April 2nd is Children’s Book Day! There are few other holidays so near and dear to my heart. I grew up a reading maniac! You can ask my mom. I read hundreds of children’s books. Then, as an adult, my first job was selling books in the Children’s section of Barnes & Noble. So, in honor of this holiday, I’ve put together my list of epic books for kids that they won’t be able to put down.
I focused on books that are still available, because apparently I’m old enough to have read books that aren’t being printed anymore. Yikes! And although this list could go on forever because I love kid’s books, I kept it quick. Anyways, enjoy the list!
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Epic Books for Kids: Kindergarten
Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andreae
As a Children’s Bookseller back in the day, I facilitated many storytimes. This was always a fan favorite with the kids. It not only includes a bunch of fun animals doing silly dances, but it sneaks in the positive message that no one can tell you what you can’t do! So if you want to teach your kid confidence, self love and pride, this is the book!
Get Giraffe’s Can’t Dance on Amazon.
Mary Wore Her Red Dress by Merle Peek
This epic books for kids pick is based on an American Folk song. It’s a story about some animal friends that go to Mary’s party and each was wearing a different color for their clothing. It’s great for the young school kids because it reaffirms the color knowledge, offers a song to assist learning and is easy to help them start to read.
Pick up Mary Wore Her Red Dress here.
Epic Books for Kids: 1st Grade
First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg
Another storytime favorite, this book is perfect for back to school time. It’s the story of Sarah, who is so nervous to go to school. You work through the whole book the morning of the first day of school only to find out…..SPOILER……the story is about the teacher! (Not a student). The kids always think the surprise at the end is hilarious!! It is for sure, one of the most epic books for kids.
Get First Day Jitters on Amazon.
The True Story of the Three Little Pigs by John Scieszka
This was one of the first books that I truly loved and re-read a million times. It is the story of the Three Little Pigs, but told from the Wolf’s perspective. It’s clever, endearing and definitely creative. It gets kids to think about stories in a different way – from a unique perspective. John Scieszka ended up being one of my favs with other titles like Math Curse (don’t get me started on math books), The Stinky Cheese Man and The Frog Prince Continued.
Pick up The True Story of the Three Little Pigs.
Epic Books for Kids: 2nd Grade
George and Martha by James Marshall
George and Martha is a series really. There are a few books in the George and Martha collection. It’s the silly tales of these two hippos. Like a true epic books for kids list maker, these stories teach kids values. The value of friendship, respect and courtesy. Every parent likes a book with secret lessons. And kids love animals. Win, win. James Marshall has his own epic collection of kids books with the Mrs. Nelson stories, The Stupids and even Goldilocks.
Tacky the Penguin by Helen Lester
Now, my mom will confirm that I was a little bit of a weird kid. Lol. But, for some reason, I so connected to the character Tacky the Penguin. This story is about a misfit penguin who “marches to the beat of his own drum”. The book follows Tacky as he tries to fit in with the more conformist penguins only to have him realize, he is totally fine just being himself!!
Along the same story line, the same author has a book called A Porcupine Named Fluffy. The porcupine’s ironic name makes him feel out of place, until he meets a rhino named hippo! It’s also one of my favorites.
Get Tacky the Penguin or A Porcupine Named Fluffy.
Epic Books for Kids: 3rd Grade
The Great Kapok Tree by Lynne Cherry
I actually remember this book from third grade because my class performed a play of it. (I was the narrator). And, I was also seriously obsessed with the rainforest. And this book was a cautionary tale about rainforest conservation, specifically the Amazon. The illustrations are also amazing!
Pick up The Great Kapok Tree.
Chester’s Way by Kevin Henkes
Ok, now’s the part where I ask you not to judge me. Yet another book I loved as a kid about a peculiar character. Chester’s Way follows Chester and Wilson, mice with a certain way of doing things, for example the way they cuts their sandwiches (diagonally). They always did things the same and together. Then they meet Lily, who did things differently! They don’t accept her at first, until she helps them out with a problem. The boys start to realize there’s more to friendship that having everything in common. (Oh the lessons).
Get Chester’s Way on Amazon.
Epic Books for Kids: 4th Grade
Bunnicula by James Howe
Bunnicula has a ridiculous and hilarious premise. When I would sell this book to kids at the store, they always thought it was hilarious. Basically, the story follows a dog, Harold, and a cat, Chester, as they watch the bunny of the house. They believe that the bunny is a vampire that sucks the juice from vegetables. The cat is convinced they need to save the family from the bunny’s evil powers. It’s a seriously funny, humor driven novel on our list of epic kids books. There are more stories with the same characters such as Howliday Inn, Bunnicula Strikes Again, and The Celery Stalks at Midnight. All are amazing!
Pick up Bunnicula here.
The Twits by Roald Dahl
This is one of the first Roald Dahl books that I read. And after this book, I read them ALL. The Twits is about a couple who play pranks on each other. It’s definitely another humor book. It’s short and a quick read, but a good introduction to the style of Roald Dahl. Of course, you could always start with Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, but everyone knows that one already! This is truly one of the most epic books for kids.
Grab The Twits.
A Castle in the Attic by Elizabeth Winthrop
A Castle in the Attic is part of the epic kids books list because of it’s themes, characters and quick moving action. This book is one of those that I couldn’t put down as a kid. I loved the story, the fantasy themes (knights, castles) and the element of magic (spells). It’s a great read aloud as well!
Get A Castle in the Attic.
Epic Books for Kids: 5th Grade
The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster
Add one more book to the list of books that made my mom think I was a total weirdo. Lol. This book is a nerd’s dream. There’s fantasy, education, puzzles. It’s literally a book about how fun it is to learn. And I was (am) a nerd. It also touches on the idea that boredom happens and it’s part of life. I really do think this book is a cult classic. It’s even got an amazing annotated version.
Pick up The Phantom Tollbooth here.
Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett
This novel combines a few of my favorite things: art and mystery. I actually read this book as an adult, working in the bookstore. But, had it been around when I was a kid, I would’ve definitely added it to my reading list. A famous Vermeer painting is stolen from a museum and the thief leaves clues as to it’s recovery. We follow the children as they work on the mystery.
Grab Chasing Vermeer here.
Epic Books for Kids: 6th Grade
21 Balloons by William Pene du Bois
21 Balloons is a Newberry Award Winning story with fun themes. The plot follows a retired school teacher on his trip around the world. He ends up at a place that is filled with wealth and invention. The book features things that are both scientific and/or imagined. It’s a fun story with many inspirations for a creative kid.
Get 21 Balloons on Amazon.
The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
This book is on the epic books for kids list because it is a classic puzzle, mystery novel. It’s also a Newberry Award Winner and a great novel for introduction into the mystery genre. I went on to read all Agatha Christie’s books after this. The plot features the death of a mogul at the beginning and 16 tenants in the mogul’s building are named in his will, but they must solve some puzzles before anyone gets anything.
Pick up The Westing Game here.
Honorable Mentions:
A few books I still absolutely love but didn’t feature are:
- The Tale of Desperaux by Kate DiCamillo
- The 11th Hour by Graeme Base
- Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People’s Ears by Verna Aardema
- Peter and the Starcatchers by Rick Elice
- Olivia by Ian Falconer
- My Teacher is an Alien by Bruce Coville
Wrap Up
So, what are your favorites? What did you read as a child or to your child? Let’s expand the list of epic books for kids! A lot of mine are books that have been around the block, so it’s great to get fresh perspectives. I don’t work at Barnes & Noble anymore! Lol. Comment below. If you want some more updates from the blog along with a free download of Jack Prelutsky’s famous Ebeneezer Bleezer’s Ice Cream poem, sign up below.
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