own up her sleeve. As Lorelai stands bravely in the face of dark magic, forbidden love, and everything to lose, your reader will soak up lessons about following your instincts, tuning your moral compass, and leading with your heart.

Literati Book Clubs: Your Reader’s Next Best Chapter Books

Whether your growing reader is dipping their toes or diving like a pro into the picture-free pool, these best chapter books for kids will keep them swimming excitedly. With each stroke, they’ll strengthen their metaphor muscles, solo-reading skills, and language comprehension—and Literati will be poolside with a towel, a snack, and a glittery sign at the finish line. 

At Literati, we help support your child’s learning by sourcing valuable reads for every level. From tactile infant board books to thrilling young adult mysteries, our books are meant to build a life-long love of reading and discovery. Join the Literati Kids Book Club, and your child will receive specially selected stories to support their unique education. Take our personalization quiz to find the reading level that will nourish their imagination and skills the best.

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By handing them the best YA chapter books, with storylines far more enticing than captions!
Fantasy meets horror? Exciting. A supernatural romance? Engrossing. When your not-so-little one decides they enjoy reading simply because it’s engaging, they’ll gain valuable lessons without even realizing it. Between epic proportions of young love, heroism, and the clashes of good and evil in these esteemed young adult chapter books, your reader will sharpen their moral compass and hone their uniquely brilliant points of view.

Gallant

by V. E. Schwab

Amidst an orphaned childhood at the Merilance School for Girls, Olivia Prior receives a letter from her estranged uncle summoning her to his estate called Gallant. She’s looking forward to meeting him—until she realizes he’s dead. With only the servants and an unwelcoming cousin for company, Olivia must unmask the secrets of Gallant and its haunted residents. Twists, turns, and questions plague every corner—along with a hair-raising ghostly realm. This fast-paced thriller turns curious teens into problem-solving masters Nancy Drew would be happy to crack a case with.

Revenge of the Witch (Last Apprentice #1)

by Joseph Delaney

The local villages depend on a special kind of security guard. They call him The Spook, and it’s his job to protect their borders from supernatural threats. It’s time to crown a new Spook for the town—but after 29 applicants, no apprentice is quite suited for the task. Well, except for Thomas Ward. But he’s only 12 years old! He couldn’t possibly… could he? Readers who enjoy fantasy and horror with a sprinkle of witty raillery will find friendship, bravery, and wicked fun with Tom in his enchantingly haunted world.

Black Brother, Black Brother

by Jewell Parker Rhodes

If your burgeoning reader prefers a more real-life setting, Black Brother, Black Brother offers that and more. This gripping story follows Donte, a Black student at an all-white boarding school, as he wades the familiar (but mostly unfamiliar) waters of teenhood. Donte bravely overcomes racial injustices, masters his favorite sport, and maintains brotherly bonds across racial divides. This book is ideal for young athletes, but an incredibly moving read for any teenager, shining light on powerful topics like equality, family, and tenacity. (It also makes for compelling dinner table conversations.)

The Inheritance Games

Jennifer Lynn Barnes

16-year-old Avery learns that she’s the benefactor of a 46 million dollar inheritance. The challenge? Receiving said inheritance. To acquire her fortune, she’ll have to jump through a lot of hoops, like living in a stranger’s home for a year. With no understanding of why she was gifted such a large sum, she begins to hunt down clues in search of answers. The first novel in this mystery series, The Inheritance Games will offer your teen the opportunity to develop their puzzle-solving skills in lockstep with the inquisitive narrator.

Shadow Queen

By C. J. Redwine

Experience the classic trope of good versus evil with a novel that checks off plenty of boxes in the fantasy genre: magic, dragons, and romance—oh my! And did we mention Shadow Queen is also a riveting retelling of Snow White? Enter: the princess, Lorelai Diederich, currently hiding from her evil stepmother, Queen Irina. Lorelai dreams of revenge against Irena, who murdered her father to become ruler of the kingdom. With all of its thrilling twists and turns, it’s no wonder this novel is considered one of the best YA chapter books in school libraries and beloved by animal-adoring middle schoolers everywhere.

We Are Not Free

By Tracy Chee

For your history buff, pick up this deeply moving young adult historical fiction novel that Time magazine named one of the best of all time. Mere months after the attack on Pearl Harbor, 14 Japanese-American teens face an unjust fate when they’re forced from their homes in San Francisco into detention camps—simply because of their Japanese heritage. Chee masterfully employs a different narrator in each chapter, where your teen can learn to distinguish between first-, second-, and third-person points of view. We Are Not Free takes a candid look at the effects of racism and war and delicately incorporates the many vibrant hues of resilience. (For even more historical fiction, check out these titles.)

Discover the Best YA Chapter Books with Literati Book Clubs

The exciting and heartfelt novels like the best YA chapter books listed above are sure to send your tweens and teens straight to the book nook after homework, where they’ll expand their vocabulary, worldly perspective, and fact-discernment skills. At Literati, we consider it our job to find the book that ignites their lifelong love of reading. 
When you become a Literati book club member, our dedicated team members will send a selection of books tailored to your child’s interests and reading level. With a supply of curated books on hand, they’ll expand their cultural horizons and think more complexly about challenges that come their way. Jumpstart your reader’s journey with our personalization quiz today.

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Sounds amazing, right? We wholeheartedly agree. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best early chapter books for kids from 6 to 8 years old (but don’t be surprised if you catch yourself reading over their shoulder). From artistically-inclined mice to fort-building entrepreneurs, these books explore a wealth of different worlds, each with a unique spin to keep your child engaged from cover to cover.

Wild Honey from the Moon

By Kenneth Kraegel

Warm, sweet, and a little bit cosmic, Wild Honey from the Moon takes the reader on a journey of epic proportions. Over the course of seven imaginative chapters, a mother searches for a miraculous cure for her sick son: the coveted wild honey from the moon. Her quest launches her into the star-lit sky to encounter a ravenous owl, a herd of “night mares,” and buzzing bees—all eager to stand in her way. Your reader will gain a new idol watching the mother conquer obstacles with creativity, wit, and unstoppable love. (Because, after all, nothing can stop a mom on a mission.)

A Nest for Celeste

By Henry Cole

Meet Celeste, a homesick mouse who learns an important lesson about where home truly is. Upended from her quiet life by the arrival of some unlikely friends, Celeste searches far and wide—from warm boots to shirt pockets—for a place to belong. Along Celeste’s riveting and heartfelt journey, your child will learn about history, art, and science with help from characters like John James Audubon. This whimsical tale pairs breathtaking narrative with gorgeous black-and-white illustrations to deliver a message about friendship that tugs the heartstrings of your first, second, or third-grade reading stars.

My Haunted House (Araminta Spookie No. 1)

By Angie Sage

Does your child prefer creepy skeletons over furry friends? Whether it’s the Halloween season or just a dark, stormy night, My Haunted House lends a healthy dose of fun and fright. Young Araminta Spookie is determined to stop her family from moving out of her beloved haunted house—no matter what her crabby Aunt Tabby says. Enlisting help from some ghostly friends, hijinks and horror ensue along her journey, filled with slimy goo and shrieking ghosts. This adventure-packed tale shines candlelight on lessons of determination, imagination, and appreciation for what we have. (Making it one of the best early chapter books for kids who might have a rather long birthday wish list.)

Surfboard to Peril: A Miss Mallard Mystery

By Robert Quackenbush

When she isn’t out solving cases, world-renowned detective Miss Mallard kicks back in sunny Hawaii. But her vacation is cut short when the case of a lifetime floats into her lap. An ancient artifact that belongs to the Hawaiian natives goes missing—and it’s up to Miss Mallard to solve the mystery. Our hero uses her intelligence, problem-solving skills, and intuitive grit to crack the case—all before cracking a few more coconuts. This thrilling, fast-paced novel encourages readers to put on their detective hats and take a magnifying glass to every detail.

The Birthday Castle: Fort Builders, Inc. 1

By Dee Romito

This first entry in the Fort Builders, Inc. series invites young readers to join Caleb on his mission of imagination and teamwork. In an effort to raise money to buy the next edition of his favorite book series, Caleb runs into a small problem: he’s out of allowance. With his best friend Jax and a gaggle of neighborhood kids, Caleb uncovers his entrepreneurial spirit and creates his very own business, Fort Builders, Inc. Of course, running a business isn’t going to be a walk in the playground. It’ll take collaboration and communication to finish their first project in time.

Find the Best Early Chapter Books with Literati Book Clubs

The best early chapter books for kids are a pivotal part of the literary development of young readers, taking them from picture-book beginnings to new, dynamic twists and turns. They’re a place where interests are honed, lessons are learned, and diving head-first into imaginations is gleefully encouraged. Today, there’s no better way to expand your child’s literary universe than with Literati.
Join the Literati Kids book club for hand-picked books, curated for your child based on their reading level and interests. Our team of literary aficionados is dedicated to supporting your child on their literary journey through eye-catching, mind-expanding, kid-approved books from our outstanding collection. Get started with our personalization quiz to discover your child’s next all-time favorites.

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Emerging readers reach an exciting pivotal moment: they’re ready for more complex stories that grip their attention while they approach building their budding vocabulary. Reading chapter books aloud together is the perfect way to help your child grasp wordplay and metaphors, create a space for sharing what they’ve read, and follow more complex plots independently. Our experts have compiled this list of five of our favorite read-aloud chapter books to hook your growing reader. Be sure to warm up your vocals before stepping into the voices of animals, robots, and bossy babysitters!

Wild Honey from the Moon

By Kenneth Kraegel

If your child is a lover of fantasy, magic, and folklore, this whimsical adventure is sure to capture their imagination. To save her ailing son, Mother Shrew must undertake a perilous journey to the moon to find the magical cure: wild honey. On her travels, she’ll face the shrew’s mortal enemy, the Owl; enlist the help of the frightening night mares; and brave the dreadful swarm of bees that guard the moon honey. Enchanting full-color illustrations add to the dreamy, mysterious mood, and the heartfelt message about the power of a parent’s love will send kids off to sleep on a cloud.

A Nest for Celeste

By Henry Cole

When you and your young reader are looking for a longer tale to spark a series that only the best read-aloud chapter books can offer, pick up A Nest for Celeste. Celeste is a lonely mouse who was forced to leave her cozy nest under the floorboards. As she searches for safety and a new home, she grows to know the humans occupying the house: none other than real-life naturalist James Audubon and his young assistant, Joseph. This one-of-a-kind tale brings the history of James Audubon and his famous wildlife paintings to life. Warmly illustrated throughout with hundreds of pencil drawings, the story will hold the attention of young readers and adults alike.

Narrator’s Tip: This realistic story entails some real-life challenges, including the deaths of some animal characters. Be ready for a discussion of sensitive topics like death, grief, and loss.

The Birthday Castle: Fort Builders, Inc.

By Dee Romito

Eight-year-old Caleb Rivers has a problem on his hands: he just has to have the special new edition of his favorite book to add to his collection. The only hitch? He’s ten dollars short, and his mom says he has to earn it himself. Caleb and his friends come up with a genius business idea—they’ll start a fort-building company to design and build amazing forts for all the kids in the neighborhood! First- to third-graders will love following along as Caleb and his crew navigate the ups and downs of the fort business and learn how to work as a team to build their dream. New vocabulary words are planted between plenty of helpful context clues.

Marge in Charge

By Isla Fisher

Readers in third grade and up who are ready for a bit more text on each page will get a giggle out of the goofy adventures of Jemima, Jake, and their most unusual babysitter, Marge. Marge is a classic mixed-up magical character kids will love, in the tradition of Pippi Longstocking and Amelia Bedelia. Marge’s gloriously silly antics are supported by playful illustrations that will help hold younger readers’ attention while you and your co-narrator bring silly Marge to life.

Geeger the Robot Goes to School

By Jarrett Lerner

Think robots must have it all figured out? Think again! Geeger the robot just wants to go to school, fit in, and be well-liked. But when he decides to attend human school instead of robot school, he faces a few extra challenges in that department. Readers ages 5 to 7 won’t be able to get enough of Geeger’s school-day hijinks—especially when he starts eating everything in sight. The hilarious and fast-paced story is also packed with new vocabulary words at just the right level to hide literary growth in heaps of laughter.

Build Your Read-Aloud Collection with Literati Book Clubs

Finding the best read-aloud chapter books that engage interactive readers can be tricky, but we’re confident that your child will adore at least one of these community favorites. And when your ravenous reader is ready for more? Literati is here to help. 
The Literati Kids book club ensures that your reader never runs out of books they’ll be bouncing to read. Our picks are chosen especially for your child’s interests and reading level, so you can be confident every book will help build their vocabulary, expand their horizons, and help them reach their fullest potential. Get started by filling out our personalization quiz, and let us book your child a ticket to reading adventure.

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Every day, your little one witnesses sights, sounds, and feelings that ignite their senses. Their brain captures them, like a film developer creating a vast, colorful new world. As their budding minds grow, these sensory experiences can be the bridge to the magical world of reading—especially through the best early picture books. 

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. For babies and toddlers, a picture is worth a thousand encouraging words. These stories paint tales that excite your child’s vivid imagination, setting a path toward a book-filled future. From historic aviators to bike-riding potatoes, we’ve created a list of the best early picture books to entice any pair of eyes from ages 0 to 3.

Are You There, Little Fox?

By Sam Taplin

Does your little one light up from sensory learning? Then take their hand through the forest world of Are You There, Little Fox. With its textured pages and gorgeous animal illustrations, this board book will excite the minds and hands of kids as young as 6 months old. Flip through this tactile story to learn about bears, squirrels, and, of course, foxes—which your child may discover hiding sneakily under some red bushes!

Alis the Aviator

By Danielle Metcalfe-Chenail

Buckle up and strap your pilot goggles on! We’re flying high into the sky with Alis the Aviator—aka the renowned indigenous pilot, Dr. Alis B. Kennedy. This winged journey zooms through the clouds of history, exploring the greatest planes of all time from A to Z. Lessons of inclusivity, world events, and daring bravery take the wheel in this riveting tale. It’s the perfect breezy adventure to make every budding aviator’s heart soar.

All the Little Snowflakes

By Cindy Jin

Snowballs and snowmen and snow cones—oh my! Cindy Jin’s novelty board book celebrates all things winter, especially the magic of snow. Bundle them up, grab a mug of hot cocoa, and let your little reader’s hands explore the tactile illustrations of a winter wonderland. With the book’s die-cut drawings and cut-outs, this favorite on our list of best early picture books enhances basic motor skills and sensory interpretations in snowy style. You might even hear gurgles of glee during the next snowfall.

A Potato on a Bike

By Elise Gravel

Did someone say… a bike-riding potato? This uniquely hilarious board book binds together cartoonish drawings, tactile pages, and outrageous situations depicting your child’s favorite (or soon-to-be-favorite) vegetables. Joyful images of singing tomatoes and counting broccoli are sure to activate their imagination and giggles. Heck, they might even want to try their veggie friends at dinner—no airplane forks necessary.

Hooray for Fish

By Lucy Cousins

Splash down! Lucy Cousin’s delightful read-aloud book is an ode to scaly friends of all kinds. Watch your little swimmer say hello to spotty fish, striped fish, red fish, and blue fish as they swim through the rainbow-colored sea. Every shade and description is a chance for your child to expand their budding vocabulary. By the end of their diving adventure, they’ll be the ones guiding the tours on your next aquarium trip.

All Aboard! National Parks

By Kevin and Haily Meyers

Calling all climbers and crawlers! We’re hitting the trails across the expansive US National Parks. As part of a board book series, All Aboard! National Parks takes young rangers by train through the country’s most precious natural beauty. Husband and wife co-authors Kevin and Haily Meyers bring the wilderness to life with touchably soft pages and stunning illustrations. See which park your favorite explorer loves the most (and may even want to visit).

8 Little Planets

By Chris Ferrie

To illustration infinity… and beyond! This fascinating and heartwarming tale takes a rocket trip through the solar system’s eight planets. As part of the Baby University series, 8 Little Planets sneaks in fun facts about each planet’s unique qualities. Adorable rhymes and die-cut shapes add to the fun, so your little astronaut can learn as they reach for the stars (and plenty of brand-new words).

Picture a Book-Filled Future with Literati Book Clubs

If your little one is just starting to crack open pages, these best early picture books are an easy way to get the book ball rolling. Take them on a trip to Imagination Station with these visual adventures that encourage them to point to familiar objects, imitate sounds, and traverse the sensory world around them. Once they’ve seen a few, your bright baby learner will soon reach for more. 

That’s where Literati can help.
As part of the Literati Kids book club, your budding reader receives hand-picked stories in every customized box. Our clubs are built to match different reading levels and interests so that your child can feel excited (and supported) to keep turning the pages. All it takes is a quick personalization quiz to curate your child’s perfect book club to nurture a lifelong love for reading.

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From imaginative stories of young visionaries to uplifting tales of identity and courage, these books will help marry your child’s creative wonder with a concrete ability to sound out words all on their own. Along the way, they’ll build word recognition through catchy phrases, laugh-out-loud jokes, and lyrical sound bites. It’s time to cruise through our expert picks of best easy reader books for kids. (Be warned: You may end up cruising past bedtime.)

Don’t Wake the Dragon

By Bianca Schulz

This zany, interactive tale will transport your reader—and all five of their senses—into a magical kingdom. Their regal task? Lull an awakened dragon back to sleep with a soothing (and oh-so catchy) lullaby. Full of tactile surprises and cheerful humor, this colorful story serves up an energetic plot with plenty of action, like aiding a chaotic cook or shushing a rowdy knight. Work through these challenges with your child to help them finally sing the dragon (and hopefully themselves) to sleep after a long night’s work.

Alma and the Beast

By Esme Shapiro

Deep in the midst of the red-headed woods, beyond the bearded mushroom glen, lives a young girl named Alma. Alma lives in her own peaceful, hairy world—until it’s flipped on its head when a strange, hairless beast wanders into her garden. Can Alma and the stranger detangle their differences and see that they’re more alike than not? An engrossing book with rich, eye-catching illustrations, this winning account of an unlikely friendship builds empathy and doles out plenty of intriguing vocabulary to practice aloud.

Bogo, the Fox Who Wanted Everything

By Sonja Wimmer

Treat your child to an inventive tale that champions messages of self-confidence, individuality, and never giving up! Bogo the Fox is a tinkerer and visionary. His whimsical creations might seem far-fetched to some forest dwellers, but Bogo dares to believe otherwise. He takes to his sketchbook to strike up everything from wearable wings to night glasses. Page by page, his designs fail him—but he doesn’t renounce his pen. By the final page, Bogo learns to embrace his uniqueness in one of the best easy reader books for kids that tuck in for bedtime with a brimming imagination and boundless dreamscape.

The Bad Seed

By Jory John

How bad is this bad seed? So baaaaaaaad. But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have time to change his naughty, wicked ways! Set in a metropolis inhabited by legumes, peanuts, and corn kernels, this spunky story is about how one bad seed can affect the whole garden. The tale blossoms into a comical lesson of maturation and redemption. Your little one will love lingering over the gleeful, expressive illustrations and sounding out the uproarious jokes that are perfect for sharing with pals on the playground. (Talk about planting seeds of learning.)

Sulwe

By Lupita Nyong’o

A vibrantly illustrated story with a profoundly important message, Sulwe’s titular heroine has guided thousands of children in learning the value of celebrating our differences. Penned by Academy Award-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o, this lyrical story takes readers on a mesmerizing journey from the schoolyard, through the night sky, and back. Along the way, watch as your reader’s vocabulary strengthens before your eyes as they discover new ways to speak their truths and stand up for what is right. This story sings the beautiful song of resiliency and diversity.

Cloud Chaser

By Anne-Fleur Drillon

For the child who dreams of masterminding their own creations, look no further than this dreamy story of friendship, creativity, and play. Emery has always dreamt of building a fantastical flying contraption. So when he discovers a new world of tools in the shed of his new friend next door, you can imagine his exuberance. This might be his chance to build a real flying machine! The magic of exploration is captured on each page as readers enjoy the stylized illustrations and superb language while tagging along on Emery’s big adventure in the sky.

Discover the Best Easy Reader Books for Kids with Literati Book Clubs

We feel confident that any of these best easy reader books for kids will feel right at home on your child’s bookshelf. But the real truth? This list is just the beginning. 

At Literati, we source easy readers for your 4- to 8-year-old that help them learn new words, read aloud more confidently, and tackle pages all on their own. Then we tailor the offering to meet your child at their reading level. With Literati in their hands, there’s nothing your little ones can’t do. 

To get started, check out our personalization quiz that uses your child’s unique preferences to suggest an exciting new batch of curated books just for them.

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Ready to discover some wonderful picture books curated by the bibliophiles at Literati? Wonderful. We’ve spotlighted them below

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At this stage, readers are starting to make their own decisions about their experiences and interactions with their environment. With new awareness of themselves, they’re absorbing information like a sponge, and putting together the puzzle pieces of their surroundings. 

Their budding independence can be supported by reading experiences that put them in the driver’s seat. As they sound out new words and approach unfamiliar pages with greater confidence, the right books will provide just enough challenge to sharpen their skills and support steady progress. 

So where do you begin? In the wide realm of great reads for kindergarteners, we’ve selected a few of our very favorites. These stories are the Goldilocks of books for four and five-year-olds: not too easy, not too difficult, and altogether fun!

Don’t Wake the Dragon

By Bianca Schulze

This adorable, interactive bedtime story is full of whimsy and fun for your little one. The book’s structure helps teach cause and effect as readers are challenged to keep the restless dragon asleep! While they sing sweet lullabies and make sure their page-turning doesn’t cause a door-slamming breeze, your mini-knight-in-shining-armor will delight in all of the cleverly hilarious instructions.

Color Blocked

By Ashley Sorensen

In this vibrant and interactive picture book, there’s a problem afoot: the color is trapped! In the spirit of Press Here, readers will twist, tap, shake and turn this book to magically unleash the power of colors. Your little one gets to save the day while listening and responding to directions, while at the same time learning all about the wizardry of primary and secondary colors. This ultra-creative story structure gives your kindergartener room to experiment with imagination and color (All the fun; none of the mess!)

The Snatchabook

by Helen Docherty

When the Snatchabook flies into town, bedtime stories begin to disappear! Thankfully, one book-loving bunny vows to stay awake to catch her town’s book thief. Can Eliza Brown save the day—and night—for a town full of passionate bedtime readers? This rhyming read-aloud shares a valuable message of friendship and acceptance, while developing your reader’s listening comprehension.

Moon’s First Friends

by Susanna Leonard Hill

This inviting picture book tells the story of the Apollo 11 mission—and so much more—from the unique perspective of the Moon! As you share this adorable bedtime read-aloud, your little one can soak up tons of information about the history of our planet: from its majestic animals, to the revolutionary inventions that made space travel possible. Truly jam-packed with facts, this is a spot-on read for curious kindergarteners, that can offer a little perspective on the great big world around them.

Norman the Slug with the Silly Shell

by Sue Hendra

In this sweet story, Norman the slug wishes he could be a snail—which means he’ll need a shell! Readers can follow along on Norman’s misadventures as he searches for the perfect “shell” to call his own (spoiler alert—it’s a doughnut). And while this book’s silly plot and glittery pages are sure to keep your kindergartener engaged, the real treat of this story is a lesson in self-acceptance at its center.

Though there are nearly endless possibilities when choosing books for your kindergartener, these top picks are a great place to start thanks to content that’s as fun and creative as it is educational. As your reader transitions into a classroom setting, books like these can help them advance towards new skills at the right pace for them. 

With Literati’s award-winning kids book clubs, readers don’t have to move at the exact pace of the classroom, because every book is selected to fit your reader’s unique needs and interests. With fourteen skill-based reading levels, little ones can make constant progress with books they love. 
As soon as you sign up for Literati, expert curators will get to work finding the most enriching and engaging books for your home library. Start by taking the personalization quiz, and help Literati find those just-right reads for your soon-to-be bookworm!

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Other forms of entertainment may offer a window to the world, but books reign supreme when it comes to challenging eighth graders to think critically. The best titles don’t just entertain—they support adolescents in their path to forming personal viewpoints. Readers can synthesize information found in fiction and nonfiction stories and apply it to real-life situations, while expanding their empathy and understanding of the world around them. 

Middle grade fiction, activity books, graphic novels, and young adult fiction can all be part of a balanced eighth grade reading diet. To lead your reader towards the most enriching stories, Literati has named its top picks. Here are a few of the best titles for your eighth grade reader:

Dry

By Jarod Shusterman and Neal Shusterman

In this captivating survival story, one teen must make crucial decisions for her family in order to survive a devastating drought. Readers won’t be able to take their eyes off of this vivid, near-future dystopia as they’re challenged to understand the reasoning and motivation behind certain characters’ reactions. Full of tension and pulse-pounding suspense, Dry is a distressing reminder of our current climate reality and a gripping “what if” exercise for your eighth grader.

Burn After Writing Teen

By Rhiannon Shove

The made-for-teens edition of Rhiannon Shove’s ultra-engaging personal journal, Burn After Writing, will get your eighth grader thinking about big questions and looking inward for answers. The fun, thought-provoking prompts throughout this book provide an outlet for some complicated thinking—the kind that eighth graders aren’t always sure how to approach. Journaling is a fantastic form of self-care, but sitting down in front of a blank page can be a little daunting (even for adults). This book provides the perfect safe space for teens—unlike that math test next period, there are no wrong answers here!

Blood Metal Bone

By Lindsay Cummings

After being wrongly accused of her brother’s murder, Sonara gets a second chance at uncovering the truth. A clever blend of sci-fi and fantasy elements allows readers to get in touch with more specific genre preferences. With an expansive world to explore and a wide cast of characters, your eighth grader’s memory and comprehension will be adequately challenged, while they stay completely immersed in a total page-turner.

Knowledge Genius! A Quiz Encyclopedia to Boost Your Brain

by DK Publishing

Do you have a future Jeopardy contestant on your hands? You might after you get this fact-packed book in front of them. First, readers will dive into a whole slew of “general knowledge” subjects. Then, they can quiz themselves and find out just how much they’ve learned! Other than the obvious educational value of a brain-boosting encyclopedia, the self-testing format found in this book is incredibly impactful. When students quiz themselves on information, they’re more likely to encode it deeply and recall it later. That’s right—this book can actually help teach your eighth grader how to study effectively!

Gone Dark

By Amanada Patnitch

Survival stories are popular among eighth and ninth graders as readers can jump into super high-stakes scenarios, relate to teen characters, and watch them grow into heroic versions of themselves. In Gone Dark, the country’s power grid is suddenly compromised, leaving Zara to make an impossible choice in order to survive. Eighth graders will find a strong message about resilience and facing one’s past with confidence while following along for the adventure.

The best books for eighth graders feature captivating plots, immersive settings, and challenges that feel relevant to the eighth grade experience. Even if your reader chooses to escape into a fantasy world, the best books will encourage them to think deeply and find lessons they can bring back to reality.

Sometimes, finding those perfect titles is easier said than done: all eighth graders are different, after all. No matter what kind of story excites your reader—even if they don’t know it yet—Literati is here to help them build reading habits that stick. 

When you join Literati book clubs, your reader will receive a personalized box of books curated just for them. They’ll go deeper into their existing interests, and find new ones, and solidify a passion for literature with stories that are perfectly matched to their reading level. Start with Literati’s personalization quiz and get your first box of books today.

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