The Best Popular Childrens Books of 2023

• Best Overall: I Will Always Love You
• Best Budget: The Story of Ferdinand
• Best Value: Ricky, the Rock That Couldn't Roll
• Editor's Choise: Inspiring Stories for Amazing Kids

• Best Page Turner Books
• The Best Books About Native Americans
• Best Homeschooling Books
• The Best Books For Fourth Graders 
• The Best Dystopian Books Of All Time 

#1: Corduroy

Specs:

• Title: Corduroy
• Author: Don Freeman
• Format: Board book
• Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers (October 16, 2014)
• Pages: 34
• Age Range: 2-5 years
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0670063363
• ISBN-13: 978-0670063365

What we like:

• Legendary tale cherished by generations of children.
• A straightforward and engaging plot that teaches children the value of perseverance and friendship.
• Illustrations that capture the essence of the story with their vibrancy.
• The board book format makes it durable and easy to handle for young children.
• Excellent for reading aloud and bedtime tales.

What we don't like:

• The format of the board book may not be suitable for older children who prefer the original paperback or hardcover editions.
• The plot may be too simplistic or predictable for some parents.

Our Verdict:

Corduroy is a timeless classic that has won the hearts of children for generations. The vibrant illustrations bring the story to life while teaching children the value of perseverance and friendship through a plot that is simple yet captivating. The board book format is ideal for read-alouds and bedtime stories, as it is durable and easy for young children to handle. Although some parents may find the plot too simplistic or predictable, we believe the book's enduring popularity is evidence of its timeless appeal. Corduroy is an indispensable addition to any child's library.

 #2: I Love You Like No Otter: A Funny and Sweet Animal Board Book for Babies and Toddlers this Easter

Specs:

• Title: "I Love You Like No Otter: A Funny and Sweet Animal Board Book for Babies and Toddlers this Easter"
• Author: Jonathan Litton
• Illustrator: Fhiona Galloway
• Format: Board book
• Pages: 20
• Publisher: Tiger Tales
• Publication date: January 7, 2020
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1680105860
• ISBN-13: 978-1680105866

What we like:

• Cute and amusing animal drawings.
• Text that rhymes well and is simple to read aloud.
• Young readers' positive message of unconditional love and affection.
• Durable board book format, ideal for small hands to hold and flip pages.
• Excellent as an Easter or year-round present.

What we don't like:

• Not likely to appeal to older children or adults who favor more intricate stories or illustrations.
• Some readers may be amused by the puns and wordplay.

Our Verdict:

With its adorable illustrations and sweet message, "I Love You Like No Otter" is an endearing board book that is certain to delight young children. The rhyming text is enjoyable to read aloud, and the sturdy format is ideal for small hands. While some may find the puns and wordplay a bit cheesy, the overall message of unconditional love and affection makes this book a wonderful addition to the library of any child. Highly recommended for parents, caregivers, and gift-givers seeking a charming and amusing board book for young children."

 #3: I Will Always Love You: Keepsake Gift Book for Mother and New Baby

Specs:

• Title: "I Will Always Love You: Keepsake Gift Book for Mother and New Baby"
• Author: Suzy Toronto
• Format: Hardcover
• Pages: 40
• Dimensions: 8.2 x 8.2 inches
• Publisher: Blue Mountain Arts

What we like:

• "I Will Always Love You" is a beautifully illustrated and heartfelt book that is an ideal present for new mothers and their infants. The book contains a collection of a mother's heartfelt letters to her child, in which she expresses her unconditional love and admiration for her child. The colorful, whimsical, and expressive illustrations capture the joy and awe of motherhood. The book's hardcover binding and premium paper make it an heirloom that can be cherished for generations.

What we don't like:

• A minor disadvantage of "I Will Always Love You" is that it is a short book, containing only 40 pages. Even though the messages are profound and moving, some readers may wish there were more pages to explore. In addition, the book's emphasis on mothers and their infants may limit its appeal to readers who are not in this specific life stage.

Our Verdict:

Overall, "I Will Always Love You: Keepsake Gift Book for Mother and New Baby" is a beautiful and heartfelt book that makes a thoughtful present for new mothers and infants. Beautiful illustrations and heartfelt messages are certain to bring a smile to any new parent's face. Although the book's brevity may be a disadvantage for some, it does not diminish the quality of its material. We highly recommend this book to anyone seeking a thoughtful and sentimental gift for a new mother and baby.

 #4: The Rainbow Fish 

Specs:

• Title: "The Rainbow Fish"
• Author: Marcus Pfister
• Format: Hardcover
• Pages: 24
• Dimensions: 9.8 x 0.5 x 12.2 inches
• Publisher: North-South Books

What we like:

• The classic children's book "The Rainbow Fish" has withstood the test of time. The narrative follows the journey of a beautiful, multicolored fish who must learn to share his special talents with others. The book's illustrations are breathtaking and capture the underwater world's splendor. The timeless message of the story teaches children the value of generosity, sharing, and friendship. This book's hardcover format makes it durable and enduring, making it ideal for passing down to future generations.

What we don't like:

• "The Rainbow Fish" may be deemed too simple for older children, which is one of its potential drawbacks. The story is intended for young children, and the message is simple and straightforward. Compared to other children's literature, some readers might find the book lacking in depth or complexity.

Our Verdict:

Overall, "The Rainbow Fish" is a delightful and charming book that is ideal for young children. The story's beautiful illustrations and heartwarming message make it a classic that children will enjoy for generations. The book may be too simple for older readers, but its simplicity is also its strength, making it accessible and interesting for younger readers. We recommend "The Rainbow Fish" as an essential addition to any collection of children's books.

 #5: I Love You to the Moon and Back Board

Specs:

• Title: "I Love You to the Moon and Back"
• Author: Amelia Hepworth
• Illustrator: Tim Warnes
• Format: Board book
• Pages: 26
• Dimensions: 5.8 x 0.8 x 7.9 inches
• Publisher: Tiger Tales

What we like:

• The board book "I Love You to the Moon and Back" is charming and beautifully illustrated, making it ideal for young children. The narrative follows the adventures of a young bear and his mother, who express their affection for one another in various ways. The illustrations are vibrant, whimsical, and expressive; they capture the delight and awe of childhood. The board book format is durable and easy to handle for young children. The book's message of unconditional love is heartwarming and strengthens the parent-child bond.

What we don't like:

• "I Love You to the Moon and Back" may be deemed too simple for older children, which is a possible drawback. The story is intended for young children, and the message is simple and straightforward. Compared to other children's literature, some readers might find the book lacking in depth or complexity.

Our Verdict:

Overall, "I Love You to the Moon and Back" is a charming and heartwarming board book ideal for young children. It is a must-have addition to any child's book collection due to its beautiful illustrations and simple yet powerful message of love. The book may be too simple for older readers, but its simplicity is also its strength, making it accessible and interesting for younger readers. We recommend "I Love You to the Moon and Back" to parents, grandparents, and anyone searching for a thoughtful and memorable gift for a young child.

• Age-Appropriate: The first thing to consider when buying children's books is the age of your child. Choose books that are appropriate for your child's age and developmental level.

• Genre: Children's books come in many genres, including picture books, early readers, chapter books, and graphic novels. Consider your child's interests and choose books that align with their preferences.

• Diversity: Children's books should also represent diversity and inclusivity. Choose books that feature characters of different races, cultures, and abilities.

• Author: Consider buying books from well-known and reputable authors who have a track record of producing quality children's literature.

• Illustrations: Children's books are often filled with beautiful illustrations that help bring the story to life. Look for books with engaging and high-quality illustrations.