
BookTrust's 100 Best Children's Books
A curated list of the 100 best children's books from the past 100 years, perfect for readers aged 0 to 14.


The Illustrated Mum
Dolphin adores her vibrant mother, but as her sister Star begins to question their unconventional life, secrets and tensions rise.
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry
A powerful tale of one family's fight for dignity and justice in the face of racism during the Great Depression.

A Wizard of Earthsea
A young mage must confront the darkness he unleashed as he journeys to master his powers and restore balance to the world.

The Owl Service
Uncover the ancient, deadly magic hidden within a mysterious dinner service in this Carnegie Medal-winning classic.

Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes
A heartwarming celebration of babies and the joy they bring, brought to life by two beloved authors and illustrators.

Peepo!
Peepo! is a beloved picture book classic that has delighted generations of babies, toddlers, and parents with its charming peek-a-boo concep…

Dogger
A heartwarming tale of a lost toy and the love between a child and their favorite stuffed animal, beautifully illustrated and awarded the Ka…

Elmer
Join the beloved patchwork elephant Elmer on a colorful journey celebrating individuality and acceptance, perfect for young readers.

Dear Zoo
A delightful interactive children's book where a child writes to the zoo to find the perfect pet, with lift-the-flap surprises on every page…

A Great Big Cuddle
A delightful collection of poems that celebrate the joy of cuddles and the love between parents and children.

I Want My Potty!
A charming tale about a little princess's journey from nappies to potty training, filled with humor and relatable moments for young readers.

Mr Big
Mr Big may look tough and scary, but this gentle giant just wants to show the world his soft side in this heartwarming tale of inclusion.

Harry the Dirty Dog
A charming tale of a dog's adventure and transformation that leads to a surprising reunion with his family.
The Day the Crayons Quit
When Duncan opens his crayon box, he finds letters from his crayons who have had enough of their coloring duties. Can he convince them to co…

This is Our House
George builds a house from a cardboard box and refuses to let anyone else in, but he gets a lesson in fairness when everyone turns the table…

Dinosaurs and All That Rubbish
Join a hilarious adventure with a boy, a dinosaur, and a spaceship full of trash in this witty and imaginative tale.

Julian is a Mermaid
A heartwarming tale of self-discovery and acceptance, Julián Is a Mermaid celebrates the joy of being true to oneself.
Dave and the Tooth Fairy
A whimsical twist on the classic tooth fairy tale, perfect for young readers who love a bit of magic and humor.
BookTrust's 100 Best Children's Books is a meticulously curated list compiled by experts to celebrate the finest children's literature over the past century. This list includes a diverse range of genres and styles, from classic picture books to contemporary novels, ensuring there is something for every young reader. The selection spans from beloved classics like 'The Very Hungry Caterpillar' and 'Where the Wild Things Are' to modern favorites such as 'The Boy at the Back of the Class' and 'A Monster Calls'. Each book has been chosen for its enduring appeal, literary merit, and ability to captivate young minds. Whether you're looking for adventure, fantasy, historical fiction, or heartwarming stories, this list offers a treasure trove of reading experiences that will inspire a love of books in children and adults alike. Perfect for parents, educators, and young readers seeking high-quality literature, this list is a must-have resource for anyone looking to build a stellar children's library.
Source: https://www.booktrust.org.uk/book-recommendations/booklists/100-best-books/