100 best children's books from the past 100 years: The full list

A Bear Called Paddington

Author: Michael Bond Illustrator: Peggy Fortnum

Interest level: 6-8

Reading age: 7+

Paddington, the brown bear from darkest Peru, is found by the Brown family on Paddington Station with his hat, duffel coat and mar…

A Great Big Cuddle

Author: Michael Rosen Illustrator: Chris Riddell

Interest level: 2-5

Reading age:

Beautifully illustrated poems for young children by two Children's Laureates

A Monster Calls

Author: Patrick Ness (From an idea by Siobhan Dowd) Illustrator: Jim Kay

Interest level: 11-14

Reading age: 10+

Connor's mum has cancer and life is changing. There is the nightmare, then there is school, where people avoid him, or persecute h…

A Wizard of Earthsea

Author: Ursula Le Guin

Interest level: 12+

Reading age: 11+

The first in a classic series of fantasy novels, A Wizard of Earthsea follows a young boy’s development from goat herder…

Africa, Amazing Africa: Country by Country

Author: Atinuke Illustrator: Mouni Feddag

Interest level: 6-11

Reading age: 7+

A perfect book for young children interested in their cultural heritage or for those with a passion for travel and geography, this…

Are You There, God? It's Me, Margaret

Author: Judy Blume

Interest level: 9-11

Reading age: 9+

All the girls in Margaret's new neighbourhood are interested in boys, wearing makeup, and getting their period - but Margaret hasn…

Artichoke Hearts

Author: Sita Brahmachari

Interest level: 11+

Reading age: 11+

This empathetic account of the process of bereavement, a month’s diary, reassures readers that we grow from our experiences,…

Ballet Shoes

Author: Noel Streatfeild

Interest level: 8+

Reading age: 9+

First published in the 1930s, this classic story of three very different girls who work hard to master their talents has captivate…

Beezus and Ramona

Author: Beverly Cleary

Interest level: 6-11

Reading age: 7+

Life with a very naughty little sister is both funny and excruciating in the six complete stories that make up this classic chapte…

Billy and the Beast

Author: Nadia Shireen

Interest level: 4-6

Reading age: 6+

Billy and her friend Fatcat are enjoying a walk in the woods when they notice that the bunnies and mice have gone missing – a…

Booked

Author: Kwame Alexander

Interest level: 12-16

Reading age: 12+

From fast-paced football matches to school and family drama, this novel written in verse has something for everyone and will grip …

Carrie's War

Author: Nina Bawden

Interest level: 9+

Reading age: 10+

Inspired by Nina Bawden's own experiences of living as an evacuee in a Welsh mining valley as a child, Carrie's War is n…

Charlotte's Web

Author: E B White Illustrator: Garth Williams

Interest level: 6+

Reading age: 7+

This is the tale of how a little girl named Fern - with the help of a friendly talking spider called Charlotte - saved her pig, Wi…

Clean Up!

Author: Nathan Bryon Illustrator: Dapo Adeola

Interest level: 4-8

Reading age:

Rocket loves visiting her Grammy and Grampy in the Caribbean, especially splashing in the waves with her cool surfing Grammy - but…

Coming to England

Author: Floella Benjamin Illustrator: Michael Frith

Interest level: 9-11

Reading age: 9+

This moving and insightful memoir from much-loved writer and presenter Floella Benjamin documents her childhood, from her birth in…

Cyril and Pat

Author: Emily Gravett

Interest level: 4-7

Reading age: 6+

Cyril the Squirrel is so lonely that, when he finally makes a friend, he doesn’t seem to notice that "Pat" might not be quite what…

Dave and the Tooth Fairy

Author: Verna Wilkins Illustrator: Carl Pearce

Interest level: 4-8

Reading age: 5+

Dave is thrilled when he finally gets his first wobbly tooth although, despite much wiggling and waggling, it seems reluctant to c…

Dear Zoo

Author: Rod Campbell

Interest level: 2+

Reading age:

This appealing story, in lift-the-flap, board-book format has been a favourite with toddlers ever since it was first published in …

Dinosaurs and All That Rubbish

Author: Michael Foreman

Interest level: 4-5

Reading age:

When a rich and powerful man decides he wants to visit the stars, he stops at nothing to build a rocket that will take him there. …

Dog Man: Lord of the Fleas

Author: Dav Pilkey

Interest level: 6-8

Reading age: 7+

Dog Man is a comic masterclass, perfect for the surreal sense of humour of the average six- to nine-year-old. It’s a full-col…

Dogger

Author: Shirley Hughes

Interest level: 2-5

Reading age:

Dogger is Dave's special toy. So when Dogger gets lost at the funfair, Dave is desolate. Will they find each other again? Explorin…

Elmer

Author: David McKee

Interest level: 2-5

Reading age:

The first book in David McKee’s iconic series about a friendly, fun elephant and his adventures, Elmer is a true ambassador of inc…

Emil and the Detectives

Author: Erich Kästner

Interest level: 9+

Reading age: 9+

Ten-year-old Emil is excited to be taking the train to Berlin on his own for the first time - but he doesn't like the look of his …

Finn Family Moomintroll

Author: Tove Jansson Translator: Elizabeth Portch

Interest level: 5-8

Reading age: 6+

Moomintroll is cheerful and chubby and lives in the magical Moominvalley with his mother, Moominmamma, his father, Moominpappa and…

Five Minutes Peace

Author: Jill Murphy

Interest level: 4-5

Reading age:

Mrs Large the elephant just wants five minutes of peace away from her three boisterous children... but that proves to be a bit of …

Flour Babies

Author: Anne Fine

Interest level: 9-12

Reading age: 9+

A classic, touching and very funny coming-of-age story about an unusual science project that teaches the boys in 4C so much more t…

Freedom (1783)

Author: Catherine Johnson

Interest level: 9-11

Reading age: 9+

This is a brilliant adventure story that manages to give young readers a really important insight into slavery without being so up…

Fungus the Bogeyman

Author: Raymond Briggs

Interest level: 6-11

Reading age: 7+

This sophisticated cartoon-strip picture book for older children follows one day in the life of Fungus, a morose bogeyman who scar…

Funky Chickens

Author: Benjamin Zephaniah

Interest level: 9-11

Reading age: 9+

A funny, thought-provoking collection of poems for older children from Britain’s best-loved rap poet, Benjamin Zephaniah, which co…

George

Author: Alex Gino

Interest level: 10+

Reading age: 10+

This short, sweet story of embracing your true self and trusting those around you is a light read for such a heavy topic, which ta…

Goodnight Mister Tom

Author: Michelle Magorian

Interest level: 9+

Reading age: 10+

Willie Beech, a lonely and deprived child, is evacuated to a tiny English village just before the  Second World War, and find…

Green Eggs and Ham

Author: Dr Seuss

Interest level: 2-5

Reading age:

In Dr Seuss' rhyming classic, Sam-I-Am’s decided he’s going to invite his friend to try a very unusual dish: green eggs and ham! B…

Hairy Maclary from Donaldson's Dairy

Author: Lynley Dodd

Interest level: 2+

Reading age: 6+

This hilarious rhyming story follows Hairy Maclary from Donaldson's Dairy, as he sets off for a walk in town

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

Author: J K Rowling

Interest level: 9-14

Reading age: 9+

After the misery of life with his ghastly aunt and uncle, Harry Potter is delighted to have the chance to embark on an exciting ne…

Harry the Dirty Dog

Author: Gene Zion Illustrator: Margaret Bloy Graham

Interest level: 3-5

Reading age:

It's bathtime for Harry the dog - but he hides his brush and runs away on an adventure! But he gets very, very mucky in the proces…

Haunted House

Author: Jan Pieńkowski

Interest level: 3+

Reading age: 5+

Enjoy a tour of this spooky old house where a spine-tingling surprise lurks in every dark corner.

Hilda and the Troll

Author: Luke Pearson

Interest level: 6+

Reading age: 7+

Blue-haired explorer Hilda has an uncanny ability to find weird and wonderful adventures and befriend peculiar creatures.

Holes

Author: Louis Sachar

Interest level: 10+

Reading age: 10+

Stanley Yelnats' family has a history of bad luck, so he is not entirely surprised when a miscarriage of justice sends him to the …

How to Train Your Dragon

Author: Cressida Cowell

Interest level: 9+

Reading age: 9+

Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III was an incredible sword-fighter, dragon-whisperer and the greatest Viking hero who ever lived.

I Want My Hat Back

Author: Jon Klassen

Interest level: 4-6

Reading age:

A bear sets out in search of his hat - he loves his hat and he wants it back

I Want My Potty!

Author: Tony Ross

Interest level: 2+

Reading age: 5+

The Little Princess hates nappies, and thinks there must be something better. This is classic picture book entertainment, which wi…

I Will Not Ever Never Eat a Tomato

Author: Lauren Child

Interest level: 4+

Reading age: 5+

Charlie tricks his younger sister, Lola - an extremely fussy eater - into eating all her least favourite foods.

Julian is a Mermaid

Author: Jessica Love

Interest level: 4-7

Reading age: 6+

When Julian spots three women in lavish mermaid costumes, it fires his imagination and all he can think about is becoming a mermai…

Jumanji

Author: Chris Van Allsburg

Interest level: 6+

Reading age: 7+

Judy and Peter are bored and alone - until they discover a mysterious board game, Jumanji, that comes to life as soon as they star…

Kensuke's Kingdom

Author: Michael Morpurgo Illustrator: Michael Foreman

Interest level: 10+

Reading age: 10+

This is a beautifully written tale of an exceptional friendship which survives beyond the boundaries of culture and language.

Liccle Bit

Author: Alex Wheatle

Interest level: 13+

Reading age: 12+

At school Lemar, also known as Liccle Bit due to his height, is like any teenage boy. He's in love with a girl who barely notices …

Me and My Cat?

Author: Satoshi Kitamura

Interest level: 5+

Reading age: 6+

A witch casts a spell on Nicholas and he wakes up to discover he has turned into Leonardo, his pet cat.

Millions

Author: Frank Cottrell Boyce Illustrator: Steven Lenton

Interest level: 9+

Reading age: 9+

One night, a bag containing £229,370 falls from the sky and flattens the hermitage. Damian is convinced it is a gift from Go…

Mr Big

Author: Ed Vere

Interest level: 3-5

Reading age:

With its gruff hero, vibrant, strong colours, bold design and spare text, this story about looking beyond appearances has a satisf…

Northern Lights

Author: Philip Pullman

Interest level: 9-14

Reading age: 10+

This extraordinary fantasy is the first book in Philip Pullman's multi-award-winning His Dark Materials trilogy

Noughts and Crosses

Author: Malorie Blackman

Interest level: 12+

Reading age: 12+

Callum is a Nought but his best friend Sephy is a Cross - the daughter of one of the most influential politicians in the country.

Once

Author: Morris Gleitzman

Interest level: 10+

Reading age: 9+

Morris Gleitzman brings heart and humour to the difficult subject of the Holocaust in this ground-breaking children's book.

Peepo!

Author: Allan Ahlberg Illustrator: Janet Ahlberg

Interest level: 0-3

Reading age:

• Much-loved picture book classic that delights babies, toddlers and their parents.

• Look through the holes to spot details from t…

Pippi Longstocking

Author: Astrid Lindgren Translator: Tiina Nunnally Illustrator: Lauren Child

Interest level: 6+

Reading age: 8+

Follow Pippi Longstocking on her amazing adventures as she moves into Villa Villekulla with a horse, a monkey, and a big suitcase …

Planet Omar: Accidental Trouble Magnet

Author: Zanib Mian Illustrator: Nasaya Mafaridik

Interest level: 8-11

Reading age: 8+

Planet Omar has all of the everyday life family drama and silly humour of Tom Gates and Sam Wu, and it's wonderful to read a …

Planetarium

Author: Raman Prinja Illustrator: Chris Wormell

Interest level: 9-11

Reading age: 9+

Written by an astrophysicist and illustrated by the phenomenally talented Chris Wormell, Planetarium explores the solar …

Princess Smartypants

Author: Babette Cole

Interest level: 6-8

Reading age: 6+

Princess Smartypants is rebellious, independent, and very happy being single - but her parents want her to get married and settle …

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry

Author: Mildred D. Taylor

Interest level: 10-14

Reading age: 9+

In 1930s Mississippi, the Logan family are forced to live their lives in fear simply because they are black. A classic, compelling…

Skellig

Author: David Almond

Interest level: 10+

Reading age: 11+

Exploring a ramshackle garage with his new-found friend Mina, Michael discovers a strange, magical creature who needs his help.&nb…

So Much

Author: Trish Cooke Illustrator: Helen Oxenbury

Interest level: 2-5

Reading age: 5+

One by one, family members drop by on a mum and her tot – all wanting to squeeze, kiss and give undivided attention to the baby.&n…

Tall Story

Author: Candy Gourlay

Interest level: 9+

Reading age: 8+

Engagingly told in alternate chapters by four-foot, thirteen year-old Andi, in the UK, and her eight-foot, sixteen year-old half b…

Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes

Author: Mem Fox Illustrator: Helen Oxenbury

Interest level: 0-3

Reading age:

With beautiful illustrations of babies born all over the world and gentle rhyming text, this charming book is perfect for sharing …

The 13-Storey Treehouse

Author: Andy Griffiths Illustrator: Terry Denton

Interest level: 6+

Reading age: 8+

Griffiths and Denton create a triumph to engage even the most determined hater of books, which includes hilarious cartoon drawings…

The Arrival

Author: Shaun Tan

Interest level: 8+

Reading age: 8+

In this unusual book, we follow a young man as he packs his bags and leaves his family to go and start a new life in another count…

The BFG

Author: Roald Dahl Illustrator: Quentin Blake

Interest level: 6-10

Reading age: 7+

The BFG stands for Big Friendly Giant, who unexpectedly spirits a little girl named Sophie out of bed, and into the land of the ch…

The Borrowers

Author: Mary Norton

Interest level: 9+

Reading age: 9+

The Borrowers are tiny people who live in the secret places of old houses - behind the mantlepiece, inside the harpsichord, under …

The Boy at the Back of the Class

Author: Onjali Q Raúf

Interest level: 7-11

Reading age: 10+

This is the story about how four classmates have a massive impact on the life of Ahmet, a boy that comes to their school as a refu…

The Boy in the Tower

Author: Polly Ho-Yen

Interest level: 9+

Reading age: 9+

Taking place in a believable urban, multicultural environment that will be familiar to many young readers, Polly Ho-Yen's debut is…

The Day the Crayons Quit

Author: Drew Daywalt Illustrator: Oliver Jeffers

Interest level: 3+

Reading age: 7+

Award-winning illustrator and artist Oliver Jeffers has teamed up with film writer and director Drew Daywalt to create this gorgeo…

The Diary of A Young Girl

Author: Anne Frank

Interest level: 12+

Reading age: 12+

Now widely regarded as one of the most important pieces of historical literature of all time, Anne Frank’s diary is a poignant and…

The Family From One End Street

Author: Eve Garnett

Interest level: 9-11

Reading age: 9+

Eve Garnett's brilliant depiction of a large, close-knit family and their hilarious escapades is every bit as funny and charming t…

The Great Big Book of Families

Author: Mary Hoffman Illustrator: Ros Asquith

Interest level: 4+

Reading age: 7+

The Great Big Book of Families is about the diversity of families. The simple message is that every family is unique and…

The Gruffalo

Author: Julia Donaldson Illustrator: Axel Scheffler

Interest level: 1-5

Reading age:

In this much-loved picture book, a little mouse walks through the woods and encounters a fox, an owl and a snake.

The Hobbit

Author: JRR Tolkien

Interest level: 8+

Reading age: 10+

This well-loved fantasy story has delighed readers ever since its first publication in 1937.

The Illustrated Mum

Author: Jacqueline Wilson Illustrator: Nick Sharratt

Interest level: 10-14

Reading age: 10+

This is a moving yet unsentimental account of two children coming to terms with their mother’s depression, mental instability and …

The Journey

Author: Francesca Sanna

Interest level: 7-9

Reading age: 7+

What is it like to leave everything behind and travel somewhere strange? This incredibly poignant story introduces the concept of …

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

Author: C S Lewis

Interest level: 9+

Reading age: 9+

When Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy - step through a wardrobe door in the strange country house where they are staying, they find t…

The Magic Faraway Tree

Author: Enid Blyton

Interest level: 7+

Reading age: 7+

When Joe, Beth and Frannie move to a new home, an Enchanted Wood is on their doorstep. And when they discover the Faraway Tree, it…

The Neverending Story

Author: Michael Ende Translator: Ralph Manheim

Interest level: 9-11

Reading age: 9+

When Bastian hides in an antique bookshop to escape bullies, he stumbles across a mysterious leatherbound book which carries him i…

The Owl Service

Author: Alan Garner

Interest level: 12+

Reading age: 12+

When Alison finds a curious dinner service in the attic, the discovery sets off a strange chain of events that look set to affect …

The Sheep-Pig

Author: Dick King-Smith Illustrator: Mike Terry

Interest level: 6+

Reading age: 7+

When Farmer Hogget wins a piglet at the fair, he is amazed that Fly, his sheep-dog, welcomes him as one of her own pups.

The Silver Sword

Author: Ian Seraillier

Interest level: 9-11

Reading age: 9+

In the chaos of World War II, Ruth, Edek and Bronia are separated from their parents, and left alone to fend for themselves, hidin…

The Snowy Day

Author: Ezra Jack Keats

Interest level: 2-5

Reading age:

When Peter wakes up one winter morning to find the world has turned white, he can’t wait to put on his snowsuit and get out into t…

The Story of Ferdinand

Author: Munro Leaf Illustrator: Robert Lawson

Interest level: 4-5

Reading age:

Ferdinand the bull doesn't want to butt heads or fight the Matador - he just wants to sit quietly and smell the flowers. Munro Lea…

The Tiger Who Came to Tea

Author: Judith Kerr

Interest level: 2+

Reading age: 6+

Sophie and her Mummy are having tea in the kitchen when in walks a hungry tiger who asks to stay to tea.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Author: Eric Carle

Interest level: 2-5

Reading age:

Little fingers will love to follow the very hungry caterpillar as he munches his way through the pages of this classic, colourful,…

The Wheel of Surya

Author: Jamila Gavin

Interest level: 10-14

Reading age: 9+

A story of adventure, trauma and courage set in India and England against a backdrop of imperialism, a world war and the violent u…

The Wolves of Currumpaw

Author: William Grill

Interest level: 8+

Reading age: 10+

In New Mexico in the late 1800s, the wolves that had once roamed the landscape of the Old West were becoming scarce because of the…

This is Our House

Author: Michael Rosen Illustrator: Bob Graham

Interest level: 3+

Reading age: 5+

George wants his cardboard house all to himself. But when he goes to the loo, his friends fill his house …

Through the Magic Mirror

Author: Anthony Browne

Interest level: 6+

Reading age: 7+

Toby is fed up and doesn't feel like doing anything. So imagine his amazement when a whole new world opens right in front of his e…

Uncle Bobby's Wedding

Author: Sarah S Brannen & Lucia Soto

Interest level: 4-7

Reading age:

This huggable treat of a book is a gorgeous and heartfelt celebration of weddings, as Chloe learns that just because her Uncle Bob…

Under the Moon and Over the Sea

Author: John Agard and Grace Nichols Illustrator: Cathie Felstead Jane Ray Christopher Corr Sara Fanelli and Satoshi Kitamura

Interest level: 6-11

Reading age: 6+

This joyful collection of more than 50 poems superbly conjures the sights, sounds and rhythms of the Caribbean. 

Varjak Paw

Author: SF Said

Interest level: 9-11

Reading age: 8+

Pedigree cat Varjak Paw lives in a luxurious mansion with his family, but when trouble comes to their door, he's forced to escape …

Werewolf Club Rules

Author: Joseph Coelho Illustrator: John O'Leary

Interest level: 7-12

Reading age: 8

Coelho follows in a noble tradition headed by Agard, Ahlberg, McGough and Rosen, who turn everyday life into memorable poetic mini…

What Happened To You?

Author: James Catchpole Illustrator: Karen George

Interest level: 4-8

Reading age:

Joe just wants to play pirates, but the other children notice that he only has one leg and start asking him a barrage of questions…

Where the Wild Things Are

Author: Maurice Sendak

Interest level: 4-8

Reading age:

Max is being naughty, and his mother sends him to bed without dinner, calling him a "wild thing." As Max sits in his fury, a boat …

Winnie-the-Pooh

Author: A A Milne Illustrator: E H Shepard

Interest level: 4+

Reading age: 7+

No child's library could be complete without A A Milne's stories about Pooh, Christopher Robin and their friends in the Hundred Ac…

Wonder

Author: R J Palacio

Interest level: 9+

Reading age: 9+

August ('Auggie') Pullman can't help but stand out - he was born with a severe facial deformity. Written in the first person, Wond…

Would You Rather…

Author: John Burningham

Interest level: 3-6

Reading age: 5-7

A classic for children, Would You Rather... presents an alternative to a traditional story by imagining a mixture of fan…

You're a Bad Man, Mr Gum!

Author: Andy Stanton Illustrator: David Tazzyman

Interest level: 5+

Reading age: 6+

Mr Gum is an extremely nasty man who hates everyone and lives in a disgusting tip of a house.