The Best Family Kids' Books 2026

1. Shortcut (Paperback)

From Donald Crews, the Caldecott Honor artist and award-winning creator of Bigmama's, Freight Train, and many other classic picture books for young children, comes "a superb example of the picture book as theater; a suspense thriller for younger audiences" (Horn Book starred review). It's getting late following a day of play, So seven children decide to take the shortcut home to Bigmama's, even though that means walking along the train tracks when they know they should always take the road. The coast seems clear... This companion to Bigmama's will enthrall young readers at home or in the classroom. An exciting story with a clear implicit lesson and a happy ending, children will be on the edge of their seats as they follow along. A fun read-aloud, it also helps children ages 3 to 6 learn about how to share details of place in storytelling. Celebrate the bonds of family over generations with Donald Crews's evocative picture books Shortcut and Bigmama's.

Shortcut, (Paperback) Author: Greenwillow Books ISBN: 9780688135768 Format: Paperback Publication Date: 1996-09-20 Page Count: 32

2. The World of Eric Carle: Papa, Please Get the Moon for Me (Hardcover)

A father will move heaven and earth to delight his daughter in this beloved tale from children's book legend Eric Carle. Monica wants to play with the moon, but she can't quite seem to reach it. This story literally unfolds as the pages extend both outward and upward, and readers will empathize with Monica's longing for the moon as well as be reassured by her father's willingness to try to make her dream come true.

The World of Eric Carle: Papa, Please Get the Moon for Me (Hardcover) Author: Eric Carle ISBN: The World of Eric Carle: Papa, Please Get the Moon for Me (Hardcover) Format: Hardcover Publication Date: 1970-01-01 Pages: 40

3. The Wednesday Surprise, (Hardcover)

Anna and Grandma are planning a surprise for Dad's birthday. Dad thinks he has received all his presents, but Grandma stands up and gives him the best one of all: she reads aloud the stories that Anna has taught her.

The Wednesday Surprise, (Hardcover) Author: Clarion Books ISBN: 9780899197210 Format: Hardcover Publication Date: 1989-03-20 Page Count: 32

4. My Louisiana Sky (Hardcover) 9780805052510

ISBN: 9780805052510 ISBN10: 0805052518 Contributors: Holt, Kimberly Willis,

My Louisiana Sky (Hardcover) 9780805052510

5. Babushka's Doll (Paperback)

Natasha isn't really a bad girl. It's just that she wants to play on the swing now, not after the wash has been hung up to dry. And she wants her soup now, not after the goats have been fed. Looking after Natasha keeps Babushka, Natasha's grandmother, very busy. Then, after lunch, Natasha notices a doll sitting on Babushka's shelf...a doll Babushka tells Natasha she played with just once when she was a little girl. When Natasha plays with the doll while Babushka goes to the store for groceries, she discovers why once is enough with Babushka's doll...and finds out just how tiring it can be to take care of a child who wants everything now.

Natasha isn't really a bad girl. It's just that she wants to play on the swing now, not after the wash has been hung up to dry. And she wants her soup now, not after the goats have been fed. Looking after Natasha keeps Babushka, Natasha's grandmother, very busy. Then, after lunch, Natasha notices a doll sitting on Babushka's shelf...a doll Babushka tells Natasha she played with just once when she was a little girl. When Natasha plays with the doll while Babushka goes to the store for groceries, she discovers why once is enough with Babushka's doll...and finds out just how tiring it can be to take care of a child who wants everything now.

6. The Maggie B (Hardcover)

The Maggie B is Irene Haas' creation of a world in which children will eagerly go to share in a little girl's dream come true. In a beautifully constructed story, a little girl's wish to sail for a day on a boat named for her" with someone nice for company" comes true.

The Maggie B is Irene Haas' creation of a world in which children will eagerly go to share in a little girl's dream come true. In a beautifully constructed story, a little girl's wish to sail for a day on a boat named for her" with someone nice for company" comes true.

7. Janet's Thingamajigs 9780688152789

ISBN: 9780688152789 ISBN10: 0688152783 Contributors: Cleary, Beverly, DiSalvo-Ryan, DyAnne,

When twins Jimmy and Janet squabble over Janet's collection of "thingamajigs" their mom presents them with a "grown-up" surprise and Janet's collection becomes a thingamajig of the past. "The softly colored illustrations neatly catch the spirit of this slice of real life."--Kirkus Reviews.

8. Yolonda's Genius (Paperback)

Fifth grader Yolonda is determined to prove that her younger brother is not a slow learner but a true musical genius in this sweet and inspirational Newbery Honor Book. Yolanda is smart, tough, and big for her age. Back in Chicago where they used to live, everyone knew better than to mess with her or her little brother, Andrew. Andrew doesn't talk very much and he can't read, but he can create unbelievable music on the old harmonica their father left him. When Yolanda reads the definition of "genius" in the dictionary, she knows it describes Andrew, and she's determined to convince the world, especially their mother, of Andrew's gift. Then one day when Yolanda's back is turned, the unthinkable happens, and the music stops. Now Yolanda's mission is more important than ever. How can she open people's eyes to Andrew's talent and help him find the music again?

Fifth grader Yolonda is determined to prove that her younger brother is not a slow learner but a true musical genius in this sweet and inspirational Newbery Honor Book. Yolanda is smart, tough, and big for her age. Back in Chicago where they used to live, everyone knew better than to mess with her or her little brother, Andrew. Andrew doesn’t talk very much and he can’t read, but he can create unbelievable music on the old harmonica their father left him. When Yolanda reads the definition of “genius” in the dictionary, she knows it describes Andrew, and she’s determined to convince the world, especially their mother, of Andrew’s gift. Then one day when Yolanda’s back is turned, the unthinkable happens, and the music stops. Now Yolanda’s mission is more important than ever. How can she open people’s eyes to Andrew’s talent and help him find the music again?

9. Yolonda's Genius (Hardcover)

Fifth grader Yolonda is determined to prove that her younger brother is not a slow learner but a true musical genius in this sweet and inspirational Newbery Honor Book. Yolanda is smart, tough, and big for her age. Back in Chicago where they used to live, everyone knew better than to mess with her or her little brother, Andrew. Andrew doesn't talk very much and he can't read, but he can create unbelievable music on the old harmonica their father left him. When Yolanda reads the definition of "genius" in the dictionary, she knows it describes Andrew, and she's determined to convince the world, especially their mother, of Andrew's gift. Then one day when Yolanda's back is turned, the unthinkable happens, and the music stops. Now Yolanda's mission is more important than ever. How can she open people's eyes to Andrew's talent and help him find the music again?

Fifth grader Yolonda is determined to prove that her younger brother is not a slow learner but a true musical genius in this sweet and inspirational Newbery Honor Book. Yolanda is smart, tough, and big for her age. Back in Chicago where they used to live, everyone knew better than to mess with her or her little brother, Andrew. Andrew doesn’t talk very much and he can’t read, but he can create unbelievable music on the old harmonica their father left him. When Yolanda reads the definition of “genius” in the dictionary, she knows it describes Andrew, and she’s determined to convince the world, especially their mother, of Andrew’s gift. Then one day when Yolanda’s back is turned, the unthinkable happens, and the music stops. Now Yolanda’s mission is more important than ever. How can she open people’s eyes to Andrew’s talent and help him find the music again?

10. Schoolhouse Mystery (Paperback)

Four brave siblings were searching for a home - and found a life of adventure! Join the Boxcar Children as they investigate the mystery of an old schoolhouse in this illustrated chapter book series beloved by generations of readers. The Aldens' friend Max says nothing interesting happens in Port Elizabeth. But when the children visit the small fishing village and come across a man snooping around the local library, they prove that every town has its mysteries. What started as a single story about the Alden Children has delighted readers for generations and sold more than 80 million books worldwide. Featuring timeless adventures, mystery, and suspense, The Boxcar Children(R) series continues to inspire children to learn, question, imagine, and grow.

ISBN13: 9780807572634 Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company Publication Year: 1990 Format: Paperback Pages: 128