Book Riot | 12.08.2026 16:00
Children are the ultimate arbiters of the best children’s literature, but we dialed in our expertise as parents, teachers, librarians, and forever kidlit readers to create this list of the best children’s books of the century, so far. These include essential board books, iconic picture books, books with silly rhymes that live in our heads rent free, and gorgeous poetry that moves readers of all ages. These are children’s books that thoughtfully translate nuanced emotions like grief and hard facts of history like slavery specifically for the youngest of us. These pages are decorated with silly, imaginative, rich, and downright gorgeous illustrations. This is the kidlit that reveals to the youngest readers the magic and meaning found in a book.
