The 10 Best Children's ooks
- The 10 Best Children's ooks
- 1. Where the Wild Things Are, by Maurice Sendak
- 2. Noughts & Crosses, by Malorie Blackman
- 3. Northern Lights, by Philip Pullman
- 4. The Hobbit, by JRR Tolkien
- 5. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, by Roald Dahl
- 6. Emil and the Detectives, by Erich Kästner
- 7. The Gruffalo, by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler
- 8. Peepo! by Janet and Allan Ahlberg
- 9. You’re a Bad Man, Mr Gum! by Andy Stanton
- 10. The Cat in the Hat, by Dr Seuss
Our collection of the best children's books is perhaps based more on passion than science and it's worth pointing out that there are some great writers who are so prolific that their votes were split across their work, so didn’t make it into the final list (Jacqueline Wilson, Michael Morpurgo, David Walliams…). Still, we’re sure even they would agree that our list represents the absolute best in children’s literature, and we hope that you and your budding readers find picturebooks, storybooks, novels and non-fiction here to inspire and intrigue you.
Noughts & Crosses, by Malorie Blackman
Blackman is a wonderful contemporary author of fiction for older children and teens, setting her work in the modern world. The entire ‘Noughts & Crosses’ series, following generations of two families torn apart by racial and cultural division, is tough, uncompromising and thought-provoking. Best for: Ages 12–15 In a nutshell: Prejudice under the spotlight
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, by Roald Dahl
Fantasy and cautionary tale are entwined as Dahl delights in descriptions of Charlie Bucket's squalid home, the vile children who, along with him, win golden tickets to see Willy Wonka’s factory, and the fantastical sweets they get to try on their trip. Best for: Ages 7–10 In a nutshell: Sugar-coated flight of imagination
Where the Wild Things Are, by Maurice Sendak
Sendak’s enduring American classic tells the story of Max, a little boy who is sent to bed in disgrace after being naughty. Suddenly, his room transforms into a magical world, sending Max off on a journey to a land where he becomes King of the Wild Things. A story celebrating creativity and individuality. Best for: Ages 3–6 In a nutshell: Boyhood escapism