3 Top-rated Children’s Books You Need to Read Now!
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Sometimes the best books aren’t the thick bricks. They’re super short, beautifully illustrated, and still full of wisdom. These three children’s books are exactly that: quick, fun, and full of life lessons about growing up, understanding the world, and seeing things differently. These books are perfect for kids, but honestly, adults need them a bit more, I believe.
If you love quick and powerful reads, you might also want to check out my blog 5 Short Books To Complete Your Reading Challenge, because sometimes a short book is all you need to get out of a reading slump or just feel accomplished.
Here are three great children’s books you should absolutely have on your shelf:
1. The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint‑Exupéry
And now here is my secret, a very simple secret: It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.
You’ve probably heard of The Little Prince, but have you really read it? It’s a perfect children’s book, but raises some crucial questions about the adult world. It’s about a sweet little prince who doesn’t understand how the adult world works. Through his travels and encounters, he asks big questions about love, friendship, responsibility, and seeing the world with fresh eyes.
Even though it’s a children’s book, it’s deeply philosophical in the simplest, most beautiful way. Every time you read it, you might notice something new, something you didn’t understand as a child. It’s short, it’s magical, and honestly, it stays with you forever.
Also, The Little Prince is one of the most translated books in the world. Its universal appeal has made it a literary classic across generations.
2. Everyone’s a Aliebn When Ur a Aliebn Too by Jomny Sun
A friend is anyone or anything who shares a life with you that you would never be able to experience without them.
Okay, first: yes, the title is exactly spelled like that. It is Everyone’s a Aliebn When Ur a Aliebn Too. These aren’t typos, rather intentional mistakes, and honestly, it makes the book feel extra whimsical. It has all the essential elements of children’s fiction with beautiful illustrations, easy language, and fun ideas, but once you finish reading it, I bet you will think about the world in a slightly different manner. You’re stepping into the mind of an alien who’s curious, a little clumsy with language, and totally adorable.
The story follows a little alien stranded on Earth trying to figure out humans: what we eat, how we act, and what makes us… us. He meets all sorts of weird and wonderful creatures, a tree that can’t move, a puppy that can’t speak, a tadpole figuring out who it’s going to become, and slowly learns about loneliness, friendship, and belonging.
This book was a Goodreads Choice Award Nominee in 2017 for Readers’ Favorite Graphic Novels & Comics. It’s funny, heartwarming, and yes, super-short, perfect for a quick read that leaves you thinking.
If you want more emotional, quick reads that make you laugh, cry, and escape reality, check out my blog 5 Kindle Unlimited Books That’ll Make You Laugh, Cry, And Escape Reality.
3. The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy
“What is the bravest thing you’ve ever said?” asked the boy.
“Help,” said the horse.
“Asking for help isn’t giving up,” said the horse. “It’s refusing to give up.”
If you need a book that’s a literal pick-me-up, this is IT! This is my very own therapist. Every time I open it to a random page, I get a little burst of calm, hope, or clarity, depending on what I need that day. The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse has a super simple story: a boy meets a mole, a fox, and a horse, and together they journey back home. Their conversations carry huge life lessons: about kindness, courage, self-awareness, and noticing the beauty in the world around them.
But don’t let the simplicity fool you. This book has been hugely successful and critically loved, it was:
- Waterstones Book of the Year
- Barnes & Noble Book of the Year
- The animated adaptation won the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film in 2023
- Spent a long time on bestseller lists and touched millions of hearts
It’s the kind of book you can read to a child, but you might also hide a copy in your own drawer for when life feels heavy.
Wrapping It Up!
These three children’s books are short, entertaining, and full of life lessons that are easy to digest. They teach empathy, curiosity, imagination, and perspective, all while being fun and beautifully illustrated. Keep them in your house, share them with your kids, or even read them yourself when you need a little dose of wisdom, whimsy, or comfort.
And, if you loved these recommendations, there’s so much more waiting for you on The Reader Life, from book reviews and recommendations to fun reading challenges and interesting literary tidbits. Honestly, there’s a lot to explore, and every corner has something new for a book lover.
