Want to embark on an adventure with the special child in your life? Storybooks offer kids a way to escape from their worries while engaging their minds. They also help set the stage for a lifetime love of learning.
What are the best children’s books to read with your kids? There are truly too many to count, but check out these 20 must-have book titles from Safari Ltd.
1. Our Solar System
Want to send your kids on an out-of-this-world journey? “Our Solar System,” introduces kids to the planets and the sun. It’s a great read for younger kids; suitable for ages 3 and older. Children can further engage with the story thanks to graduated flaps that reveal facts about each planet and the Milky Way. It’s a fun, educational resource for young astronomers. The “Our Solar System” Book is part of the Friends of Safari collection.
2. Leika Little Owl
“Leika Little Owl” is a 12-page book for the youngest children. It follows Leika the owl on a nighttime adventure. The story features captivating illustrations that young kids will love. The book’s sturdy construction makes it a great read at home or on the go. The short story is part of the Leika Collection by Mary Meyer. You can read it aloud to your tot or use it to help early readers sharpen their skills.
3. ABC Oceans
Don’t you love it when children’s books teach more than one subject while still infusing fun? It’s like killing two birds with one stone. “ABC Oceans” teaches kids about the alphabet and different animals in the ocean. The book’s bright illustrations create a fun way to learn letters and facts about marine life. The book introduces sea creatures like the great white shark, jellyfish, narwhal, octopus, vampire squid, and more. “ABC Oceans” is perfect for children ages 3 and older. Its simple rhyming text makes it an fun, enjoyable story that preschoolers can easily follow along with.
4. Indestructibles - The Itsy Bitsy Spider
A classic nursery rhyme comes to life in this durable, chew-proof, and tear-resistant book.
The book has colorful pictures and minimal words on each page. So, the “Itsy Bitsy Spider” book promotes dialogic reading and storytelling. The book is safe for babies and toddlers. The durable, chew-proof, and tear-resistant book lets young children explore independently. It’s made of special non-toxic, 100% washable, paperlike, recyclable material. It’s designed for rough handling, even though it’s lightweight. The book is a great way to expose the youngest children to the world of reading.
5. If I Had a Gryphon
Want to inspire your kid’s imagination? This book is about a child who fantasizes owning a mythical creature. The protagonist adopts a pet hamster. They soon find it’s not as exciting as they had hoped. The ingenious child imagines the rodent is a magnificent mythical beast. “If I Had a Gryphon,” promotes the wonder of imagination. It features beautiful illustrations and whimsical storytelling. The book is an ideal story for children who love animals and magical adventures.
6. Tiny T. Rex and the Impossible Hug
Your kids are sure to fall in love with this heartwarming story about a tiny dinosaur who only wants to give a hug. Of course, he’s not exactly equipped to wrap his arms around a friend. The story then focuses on themes of perseverance and friendship. The fun and colorful illustrations are sure to appeal to young readers. An engaging family read aloud, “Tiny T. Rex and the Impossible Hug” is a perfect picture book for preschool and kindergarten-aged kids.
7. Pete the Cat: Super Pete
Kids will love embarking on adventures with Pete the Cat. The furry protagonist of this exciting adventure becomes a superhero. It’s Super Pete to the rescue! The story, which is part of the larger Pete the Cat series, features a positive message about helping others. It’s an ideal book for early readers – between ages 4 and 8 – who will appreciate the simple, engaging text. The book is part of our Friends of Safari collection.
8, Alphasaurus A to Z Board Book
Another great book for teaching kids their ABCs is the “Alphasaurus A to Z” board book. Introduce the alphabet to your child by adding a dinosaur twist. Kids are enthralled by these prehistoric monsters, so the book will capture their attention. The book blends education with entertainment. It boasts fun and colorful dinosaur illustrations that keep kids engaged as they learn lowercase and uppercase letters. It’s a great book for kids ages 2-5. Help them learn about dinosaurs in a hands-on way by pairing this book with TOOB or Good Luck Minis figurines from Safari Ltd.
9. ABC Animals
Another delightful alphabet book teaches the ABCs while introducing different animals. Each letter represents a new animal with vibrant artwork. That’s 26 letters and 26 animal friends. The book is ideal for toddlers and preschoolers who are learning their ABCs. The board book from the American Museum of Natural History starts with A for armadillo and ranges to Z for zebra. The “ABC Animals” book is part of the Friends of Safari collection. Pair them with animal figurines from Safari Ltd. for a more engaging and immersive learning experience.
10. Journey Under the Sea
Kids can dive into an underwater adventure when they read “Journey Under the Sea.” Featuring engaging illustrations, the storybook captures the essence of ocean life. It’s an interactive and educational choice for curious young readers. Kids can imagine they are deep-sea explorers embarking on a dangerous mission to find the lost city of Atlantis. On their journey, they must escape obstacles like giant squid, great white sharks and the bends. This book is recommended for fifth-grade readers.
11. Dragons Love Tacos
Do dragons love tacos? The mythical creatures do in this book, which tells a humorous story about dragons and their love of tacos. “The Dragons Love Tacos” storybook is filled with funny twists and engaging artwork. The funny tale is perfect for storytime thanks to its lighthearted narrative. This book appeals to kids from preschool to age 7. Keep the laughs coming by pairing the book with the Pair with our Dragons Love Tacos Doll 10" plush as the perfect gift.
12. Luna Loves Art
Art and friendship come together in this captivating tale created by award-winning poet Joseph Coelho. Part of a larger series about Luna, “Luna Loves Art,” highlights the importance of creativity and self-expression. The beautiful illustrations bring the world of art to live for young readers. Kids can join Luna at the art gallery as she explores famous works of art by Van Gogh, Damien Hirst, Henri Matisse, Andy Warhol, and many more.
13. 100 Shoes
Kids can learn to count as they enjoy this entertaining story about a centipede trying to find 100 shoes. The engaging story combines humor with counting to give an educational twist on an engaging tale. Perfect for toddlers and preschoolers,“100 Shoes,” demonstrates concepts of pairs and multiples. The book is a Step Into Reading Level 2 story for early readers that also introduces early mathematical concepts.
14. Indestructibles - Hello, Farm!
Part of the Indestructibles series, “Hello Farm!” offers a chew-proof, rip-proof introduction to farm animals. The bright and colorful books are printed on special non toxic, 100% washable, paperlike, recyclable material, so even babies are safe to play with them independently. In fact, the book encourages babies to safely explore the bright images. The books are also perfect for early sensory exploration. Beloved by babies and their parents, the Indestructibles series is designed for babies to interact with the worlds through their hands and mouths.
15. The Snowy Day
Parents might remember this classic tale from their own childhoods. “The Snowy Day” continues to enthrall children just as it did in decades past as they join a boy on his adventures in the snow. Ezra Jack Keat’s Caldecott Medal-winning picture book celebrates the magical wonder of a snowy day as experienced through a child’s eyes. Timeless illustrations only enhance the gentle narrative. This book is so popular for generations that it’s the New York Public Library's No. 1 book on the list of “Top Check Outs of All Time.”
16. The Kissing Hand
“The Kissing Hand,” is a touching story about a raccoon coping with separation anxiety. It’s a perfect read for children just starting school or facing other new experiences that take them away from Mom and Dad. The heartwarming tale emphasizes love and comfort in a warm and gentle way. Published in 1993, “The Kissing Hand,” is widely used by kindergarten teachers on the first day of school. Kids will further engage with the story thanks to stickers in the back.
17. Swimmy
“Swimmy” is a story about teamwork and creativity among ocean creatures. The tale is a beloved picture book by creator Leo Lionni. Kids can join Swimmy as he shows his school of fish there’s no reason to fear. The story celebrates diversity and teamwork with beautiful illustrations of underwater life. The winner of the 1964 Caldecott Honor, the beloved tale has been a favorite for generations of readers, particularly for kids in preschool and older.
18. How to Put an Octopus to Bed
How do you put an octopus to bed? This fun bedtime story features a mischievous octopus who doesn’t want to go to bed, and a frustrated little girl determined to get him there. The playful narrative makes bedtime routines more enjoyable for kids ages 3 and older. Colorful illustrations engage young readers, as the tale encourages creativity, problem-solving skills, and social interaction. “How to Put an Octopus to Bed,” is an excellent tool for parents and educators who want to encourage a love of reading.
19. A Funny Thing Happened at the Museum
Are museums dull and boring? Not in this story that follows a whimsical adventure at a museum. Experience erupting volcanoes, charging dinosaurs, and secret stairwells.The tale blends humor with educational themes, so it’s a great way to mix learning and fun. “A Funny Thing Happened at the Museum,” is great for curious kids who love learning about history. Kids ages 6 and older will love the over-the-top antics at the museum. You can bring the story to life by pairing it with Toobs miniature figures from Safari Ltd.
20. The Velveteen Rabbit
Parents and teachers will remember this timeless tale from their own childhoods, and their kids will fall in love with it, too. In fact, “The Velveteen Rabbit,” has been touching hearts for more than 100 years. The story about a rabbit’s wish to become real emphasizes themes like love and transformation. Classic illustrations and brilliant art by Caldecott Medal winner Erin Steadonly only add to the touching narrative. It’s the perfect story for kids ages 3 and older.
Bond With Your Child Over Books
What are the best books to read with your child? Any of the above titles provides a way to bond with your kids while instilling a love of reading. In fact, Safari Ltd. offers a multitude of titles to suit the interests and age level of any child.
