30 Best Story Books For Kids of all-time

Listed below are the list of the best storybooks for kids

storybooks in English

List of Popular Story Books For Kids

Children’s books introduce fictional characters to children who are then able to bring them alive through imagination. These fictional characters can be integral, influential and maybe even inspiring for the development of a child while they are learning how to read.

Our list of the best storybooks for kids will keep your child occupied for hours. If your child complains about being bored or spends the entire day glued to their phones or tablets, an engaging storybook can be a good way to keep them engaged. These books, which range from timeless classics to graphic novels, fantastic mysteries, and time travel, deserve a place on everyone’s bookshelf.

However, make sure the books are appropriate for your child’s age and aren’t overly complicated so that he or she doesn’t lose interest too quickly. Choose a book that your child will enjoy from the many options available. So, take a look at our list of recommended story books for kids with age.

Best Book Collection Sets

Best Book Collections for Various Age Groups, organized by age.

1. My First Library - Picture Books

This is a great collection of 10 well-researched board books from the Wonder House team. These are a great way to introduce young kids to a wide range of topics like ABC, numbers, shapes, colors, wild animals, farm animals and pets, birds, fruits, vegetables, and transport. These picture books, suitable for toddlers starting age 1, will help develop reading skills, build vocabulary, and improves listening and observational skills.

2. Famous Five - By Enid Blyton

One of the most famous adventure series by none other than the legendary author Enid Blyton. It takes readers on a journey where the famous five – Julian, Dick, Anne, George and George’s dog, Timmy – go on to various adventures, solve mysteries and have tons of fun along the way. The entire series constitutes of 21 adventure rides, this series is suitable for age group 7 to 12.

3. The Romona Collection - By Beverly Cleary

Romona is a favorite with kids all over the world and they feel connected to her unique way of looking at the world as she tries to adjust to new teachers, encounters bullies at school, and puts up with her elder sister, who can be bossy at times.

Her escapades are funny and heartwarming, and sometimes embarrassing but full of her trueself. This 8 part collection for kids 8 to 12 years will be a good collection to any little scholar’s bookshelf.

4. Harry Potter - By J K Rowling

Arguably one of the most popular fiction novels ever written, Harry Potter is a series of 7 books by author JK Rowling that narrates the story of a talented wizard boy, Harry Potter who joins a special school in Hogwarts. He has to fight the evilest wizard Voldemort to keep himself and his friends and school safe.

The book has been transformed into a motion picture series and dedicated theme parks across US and UK. Categorized as suitable for ages 9 and above, this book has its fans across all age groups.

Individual Story Books for Kids in English (2-4 years old)

Here are the list of storybooks for kids between 2-4 years of age. These are mainly graphic novels with interesting images 

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1. Grumpy Bird – Written & illustrated by Jeremy Tankard

This book is about a bird who refuses to indulge in any activity. The book ensures that everyone must carry a smile on their face after a read-out-loud session. Incredible to help kids understand feelings, what they resemble, and strategies to help change their feelings. Read more about other storybooks for kids in English.

Buy this amazing story book of ‘The Grumpy Bird’- here.

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2. Hickory Dickory Dock – Written & illustrated by Keith Baker

An engaging and entertaining book based on the famous nursery rhyme that perks the youngsters up. As an old clock rolls in new number, a new creature comes our of the clock and interacts with the mouse. Children usually laugh and groove along while singing their favorite nursery rhyme while the story is being read out. Read more about other storybooks in English for kids.

Buy this amazing story book of ‘Hickory Dickory Dock‘-  here.

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3. Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale – Written & illustrated by Mo Willems

This book is about how a little child named Trixie loses her Knuffle Bunny on a trip to Laundromat with her dad and struggles to bring it to her father’s notice on her way back home. Luckily she is able to get hold of her favorite toy again though in slightly different conditions. Excellent high contrast photos of Brooklyn and astounding vivid representations depict the story of little Trixie and her Knuffle Bunny. Read more about storybooks for kids in English.

Buy this amazing story book of ‘Knuffle Bunny’here.​

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4. Little Pea  – Written by Amy Krouse Rosenthal & illustrated by Jen Corace

An engaging story about eating times with enchanting content that families can enjoy together. A sweet and entertaining story in which meals and desserts are swapped and something which fussy eaters and parents can relate to easily.  With great illustrations, this book can engage anyone to read it from front to back. Read more about storybooks in English for kids.

Buy this amazing story book of ‘Little Pea’–  here.

Explore other storybooks for kids below and more English stories >>

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5. My Friend Bear – Written & illustrated by Jez Alborough

This book is really fascinating and tells the story of two lonely individuals and their journey to happiness. The book demonstrates to its readers how they can be companions with everybody and how they should be mindful and caring towards them. Read more about other storybooks for kids in English.

​Buy this amazing story book of ‘My Friend Bear’–  here.

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6. Planting a Rainbow – Written & illustrated  by Lois Ehlert 

This instructive and charming story book teaches kids as to how to plant bulbs, seeds, and seedlings, and support their development. It is a popular children’s’ book that also teaches preschoolers about colors, flowers, and plants from an early age to make them environmentally aware. Read more about other storybooks in English for kids.

​Buy this amazing story book of ‘Planting a Rainbow’here.

Touch and Feel Jungle Animals Book

7. Touch and Feel Jungle Animals Book – by DK Publishing

This book is part of three “Touch and Fee” book series and is ideal for kids to learn about animals by exploring. Each page has an image that your little one can connect with physically and feel it. Along with the storylines, they can learn new things likes the names of creatures in a simple and fun manner. Read more about other storybooks for kids in English.

​Buy this amazing story book of ‘Animal Book here.

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8. The Golden Fish Story Book – Written & illustrated by Alexander Pushkin

Reading books is an activity that can help young children build on on their vocabulary and become more confident communicators. This book is an illustration-filled storybook that any child is sure to love. The book narrates the story of a golden fish who is caught by a fisherman and is willing to fulfill any wish for her freedom. Read more about other storybooks in English for kids.

​Buy this amazing story book of ‘The Golden Fish’here.

Explore other storybooks for kids below and more English stories >>

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9. The Little Red Hen – Written by Diane Muldrow & illustrated by J.P. Miller

The story gives a good idea to demonstrate to young children the spirit of giving and helping. The book tells the story of a little red hen who is looking to plant seeds but none of her friends is too eager to help her. Book thus teaches the importance of teamwork and the necessity to keep good friends who are willing to help when required. Read more about other storybooks for kids in English.

​Buy this amazing story book of ‘The Little Red Hen’–  here.​

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10. The Snowy Day – Written & illustrated by Ezra Jack Keats

This book is known for its imaginative take on how children love to chase the wonders and want to keep it all for themselves. It tells the story of a 4 year old boy who wakes up to find it has snowed and then went on an adventure and lots of fun making objects out of fresh snowfall. In the end, it also demonstrates who kids love their adventure and fun to never end and continue forever until the end of time. Read more about other storybooks in English for kids.

​Buy this amazing story book of ‘The Snowy Day’–  here.​

Story Books for Kids in English (4-8 years old)

Here are the list of storybooks for kids between 4-8 years of age. These are mainly classic English stories with morals

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1. Beezus and Ramona – Written & illustrated by Beverly Cleary

Beatrice ‘Beezus’ and Ramona Quimby share an intriguing sisterhood bond. Younger Ramona is that irritating four-year-old younger sibling who is always looking for some kind of mischief and loves irritating her elder sister. Else Beezus is a nine-year-old kid who loves her sister a lot, is expected to take care of her younger sister but doesn’t completely get the whole picture of responsibility.  This is the first book in the series of stories on Beezus and Ramona by the same author. Read more about other story books for kids in English.

Buy this amazing story book of ‘Beezus and Ramona’–  here.

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2. Charlotte’s Web – Written by E.B White & illustrated by Rosemary Wells

Charlotte’s Web is the most well-crafted children’s tale that deserves a very good rating and must be in everyone’s “must-read” list. This story has numerous significant emotions and feelings. It instructs us to respect other living animals and how to live with other humans or animals in harmony and peace. 

Written by the author of Stuart Little series, this book narrates the story of a young girl named Fern and how she becomes friend with a pig, Wilbur, and his spider friend Charlotte. The beautiful illustrations make this story very interesting to read. Read more about other storybooks for kids in English.

Buy the amazing story book of ‘Stuart Little’here.

Explore other storybooks for kids below and more English stories >>

Charlie and lola, story books for kids

3. Charlie & Lola – Written and illustrated by Lauren Child

It is a collection of animated picture stories by Lauren Child about two young siblings Charlie and Lola and their fun adventures. While Charlie is himself quite young, he is often asked by parents to look after his younger sister Lola who is full of energy and clever tricks. There are a total of five great books in this collection of stories that children love to read. Read more about other story books for kids in English.

Buy the story book of ‘Charlie & Lola’–  here.

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4. Duck! Rabbit! – Written by Amy Krouse Rosenthal & illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld

A pleasant picture book based on an age-old illusion as shown in the book cover art – whether its a duck or a rabbit. This is an account of two individuals taking a look at a similar object and seeing two completely different things. The magnificence of this book is that besides a funny tale, this book teaches kids that there can be two sides to a  coin, and right or wrong can often depend on your perspective. Read more about other story books for kids in English.

Buy the story book of ‘Duck! Rabbit!’–  here.

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5. Fancy Nancy – Written by Jane O’Connor & illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser

Meet Nancy, who believes that more is ALWAYS better with regards to being fancy and goes on an adventure to dress up her family in fancy attire for a special evening. This is the book that kickstarted the Fancy Nancy series of books and it has now also been adapted into a TV Show by the same name. Read more about other story books for kids in English.

Buy the story book of ‘Fancy Nancy’–  here.

Explore other storybooks for kids below and more English stories >>

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6. Mrs Piggle Wiggle – Written by Betty MacDonald & illustrated by Alexandra Boiger

It’s about this elderly woman named Mrs Piggle Wiggle who was married to a pirate. She has no children of her own but is excellent in handling children politely and positively adapt their behavior. All moms call her and request her help to guide their unpleasant or misbehaving youngsters. Every section of the book is about a child undergoing Mrs Piggle Wiggle’s fixes, from dis-courteousness to childishness, she has some good techniques to fix them all. Read more about other story books for kids in English.

Buy the amazing story book of ‘Mrs Piggle Wiggle’–  here.

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7. My GrandMa and Me – Written by Mina Javaherbin & illustrated by Lindsey Yankey

A genuine story of a little youngster in Iran, Mina, who idolizes and follows her grandma. This is a lovely tribute to family and long-lasting recollections, illustrated with wondrous detail. The book tells us about the sweet relationship between a child and her grandmother who are inseparable and a child’s adoration for her grandmother is evident in the story and various illustrations. 

Read more about other story books for kids in English.

Buy the amazing story book of ‘Grandma and Me’– here.

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8. Stuart Little – Written  by E.B White & illustrated by Garth Willams

This great book tells the story of Stuart Little, on an extremely dangerous adventure. With highly contrasting representations, book tells the story of Stuart Little who is no ordinary mouse. Living in New York City, Stuart is an introvert, thinker, dresses up in formals or in a sailor suit and talks in an English accent. This book talks about his adventure when his good friend, Margalo, disappears from its nest and Stuart decides to track her down. Read more about other story books for kids in English.

Buy the amazing story book of ‘Stuart Little’– here.

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9. The Mitten – Written & illustrated by Jan Brett

A delightful and extremely innovative youngsters’ book based on Ukrainian  traditional stories. It tells the story of a young boy Nicki, who drops his white mittens in the snow in a forest. A winter foundation with brilliant illustrations and a great blend of creatures makes for a fantastic story that all can appreciate. Read more about other storybooks for kids in English.

Buy the amazing story book of ‘The Mitten’–  here.

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10. We Eat Bananas – Written & illustrated  by Katie Abey, Imprint: Bloomsbury Children’s Books

This is not a read-aloud book but a laugh-aloud book in which animals are seen eating their favorite foods from bananas, to lemons, to pancakes in the most amazing ways. In this cheerful festival of food, splendid illustrations with humorous detail are a treat for young kids. Read more about other story books for kids in English.

Buy the amazing story book of ‘We Eat Bananas’– here.

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Story Books for Kids in English (8-12 years old)

Here are the list of storybooks for kids between 8-12 years of age. These are mainly mystery stories, fantasies and fictional

1.  Alice in Wonderland – Written by Lewis Carroll & illustrated by John Tenniel

Alice in Wonderland is a fantasy story is about a young lady who falls asleep in a garden while reading and then suddenly comes across a talking rabbit, with a pocket watch, who was in fact getting late for a party to attend. But then he is an instance jumps into a big hole and  Alice too, curiously, follows the rabbit and ends up in an extraordinary place when her adventure starts. This book has been a favorite of kids for more than 150 years. Read more about other story books for kids in English .

Buy the amazing story book of ‘Alice in Wonderland’– here.

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2. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – Written by Roald Dahl & illustrated by Quentin Blake

Charlie Bucket’s awesome experience starts when he discovers one of Mr. Willy Wonka’s valuable Golden Tickets by luck and wins an entire day inside the puzzling chocolate processing plant. Little does he know about the amazement and surprise that are awaiting him! The story is a complete package of dark humor, funny incidents, and classic children’s literature that blends together giving the readers a playful result. And yes, you get to enjoy a lot of chocolate making too !!! Read more about other story books for kids in English.

Buy the amazing story book of ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ – here.

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3. Diary of a Wimpy Kid Collection – Written & illustrated by Jeff Kinney

This book is about Greg Heffley, a teenager who is struggling to find his way through the school. He tries lot of things to gain popularity, including being a cartoonist,  stage performer,  safety patrols, etc. but none really works out for him. He even uses his best friend’s, Rowley, help but the series of events make Rowley more popular in the school and poor Greg is left behind resulting in some hilarious moments. This is the first part of a series of books on this character and now even adapted into a major motion picture. Read more about other story books for kids in English.

Buy the amazing story book of ‘Wimpy Kid’ here.

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4. Harriet the Spy – Written & illustrated by Louise Fitzhugh

Harriet is a young, intelligent, and curious girl who comes from a privileged family and studies in a good school. She has a keen interest in investigations and believes that she is just limited in her four-walled room. Harriet secretly keeps a mysterious journal that she uses to note down her observations about her parents, neighbors, school friends, and even random strangers on the road. 

Consistently on her course as a private agent, she “watches” and notes down anything important to her. And the fun starts when this secret notebook ends up in the hands of her friends at school and she has to defend what she has written in it. Read more about other story books in English for kids.

Buy the amazing story book of ‘Harriet the spy’ here.

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5. Harry Potter Collection – Written by J.K. Rowling & illustrated by Mary Grandpre

An absolute MUST read for each and every child who adores magic, paying little heed to their age. It is a multi award-winning story of a magical world that has caught the creative mind of millions around the world. The gigantic dreamland, full point by point, the wizarding network, mystical school and exercises, service, and even a famous magical game. And to add to the twist, an evil wizard who “cannot be named”. Read more about other story books in English for kids.

Buy the amazing story book of ‘Harry Potter’ here.

Explore other storybooks for kids below and more English stories >>

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6. Mr Poppers Penguins – Written by Richard Atwater & illustrated by Robert Lawson

Mr Popper is a house painter who wants to tune in to radio projects about penguins. So when an Admiral sends him a real penguin, he is charmed to have it for a pet. But trouble starts when he decides to find a mate for the penguin. This is a warm, interesting, good old family story that makes a great read and has been on all-time favorite list for ages. Read more about other story books in English for kids.

Buy the amazing story book of ‘Mr Poppers Penguins’ here.

7. Peter Pan – Written by J.M. Barrie & illustrated by Michael Hague

Meet pixie fairies, mermaids, and everything in the between as you venture through an imaginative place for the darling youngsters on an extraordinary excursion. A young boy Peter Pan, who never grows up, spends his never-ending childhood having adventures on the mythical island of Neverland as the leader of the Lost Boys, interacting with pirates, mermaids, Native Americans, and occasionally ordinary children from the world outside. He is also joined by a fairy Tinker Bell in these adventures. Read more about other story books in English for kids.

Buy the amazing story book of ‘Peter Pan’ here.

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8. Princess Dairies Series – Written by Meg Cabot

Princess Dairies is a series of kids stories which revolve around a young teenage girl, Amelia Thermopolis of New York who discovers what she is a princess of a small European state Genovia. There are 11 parts of the books which makes up the series, each revolving around the character of the young Amelia, popularly known as Mia. The initial few books from the series have also been adapted into major motion pictures. Read more about other story books in English for kids.

Buy the amazing story book of ‘The Princess Diaries’ here.

Explore other storybooks for kids below and more English stories >>

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9. The Great Shelby Holmes – Written & illustrated by Elizabeth Eulberg

This Sherlock Holmes inspired book is so elegantly composed with an extraordinary plot. John Watson moves with his mother who has as of late left both the military and John’s father to Harlem. There he meets an extremely extraordinary young lady named Shelby who is probably the best 9 year old detective world has ever seen. Hesitantly Shelby permits John to follow alongside her as she settles her most recent crime — the mystery of a missing show-dog stolen from a classmate’s secure house. Read more about other story books in English for kids.

Buy the amazing story book of ‘Shelby Homes’ here.

10. The Jungle Book – Written by Rudyard Kipling & illustrated by John Lockwood Kipling

The Jungle Book illustrates the great connection between humans and animals. It has engaged the young and old readers alike for, well, longer than a century. After being saved from the fierce clutches of tiger Sher Khan, little ‘man-offspring’ Mowgli is raised by a pack of wolves and before long figures out how to make a home in the wilderness in India. He is often accompanied by his friends and mentors – a panther named Bhageera and a bear named Ballu. Read more about other story books in English for kids.

Buy the amazing story book of ‘The Jungle Book’ here.

FAQ's on Story Books for Kids

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  1. Use songs and nursery rhymes to build phonemic awareness
  2. Make simple word cards at home
  3. Engage your child in a print-rich environment
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