15 classic children's books to add to your library

Beloved for generations, this classic children's book by Margaret Wise Brown is the perfect way to wind down the night with your little one as you prepare to tuck them into bed. 

Lushly illustrated and published in 1969, writer and illustrator Eric Carle's "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" is an essential addition to any child's library. It's also a fun way to teach kids about the life span of a beautiful butterfly. 

This collaboration between Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle produced one of the most fun ways to learn about new animals and how to identify them. Cheery and rhythmic, this book has stood the test of time since its release in 1967. 

Described by many as one of the best-illustrated books for children ever written, "Where The Wild Things Are" remains a perennial favorite for adventurous little ones. After you've finished the book, consider watching the 2009 film directed by Spike Jonze inspired by the film. (Note: it might be a bit scary for really young kids.) 

Even though its title dish doesn't exactly seem appetizing, kids of multiple generations have eaten "Green Eggs and Ham" right up for decades. More than 8 million copies of the book have sold since its release, and many of those copies have grown into cherished heirlooms for kids who received them. 

A little bit kooky, and a little bit literal, Amelia Bedelia isn't your average housekeeper. The original book has since spawned tons of sequels, which is great for young voracious readers who will blow through this Peggy Parish classic quickly. 

First published in 2005, Ann Dewdney's bedtime classic presents a familiar scenario for pretty much any parent of small children: trying to get your kids tucked into bed when they really, really don't want to. 

The young artists — or just doodlers — in your family will appreciate this legendary book by Crockett Johnson, an ode to the kind of boundless creativity that only a child can possess. 

Encourage your kids to "dream big" with this sweet Vashti Harrison storybook, an inspirational book that highlights the accomplishments of powerful Black women like Maya Angelou, Ella Fitzgerald, and NASA pioneer Katherine Johnson. 

First published in 1976, this Ezra Jack Keats classic is perfect for a day when you're snowed in inside — or pining for the winter in the depths of summer. It's also a fun read for little kids, who will definitely appreciate Keats's artistic style. 

This classic French children's book by Ludwig Bemelmans has been adapted into multiple films and stories, and that has everything to do with the charm of its spūnky, adventurous title character. 

This inspiring tale of a special pig and his barnyard friends, written by E.B. White, is a perfect introduction to chapter books for slightly older kids, or just for reading aloud at storytime. Don't forget to give Wilbur, Charlotte, and all the rest of the critters their own distinct voices! 

Part of a Beverly Cleary series centered around Ralph the mouse and his antics — there are motorcycles involved — "Ralph S. Mouse" follows Ralph as he heads off to school for the first time. It's a great read for little ones who are intimidated about heading to school for the first time. 

This sweet, somewhat sad meditation on love from Shel Silverstein is a classic for a reason. It serves as an excellent springboard for teaching children about how to love — and be loved — without losing yourself. 

Introduce your kids to the wide and wonderful world of fantasy books with this 1977 Katherine Paterson classic, in which two kids use their imaginations to dream up a whole new world that manifests itself in an abandoned treehouse. There's also a great movie to watch and compare with the book once the reading's done.