Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! by Mo Willems
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Credit: Hyperion BooksA timeless picture book by literary legend Mo Willems cracks kids up a with an irresistible premise: The bus driver tells readers he has to leave, and to make sure the pigeon doesn't drive the bus. Only the pigeon is persistent and finds lots of different ways of asking if he can drive the bus. (Kids get to answer with an emphatic, "No!" each time!) If your kids dig the pigeon's spirit, there are lots of other adventures, including Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Sleigh!, a snowy-themed tale which will be released on September 5, 2023. Ages 3-5
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I LOVE Strawberries! by Shannon Anderson
Winner of a 2022 Good Housekeeping Kids' Book Award, I LOVE Strawberries! chronicles how a resourceful girl persuades her skeptical parents to allow her to grow strawberries in their yard. The plot, funny at times, unfolds through a series of diary entries and a bit of regular text. Incorporating themes of determination, problem-solving, and entrepreneurship, this STEM-focused picture book hits all the right notes. Ages 4-7
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Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin
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Credit: Dial BooksWho doesn't love dragons? And tacos? In Adam Rubin's cheeky tale, beastly, fire-breathing creatures are really just misunderstood party monsters, allowing children to conquer their wildest fears. No wonder sales of this picture book are on fire a decade after it was first published. Ages 3-7
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Knight Owl by Christopher Denise
The legend of King Arthur meets How to Catch a Monster in this charming, friendship-focused picture book that won a 2022 Good Housekeeping Kids' Book Award (and Caldecott Honor to boot). A tiny owl bravely (and generously) defends a castle from a fire-breathing dragon during a Night Watch. The secret to his success involves a surprising item that cracked up our kid testers. No spoilers! Ages 4-8
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If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff
Credit: HarperCollins
The cutest case of cause and effect in literary history, this 1985 gem begins with Oliver giving a chocolate-chip cookie to Quinley, a mouse. Quinley requests milk (to wash down the cookie), a straw (to drink the milk), a napkin (to blot the milk mustache) and so forth. The second-person narration makes the premise even funnier. Giggles are practically guaranteed. Ages 4-8
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If You Ever Want to Bring an Alligator to School, Don't! by Elise Parsley
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Credit: Little, Brown BooksShow-and-tell is a rite of passage, and no picture book makes it more hilarious than this cautionary tale. Marigold, the story's protagonist, aims to impress her classmates by bringing an alligator to school. Full of tips on what to do when a 12-foot wild animal with 74 teeth runs amok, kids will be roaring with laughter at Marigold’s attempts to keep her alligator’s antics in line. If you're asked to read to a group of kids, choose this crowd-pleaser. Ages 4-8
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The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt
In Drew Daywalt's back-to-school story, a child's long-neglected, battered crayons stage a coup, sick of being called funny names, broken in two or forgotten under the couch. Even orange and yellow are at odds, believing each is the color of the sun. The brilliant premise and hilarious dialogue will have your kids asking for you to read this picture book on repeat. Break it up with the sequel, The Day the Crayons Came Home. Ages 4-8
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Eloise by Kay Thompson
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Credit: Simon & SchusterWho wouldn't want to live like Eloise, the diva-in-residence at New York's storied Plaza Hotel? She's a cosmopolitan kid, with opinions to match. Sometimes "bratty" is really just "spirited." Ages 4-8
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What Do You Do With an Idea? by Kobi Yamada
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Credit: Compendium IncIt's all very well to encourage innovation, but what does it really take to nurture a big idea? Kobi Yamada's story focuses on the concepts of inspiration and the hard work it takes to make an idea a reality. Ages 3-7
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Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
Perhaps no other children's book is such required reading as Maurice Sendak's magical story. A little boy named Max who got up on the wrong side of the bed meets a troupe of teeth-gnashing monsters — and so the wild rumpus begins. Ages 4 to 8
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Busy, Busy Town by Richard Scarry
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Credit: Golden BooksA master of detail, Richard Scarry is known for illustrating books that make animals look like people—and the pre-K set can't get enough. TBH, there's something soothing about entering his fully-realized world, even for adults. This picture book with scenes from a farm, post office, school and more is a kid favorite in the creator's 18-book Busy World series. Ages 3-7
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Mail Duck: A Book of Shapes and Surprises by Erica Sirotich
A lift-the-flap book about a duck that delivers packages doubles as a way for toddlers and preschoolers to learn their shapes. Just when you think the story couldn't get any cuter, there's a sweet surprise at the end. Pick up an extra copy to gift at a first birthday party. Ages 1-4
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Where the Sidewalk Ends: Poems and Drawings by Shel Silverstein
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Credit: HarperCollinsShel Silverstein's hysterical collection of poetry is set inside a magical world where you can wash your shadow, auction off sisters and "Sarah Cynthia Sylvia Stout" still hasn't taken the garbage out. Change things up at bedtime and read one of these quirky poems rather than a story. Ages 4-8
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Last Stop on Market Street by Matt De La Peña
A wonderful story for grandparents and grandkids to enjoy together begins with a bus ride. Nana has to coax her grandson inside, telling him the bus breathes fire. As she uses her imagination to make ordinary experiences more exciting, the boy begins to see beauty where he never thought to look. The art is as extraordinary as the message. Ages 4-8
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From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg
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Credit: Atheneum BooksIn E.L. Konigsburg's 1967 Newbery Medal-winning masterpiece, a brother and sister run away to live in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. They get caught up in a mystery about a statue and there's a major plot twist. The book holds up incredible well—and, of course, tween rebellion, is still a thing! Don't be surprised if your child finishes it in one or two sittings: It's only 176 pages and hard to put down. Ages 8-12
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Leo: A Ghost Story by Mac Barnett
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Credit: Chronicle BooksHere's a ghost story every preschooler can get behind. Leo, a friendly, bow-tie-clad ghost, had to leave his house because its new occupants are afraid of him. He finds a kindred spirit of sorts in a girl with a big imagination who is looking for a knight. This charming friendship tale from two literary powerhouses will delight little ones plus its themes of acceptance and loyalty are grown-up approved. Ages 3-5
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Your Baby's First Word Will Be Dada by Jimmy Fallon
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Credit: FEIWEL & FRIENDSHere's a board book for all the funny, story-reading dads out there. Jimmy Fallon wrote it for his daughters; the end result is a witty, winsome yarn about a father's wildest dream. Gift it at a baby shower. Ages 1-3
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Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst
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Credit: Atheneum BooksJudith Viorst's 1972 classic about a seriously daunting day is the ultimate comfort read. Alexander wakes up with gum in his hair, and the day goes downhill from there. Just when he thinks he reached the lowest point, there's another misfortune. After the story, kids will probably realize that their crummy day wasn't as bad as Alexander's. Ages 3-7
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Looking for Alaska by John Green
Now 45% Off
Credit: PENGUIN YOUNG READERS GROUPA boarding school novel for the 21st century, John Green's gripping work explores what it's like to tumble through life as a thoughtful, risk-taking teenager. Compelling characters, complex relationships and a cool setting make the story a winner with teen readers who feel "understood." In 2006, the coming-of-age story won the American Library Association's Michael L. Printz Award for the best young-adult novel. In 2019, Hulu aired an eight-episode miniseries based on the book. Ages 14 and up
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Frog and Toad Are Friends by Arnold Lobel
The amphibious pals who have been charming beginning readers for generations, now have a special edition, golden anniversary picture book with bonus material that includes behind-the-scenes photos and sketches. Do a reverse storytime and have your child read it to you, and then look at the extra goodies together. Ages 4-8
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