30 Best Story Books For Kids
Looking for children’s story books? Here we have put together a list of 30 of the best story books for kids that your children are sure to fall in love with. These fun children’s books are some of my family favs and some we have been reading for years. They make great bedtime stories for kids too!
Reading Children’s Story Books
Reading story books is one of the best things you can do with your kids, whether it be kids story books or even kids magazines. Finding the right books is so important. There is such a huge range of children’s story books that it is easy to feel overwhelmed.
Here we have put together a huge list of the best story books for kids. It includes the most popular kids story books of today along with some of the classics that never get old.
Make sure to check out our other lists too:
30 Story Books for Kids
Our favourite story books for kids from toddlers to pre-schoolers.
1. We’re Going On A Bear Hunt
Author: Michael Rosen
To kick of our list of the top story books for kids we start with a classic. The story follows a group of brothers and sisters as they traverse the landscape in search of a bear.
There are obstacles in their way and they need to overcome them but what happens when they stumble upon the exact thing they’re looking for?
Find it online: Amazon AU — Amazon US
2. The Snowy Day
Author: Ezra Keats
Originally written in 1962, The Snowy Day hasn’t lost its appeal over the years. This is a wonderful story book for kids about the innocence and wonder of young children. The book tells the tale of a little boy called Peter who experiences snow for the very first time.
Find it online: Amazon AU — Amazon US
3. Goodnight Tiger
Author: Timothy Knapman
A great bedtime story for kids, Goodnight Tiger starts as the tale of a little girl trying to sleep. It quickly turns into her trying to help her animal friends sleep though. This is an adorable, easy to follow picture book for kids that is paired with some great brightly coloured illustrations.
Find it online: Amazon AU — Amazon US
4. Claris: The Chicest Mouse In Paris
Author: Megan Hess
A fun rhyming tale and dreamy illustrations make the Claris series an absolute must story book for kids and youngsters. This series tells the tale of quite possibly the chicest mouse in the world. Claris is brave, stylish and about to follow her dream of moving to Paris but she must use all of her talents to overcome some obstacles when she gets there.
Find it online: Amazon AU — Amazon US
5. Wombat Stew
Author: K Vaughan, Marcia
An Australian classic if ever there was one. Wombat Stew has been loved by generations and the quirky little rhyme is easy to remember for even really young kids. This story of the wily fox and much loved wombat is an absolute must in any Australian house with little ones.
Find it online: Amazon AU — Amazon US
6. Possum Magic
Author: Mem Fox
Another classic Australian story, not only featuring adorable possums but also full of quintessential Aussie food and locations. Take a trip around Australia with Grandma Poss as she tries to break her magic spell and make Little Hush visible again.
Find online: Amazon AU — Amazon US
7. Monkey Puzzle
Author: Julia Donaldson
Little Monkey has lost his mummy and butterfly wants to help but it doesn’t quite end up being so simple. Monkey puzzle is a heartwarming story that parents will love reading with their kids about Little monkey’s journey through the rainforest to find his way back to mum.
Find online: Amazon AU — Amazon US
8. The Tiger Who came To Tea
Author: Judith Kerr
Published over 50 years ago, this classic children’s story book has been loved by millions around the world. Sophie has an unexpected guest at tea time who proceeds to eat and drink everything he can find in the house. It’s a beautiful story that has truly stood the test of time.
Find online: Amazon AU — Amazon US
9. Zog
Author: Julia Donaldson
Everybody has a special talent, some are just slightly harder to find. Read the story of Zog the clumsy dragon as he tries to earn himself a gold star. If you have girls, the sequel “Zog and The Flying Doctors” is another great read to show that girls can be anything they want to be!
Find online: Amazon AU — Amazon US
10. Room On The Broom
Author: Julia Donaldson
Another Julia Donaldson classic story book for kids that is full of beautiful illustrations, fun characters and an entertaining rhyming story that little ones will love. Follow the witch and her trusty cat as they fly around on her magic broomstick and discover some new friends along the way.
Find online: Amazon AU — Amazon US
11. The Day The Crayons Quit
Author: Drew Daywalt
This is a truly quirky and creative little story book for kids about a boy, called Duncan, who goes to use his crayons, only to find that they have all quit! Each crayon has its own reason for leaving but how will Duncan resolve things? This book is funny, clever and has great illustrations as well.
Find online: Amazon AU — Amazon US
12. The Snail And The Whale
Author: Julia Donaldson
Yet another beautifully illustrated and wonderfully told story from Julia Donaldson. Follow the snail as he befriends a whale and takes a trip around the world. Along the way, he’ll find that even small things can make a huge difference. It’s a great story about not being afraid to follow your dreams.
Find online: Amazon AU — Amazon US
13. Hairy Maclary From Donaldson’s Dairy
Author: Lynly Dodd
Hairy Maclary is a wonderful series and where better to start than the very beginning?! Full of wonderful characters that are sure to amuse youngsters. These rhyming stories are a joy to read for kids and adults alike.
Find online: Amazon AU — Amazon US
14. Welcome To Country
Author: Aunty Joy Murphy
A wonderful Welcome To Country from a respected elder that is also beautifully illustrated by a talented indigenous artist. This book would make a wonderful addition to any young readers library, not just as a bedtime read but also as a way to help little ones respect Australian culture.
Find online: Amazon AU — Amazon US
15. The Gruffalo
Author: Julia Donaldson
Probably the most well known of all Julia Donaldson’s story books for kids, The Gruffalo is loved by kids the world over. Follow the mouse into the deep dark wood and enjoy discovering how he outwits everyone along the way.
Find online: Amazon AU — Amazon US
16. Thelma The Unicorn
Author: Aaron Blabey
Thelma dreams of being someone else but, when her dream finally comes true, it’s not quite what she imagined it would be. This isn’t just a funny and enjoyable read for little ones, it can also be a gentle way to encourage self acceptance in little ones. Plus the illustrations are great!
Find online: Amazon AU — Amazon US
17. The Wonderful Things You Will Be
Author: Emily Winfield Martin
A heartwarming kids story book for any parent to read to their little one as a positive story of encouragement and love. Teach children to wonder at all the possibilities that face them with this adorable picture book coupled with whimsical illustrations.
Find online: Amazon AU — Amazon US
18. The Invisible String
Author: Patrice Karst
A reassuring and beautiful kids story book about how we are connected to the people we love. The Invisible String isn’t just a wonderful story for little ones but it’s also a great tool for parents if they have a child who struggles with separation anxiety. The book has been updated with new illustrations that are colourful and sure to be a hit.
Find online: Amazon AU — Amazon US
19. Luna Lucy
Author: Lisa Van Der Wielen
A great kids story about Lucy and her dog Neptune who love to look up at the night sky and wonder about all the things it holds. But, one day the moon is not there and she calls for her dad who explains to her about the phases of the moon. Not just a lovely story but also an easy way to teach little ones something new.
Find online: Amazon AU — Amazon US
20. Pig The Pug
Author: Aaron Blabey
A funny story about a pug dog who is cranky, selfish and greedy. He doesn’t want to share his toys with his friend but soon something leads him to have a change of heart. Kids will love this humorous tale with great illustrations and simple wording.
Find online: Amazon AU — Amazon US
21. Where The Wild Things Are
Author: Maurice Sendak
A classic story book for kids that many will remember from their own childhood! This is a tale about a boy who acts “wild” and upon being sent to bed early, goes on an adventure to find where the wild ones live. It’s a much loved tale that is brilliantly illustrated and easy to follow.
Find online: Amazon AU — Amazon US
22. The Very Cranky Bear
Author: Nick Bland
A wonderful story about four animal friends who try to escape the rain and inadvertently end up disturbing a very cranky bear. This rhyming tale follows along as they try to placate the bear. But who will save the day? It might not be who you think!
Find online: Amazon AU — Amazon US
23. If I Had A Unicorn
Author: Gabby Dawnay
This book is part of the “If I Had….” series and is sure to be a winner with any unicorn enthusiasts. The story follows a little girl who imagines what life would be like with a unicorn for a pet and all the fun things they would do. It’s sure to get a few laughs from kids and parents alike.
Find online: Amazon AU — Amazon US
24. The Deep
Author: Tim Winton
Whether you’re just looking for a great story or a book to help your little one be more confident in the water, Tim Winton’s The Deep is sure to deliver. It’s a tale about a little girl who is afraid of the deep and what lies under the surface. One day she makes some new friends though and suddenly it doesn’t seem so scary all of a sudden.
Find online: Amazon AU — Amazon US
25. Mr Huff
Author: Anna Walker
An inspiring story about how we all have good and bad days and a great way to explain mental health to kids in a simplistic way. Mr Huff takes a very adult topic and dilutes it down in an easy to digest way for kids to make a wonderful tale of Bill turning his day around.
Find online: Amazon AU — Amazon US
26. Grinny Granny Donkey
Author: Craig Smith
A great kids story to share a few laughs with your little ones or a cute book for grandparents to read to the kids. Grinny Granny Donkey is a funny character who is always losing her false teeth and gives great hugs!
Find online: Amazon AU — Amazon US
27. Macca The Alpaca
Author: Matt Cosgrove
The Macca the Alpaca set is actually a collection of four story books for kids, each as funny and enjoyable as the next. They teach lessons such as the importance of being kind and looking for alternatives but more than that, they are just great stories that kids will love!
Find online: Amazon AU — Amazon US
28. The Wonky Donkey
Author: Craig Smith
Part song, part rhyme, part story book – kids will love turning the page to discover the next funny thing about the donkey in this hilarious book. Written in a way that’s sure to make you stumble over your words, little ones are bound to be in fits of giggles by the end.
Find online: Amazon AU — Amazon US
29. Back To Sleep
Author: Zoe Foster Blake
A funny bedtime story for kids that flips the usual tale on its head. Finn just wants to go to bed but his parents can’t fall asleep and keep disturbing him for drinks of water, in need of reassurance and more. Follow along as Finn helps one parent just to be woken a few minutes later by the other. The book is relatable for just about any family and kids and adults are both sure to have a giggle at this silly story.
Find online: Amazon AU — Amazon US
30. Who Sank The Boat
Author: Pamela Allen
This kids story book has been around for generations and still brings plenty of joy to little books. Read along and try to figure out which of the animals sunk the boat and ruined a perfectly good day. Was it the cow? The donkey? The sheep with her knitting? Surely it couldn’t have been the tiny mouse?
Find online: Amazon AU — Amazon US
More Children’s Books
Hopefully this list of popular story books for kids has given you some ideas for family reading and bedtime stories. Make sure to check out our other lists of books and other educational resources too:
- Best board books for babies and toddlers
- Best book sets for kids of all ages
- Best Magazine subscriptions for kids
- Popular nursery rhymes
- Mother Goose Nursery Rhymes
- Tongue Twisters for kids
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