From first giggles to final twistsâthese stories stay with you.
đŹ Got a Favorite That Stuck With You?
This list is ever-evolving, just like our favorite stories. If youâve got a beloved read that fits the vibeâwhether itâs for tiny tots, growing d...
Sections
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đ§ž Tiny Tots & Read-Alouds
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đ« Nostalgia That Never Ages
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đ§ Middle Grade Magic & Mischief
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đ§ââïž Fantasy & Speculative YA
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đ Realistic & Emotional YA
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đ« Seasonal & Holiday Picks
đ§ž Tiny Tots & Read-Alouds
Gentle stories with big heartâperfect for bedtime, first reads, and tiny hands learning to turn pages.
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A wholesome grizzly bear family, and many life lessons
another classic and a favorite from Dr. Seuss. I wholeheartedly recommended for the young and the young heart.
The Cat in the Hat (Hardcover) - Books
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Join Pooh Bear and his friends on their many adventures in the hundred-acre wood, a beloved childhood classic and one I recommend highly
The Complete Winnie-the-Pooh and The House at ...
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quirky Amelia is very literal-minded leading to some very funny misadventures
Amelia Bedelia Chapter Book 10-Book Box Set ...
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It's a heartwarming adventure that pulls at the heartstrings.
Are You My Mother?
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engaging hide-and-seek fun đ¶
Spot: Where's Spot? (Board book)
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It is a classic rhyming delight
Green Eggs and Ham (Hardcover) - Books - Walmart
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Morris is a lovable mixed-up moose A lot mayonnaise olives
Morris The Moose - (i Can Read Level 1) By B Wiseman (paperback)
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Join Paddington, a lovable bear, on his worldwide misadventure
Paddington Bear Books
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âI speak for the trees.â With playful rhyme and powerful heart, this Dr. Seuss classic gently teaches kids (and grown-ups) about caring for our planet and standing up for what matters.
The Lorax (Hardcover) - Walmart.com
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pickles is a cat with big paws and a big dream. It's a very cute story
The Fire Cat - (i Can Read Level 1) By Esther Averill (paperback)
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heartwarming family stories through the eyes of an inquisitive little bear and his mother
Little Bear ( I Can Read) (paperback) By Else Holmelund Minarik
Classic Seuss Horton Hears a Who!, (Hardcover) - Walmart.com
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With whimsy and wisdom, this classic celebrates lifeâs winding pathsâits bumps, triumphs, and quiet in-betweens. A perfect pick for dreamers of all ages, it reminds us that courage, curiosity, and kindness are always worth packing.
Oh, The Places You'll Go! By Dr. Seuss (hardcover) - Target
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Hilariously quirky rhymes that will have you laughing out loud.
The Wonky Donkey (Paperback)
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Beautifully illustrated, charming story
I Love You to the Moon and Back (Illustrated) ...
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It is an excellent way for little ones to be more independent with the story they want. Encourages vocabulary, imagination, etc..
Mickey Mouse, Toy Story and More! Me Reader ...
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go on an adventure with Bluey in this cute book
Bluey - A Search-And-Find Book (Paperback)
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A classic story that illustrates the parent and child bond
The Runaway Bunny (Paperback)
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A colorful journey through metamorphosis and counting.â[Perfect for tiny hands and curious minds.]â
The Very Hungry Caterpillar (Board book) - Walmart
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A fun adventure with the alphabet
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom (Board book) - Walmart
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A sweet story where inspiring dreams unfold
Wonderful Things You Will Be
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sweet whimsical chaos
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie (Hardcover) - Walmart
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this is a classic cozy bedtime story
Goodnight Moon - Walmart.com
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yummy recipes with Bluey and Bingo
Bluey and Bingo's Fancy Restaurant Cookbook - by Penguin Young ...
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A tiny dragon finds friendship and purpose in a cozy village bakery. Sweet, warm, and perfect for little listeners who love gentle magic.
The Bakery Dragon by Devin Elle Kurtz, Hardcover
đ« Nostalgia That Never Ages
These are the stories that shaped usâwhether we read them under the covers with a flashlight or watched them unfold on screen with wide-eyed wonder. From timeless heroines and talking animals to secret gardens and epic friendships, each pick carries ...
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A tender story of friendship, loss, and the magic of words.â[Still makes me cry. Still worth every tear.â
Charlotte's Web (Paperback) - Walmart.com
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A hidden garden that heals hearts. A beautiful story with great lessons.
The Secret Garden (Paperback)
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different from the movie (which has always been a favorite) but still very much worth the read
The Princess Bride (Paperback)
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hysterical series with a very mischievous sibling named Fudge and plenty of sibling adventures.
Fudge Box Set Juvenile Fiction - By Judy Blume ( Paperback ) - Target
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Four sisters grow up in Civil War-era New England, each chasing love, independence, and something more than what society expects.
âTender, timeless, and full of heart. A comfort read for every kind of dreamer.â
Little Women
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This classic tale's creativity, philosophical musings, and unforgettable characters enchant us. It's witty, wordy, and wonderfully weird for all ages.
Alice in Wonderland Books
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this is a classic as well as a childhood favorite It is a beautiful story told through the eyes of a horse
Black Beauty (Paperback) - Walmart.com
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This is perhaps my favorite story by Ronald Dahl; I love the fact that it's still considered a classic today, primarily because, at its heart, it offers excellent lessons about kindness, selflessness, and integrity
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Paperback)
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Two sisters move to the countryside and meet a giant, furry forest spirit. Itâs quiet magic, soft wonder, and the kind of comfort that sticks with you.
My Neighbor Totoro: The Novel by Tsugiko Kubo, Hardcover
đ§ Middle Grade Magic & Mischief
Spooky bunnies, time-traveling siblings, and talking wardrobesâthese stories bridge childhood wonder with growing-up grit
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spunky young witch, a seaside town, and a broomstick full of hopeâKikiâs story is a gentle coming-of-age tale where independence, kindness, and everyday magic take flight.
Kiki's Delivery Service - Eiko Kadono
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Three siblings discover a hidden world of magical creatures â and the dangers that come with uncovering truth.
âQuick, whimsical, and just spooky enough. Great for curious readers and fantasy beginners alike.â
The Complete Spiderwick Chronicles Boxed Set - by Tony Diterlizzi ...
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It is a timeless classic filled with magic, mayhem, and bald child-hating witches
Roald Dahl - The Witches (Reprint)(Paperback)
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It's an outstanding childhood favorite about a gifted girl with magical powers and a tyrannical headmistress.
Matilda (Paperback) - Walmart.com
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A story with a lot of heart and a big friendly giant
The Bfg - Dahl, Roald
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Beneath the floorboards, a tiny family lives on borrowed bits and quiet courageâthis classic tale of miniature mischief inspired multiple adaptations, including a beloved animated reimagining.
The Borrowers by Mary Norton, Diana ...
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I loved this series as a kid, and It all starts with one big idea.
A Graphic Novel (the Baby-Sitters Club #1): Full- ...
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Same heart, fresh format. These vibrant adaptations bring Kristy, Claudia, and the crew to life with expressive illustrations and updated pacingâperfect for visual learners, nostalgic readers, and anyone who loves friendship, first jobs, and figuring...
Babysitters Club Graphic Novels - Target
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Step through the wardrobe into a world of talking beasts, epic quests, and timeless truths. This seven-book fantasy classic blends wonder, wisdom, and courageâperfect for growing dreamers and nostalgic hearts alike.
The Chronicles of Narnia Paperback 7-Book Box Set - Walmart
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both thrilling and poignant a fantastic story to share with the children in your life.
The Neverending Story (Revised ed.)(Hardcover)
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A vampire bunny, a suspicious cat, and a lovable dog narratorâwhatâs not to love? This spooky-silly mystery was a childhood favorite for many (including me!) and still delights with its gentle humor and veggie-draining suspense. Perfect for growing d...
Bunnicula Series
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This was one of my favorite stories when I was younger. It has an engaging plotline and memorable characters that stay with you even after you finish reading it.
The Indian in the Cupboard (Paperback) - Walmart
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A boy raised by ghosts learns lifeâs lessons in a hauntingly beautiful tale.â[Neil Gaimanâs storytelling is eerie, elegant, and unforgettable.]â
The Graveyard Book (hardcover) By Neil Gaiman - Target
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Adventure is just a treehouse away. With time travel, mystery, and bite-sized history, this beloved chapter book series sparks curiosity and confidence in early readersâideal for budding bookworms ready to explore.
Magic Tree House Books Series | Barnes & NobleÂź
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Spooky childhood adventures. Fantastic series.
Original Goosebumps
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A robot wakes on a wild island and learns to survive by connecting with animals. Quiet, powerful, and full of heart.
The Wild Robot (Wild Robot Series #1) by Peter Brown, Paperback
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Gregâs middle school misadventures are awkward, hilarious, and totally relatable.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid Books Series
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Cursed to obey, Ella fights backâwith wit, magic, and fierce independence.
Ella Enchanted|Hardcover - Gail Carson Levine
đ§ââïž Fantasy & Speculative YA
Unputdownable reads for teens and tweens that blend heart, magic, and mystery.
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A boy wizard discovers his destiny at Hogwarts â a hidden world of spells, secrets, and found family.
âMagic isnât just in the wand â itâs in the friendships, the battles, and the quiet courage. If youâve never read it, nowâs the time. If you have? ...
Harry Potter - Books
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Teen profilers with gifted instincts join an elite FBI program â unraveling cold cases and secrets that hit too close to home.
âItâs Criminal Minds meets YA thriller, with a cast youâll root for and twists that grip tight.â
The Naturals (Paperback) - Walmart.com
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Daemons, alternate worlds, and a brave girl who challenges fate and authority in a multiverse-spanning rebellion.
âDeep, daring, and loaded with philosophy â itâs fantasy that makes you think hard and feel harder.â
His Dark Materials 3-Book Paperback Boxed Set - by Philip ... - Target
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A stubborn girl, a vain wizard, and a walking castleâthis magical adventure blends humor, heart, and enchantment in a world where nothing is quite what it seems.
Howl's Moving Castle (Howl's Moving Castle Series #1)
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From humble beginnings in the Shire to epic battles for Middle-earthâs fate, Tolkienâs world is a masterclass in myth, courage, and friendship.
âAdventure, loyalty, and a ring that corrupts everything â these stories arenât just fantasy, theyâre fou...
Tolkien Boxed Set (Paperback) - Walmart.com
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A modern boy discovers heâs the son of a Greek god â and lands in a myth-fueled quest across America.
âLightning bolts, sass, and epic battles â this oneâs perfect for readers who love fast-paced magic with heart.â
Percy Jackson - Walmart
đ Realistic & Emotional YA
Coming-of-age stories with heart, humor, and hard truthsâthese picks explore identity, grief, and the power of connection.
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Two teens meet in a cancer support group and fall into a love thatâs honest, heartbreaking, and beautifully real.
âItâs a story that hurts⊠and heals. Smart, emotional, and impossible to forget.â
The Fault in Our Stars (Paperback)
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A shy teen navigates first love, grief, and the messy beauty of growing up through letters that read like confessions.
âTender, raw, and quietly unforgettable â if youâve ever felt like a background character, this one gets you.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower (Paperback) - Walmart.com
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A spirited orphan brings charm, chaos, and poetic joy to Avonlea in a classic tale of growing up and finding home.
âAnneâs imagination turns everyday life into magic â and her story still feels like a warm hug.â
Anne of Green Gables, Complete 8-Book Box Set ...
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Auggieâs story isnât just about looking differentâitâs about seeing differently. With tenderness and quiet strength, this heartfelt novel invites readers of all ages to choose kindness, embrace courage, and remember that everyone has a story worth he...
Wonder - By R. J. Palacio (hardcover) - Target
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A socially awkward teen accidentally becomes a fashion model, juggling photo shoots, high school drama, and the chaos of growing up.
âItâs quirky, British, and full of laughs â but underneath the glam is a girl learning to love exactly who she is.â
Geek Girl by Holly Smale, Paperback | Barnes & NobleÂź
đ« Seasonal & Holiday Picks
Stories that sparkle with tradition, warmth, and a touch of magicâperfect for cozy nights and festive mornings.
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holiday favorite â€ïž
A Christmas Carol
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A quiet boy, a magical train, and the gentle reminder that believing never gets old. Dreamy illustrations and timeless wonder make this a holiday classic.
Polar Express - By Chris Van Allsburg ( Hardcover ) - Target
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Family favorite for the holiday.
Classic Seuss: How the Grinch Stole Christmas! ...
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The Velveteen Rabbit is a beloved tale of a toy brought to life through love. đâ€ïžđ
The Velveteen Rabbit : A Classic Easter Book for ...
đ„ Page-Turner YA Reads
For readers who crave adrenaline, angst, and impossible choices. These stories donât just pull you inâthey wonât let go. Whether itâs dystopian survival, forbidden love, or unraveling secrets, each pick delivers emotional payoff and plot momentum in ...
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In a world where demons stalk the shadows and angel-blooded warriors fight back, one girl uncovers a past more twisted than she imagined.
âUrban fantasy lovers, this is your binge. Gritty, romantic, and laced with snark.â
The Mortal Instruments, the Complete ...
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Rival journalists, a war between gods, and a typewriter that sends letters through magical dimensions â this is romance, fantasy, and heartbreak spun beautifully together.
âItâs poetic, high-stakes, and full of longing â perfect for fans of slow-bur...
Divine Rivals (Hardcover) - Walmart.com
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A dystopian world where identity is everything â and choosing who you are might mean breaking the system.
âFaction or freedom? Trisâs story explores courage, loyalty, and rebellion with high stakes and even higher tension.â
Divergent Series Four-book Paperback Box Set By Veronica Roth
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A dystopian survival saga that launched a generation of rebels.â[Katniss Everdeen doesnât volunteer as tribute â she commands it.]â
The Hunger Games Book Series
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Twisted small-town horror where high school drama meets deadly secrets.
âThink Goosebumps, but older, scarier, and way more sinister. Each book feels like a slasher movie in paperback.â
Southern gothic meets supernatural romance â curses, secrets, and forbidden love simmer beneath the moss-draped town of Gatlin.
âThink eerie charm, a mysterious girl with a dangerous gift, and a love story that rewrites fate.â