Corduroy by Don Freeman (ages 2-5)

Another anthropomorphic bear features in this adorable picture book. Corduroy the teddy lives in the toy section of a department store and wants nothing more than a child to take him home. Sadly, when Lisa meets Corduroy, her mother refuses to buy him because he is missing a button on his overalls. This sets Corduroy on an intrepid quest through the store to try and find his button, so that he might be worthy of Lisa and her love.

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle (ages 2-5)

Eric Carle’s signature textured, tissue-paper-based artwork bring this simple story about animals to life. With its bright splashes of color and easy-to-read text, Brown Bear is the perfect beginner book for preschoolers and kindergarteners.

Go Away, Big Green Monster! by Ed Emberley (ages 2-5)

Big Green Monster may look scary with his yellow eyes, scraggly hair, and sharp teeth, but this book makes it clear that he’s nothing to be afraid of! After telling all the parts of the Big Green Monster to go away, kids will feel empowered to conquer the “monsters” under their own beds.

Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney (ages 2-5)

The best picture books are often the simplest. Llama Llama Red Pajama is about a young llama who’s put to bed, but misses his mother (Mama Llama), even though she’s just downstairs. With beautiful illustrations from the author (and a super-catchy rhyme scheme), Dewdney’s book is a steadfast favorite of parents everywhere.

Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! by Mo Willems (ages 2-5)

One of the first in Mo Willems’ renowned series for young readers, Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! is essentially Fast and Furious for the preschool set. The titular Pigeon — who, as fans will know, is often up to no good — wants nothing more than to drive the bus… which the bus driver has expressly forbidden. It’s up to the reader to keep the pigeon from getting behind that wheel, no matter how much he begs and pleads.

A Mother for Choco by Keiko Kasza (ages 2-5)

This sweet story of a little yellow bird searching for his mother (not to be confused with P.D. Eastman’s very similar tale) is sure to make you smile. Choco may not find a mother who looks like him, but he does find one to hug him, kiss him, dance with him, and — perhaps most importantly — give him the family he’s always wanted.

The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats (ages 2-5) 

Amazon describes this book as a trailblazer, not least for the first full-color picture book to feature a small hero of color! But that’s not the only reason that The Snowy Day should have a spot on all family bookshelves. The story follows young Peter, who heads out into the city to enjoy freshly fallen snow and all the wonder a white wonderland brings.

Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White and Garth Williams (ages 8-12) 

A sweet piglet named Wilbur and a clever spider named Charlotte become close friends in this deftly written novel from E.B. White. As little Wilbur grows and wonders what will become of him, Charlotte hatches a plan to save him from the grim fate of the slaughterhouse: she will write messages in her web to convince people that Wilbur is special. A beloved tale of true friendship, Charlotte’s Web remains a bestselling children’s books more than 60 years after its publication.

Oh, the Places You’ll Go! by Dr. Seuss (ages 8-12)

Perhaps the most famous children’s book of all time is more than just everyone’s go-to graduation gift! Full of the staples of Dr. Seuss’s works, it’s indeed the ideal pep talk for people of all ages. You’ll find yourself coming for the iconic rhymes and whimsical illustrations, but staying for the deep wisdom that Dr. Seuss imparts. (Not to mention it features one of the most-repeated quotes of all: “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.”)

Stuart Little by E.B. White and Garth Williams (ages 8-12)

Before Charlotte’s Web came Stuart Little. E.B. White, the award-winning author of both novels, described the inspiration for Stuart Little thusly: "Many years ago I went to bed one night in a railway sleeping car, and during the night I dreamed about a tiny boy who acted rather like a rat. That's how the story of Stuart Little got started.”He went on to create just that: the story of a child who looks like a mouse and must face the world of humans like so. With its iconic illustrations by Garth Williams, Stuart Little is a reminder that size means nothing when you’ve got the determination of a lion.

Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume (ages 8+) 

Peter Hatcher doesn’t have it easy. He’s in the fourth grade, which is hard enough, and he has a horrendous 2.5-year-old brother named Fudge. Fudge bites, screams, and throws tantrums — but things really come to a head when he one day swallows Peter’s pet turtle. Now, Peter may be a fourth grade nothing, but he’s simply had enough! Written by Judy Blume, one of the best children’s book authors around, this bestseller is a favorite for its message about family and the lessons learned during the transition from childhood to adolescence.

Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren (ages 8-12) 

Meet Pippi Longstocking (full name: Pippilotta Delicatessa Windowshade Mackrelmint Ephraim's Daughter Longstocking). As her name suggests, she's no ordinary girl. Since she was first introduced to readers in 1945, her playfulness, unconventional attitude, tenacity, and supernatural strength has made her a hero to children around the world. Pippi's adventures have now been translated into 76 languages — and they’re all worth reading. (The books that is, not the translations. That would be a lot of work).

Beezus and Ramona by Beverly Cleary (ages 8+)

The beloved Ramona series was actually born of Beverly Cleary’s previous Henry Huggins series, where Beezus was one of Henry’s friends and Ramona was only the annoying younger sister (you know the type). But it turned out that Ramona Quimby had too much of a personality. Clearly herself said, “I wrote in “Ramona,” made a few references to her, gave her one brief scene, and felt that was the end of her. Little did I dream, to utilize a trite expression from books of my adolescence, that she would assume control books of her own.”This series, which begins with Beezus and Ramona, is her time to shine. With humor, spunk, complexity, and plenty of attitude, Ramona Quimby navigates first to fourth grade. It’s a fun-filled world from Ramona’s point of view (even though it admittedly has a lot of grown-ups), and you can depend on Cleary, one of the most decorated children’s authors of all time, to give all of it her expert touch.

A Bear Called Paddington by Michael Bond (ages 8+) 

The first installment of the much-loved Paddington books, A Bear Called Paddington traces the origins of the eponymous character. Left on a London train platform with a note that reads “Please look after this bear,” Paddington is discovered and adopted by the well-to-do Brown family. And while having a bear in the house certainly presents, shall we say, unique challenges, the Browns are always there to help Paddington out of trouble.

Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson (ages 8+) 

This heart-wrenching tale of imagination, friendship, and loss has been a staple of children’s literature for over 40 years. It begins with Jess Aarons, a fifth-grade athlete, getting beaten in a footrace by new girl Leslie Burke. After his jealousy subsides, he realizes how much he and Leslie have in common, and they become friends — eventually creating the magical, imaginary kingdom of Terabithia in the woods. But when tragedy strikes, Jess must grapple with his grief alone… and try to preserve Terabithia, even when it seems impossible to stay hopeful.