The Most Popular Children's Book The Year You Were Born
The Most Popular Children's Book The Year You Were Born
Our love of reading is most often inspired by those poignant, imaginative, colorful stories that we enjoyed when we were young. While some of these books still remain favorites, some have been forgotten over time, so we've compiled a list of the most popular children's book from each year since 1950. Curious as to which stories resonated most with little readers and parents alike the year you were born? Click through the gallery to find out.
1945
HarperFestival
amazon.com
$6.99
The Carrot Seed
This simple board book tells the story of a young boy who plants and cares for a carrot, despite people telling him it won't grow.
1946
Dragonfly Books
amazon.com
$7.99
The Little Island
While most people know author Margaret Wise Brown for Goodnight Moon, this simple tale features a kitten who explores an isolated island.
1947
amazon.com
$5.36
Goodnight Moon
If you've got kids or grandkids, you can probably recite this simple yet sweet Margaret Wise Brown picture book by memory.
1948
Puffin Books
amazon.com
$7.99
Blueberries for Sal
This charming tale of a blueberry loving young girl who encounters a mama bear and her baby is a perennial classic and a Caldecott Honor book.
1949
Getty Publications
amazon.com
$16.95
Song of the Swallows
This sweet story about the swallows that make an annual visit to the Mission San Juan Capistrano came out in 1949 and won the 1950 Caldecott Medal for its charming illustrations.
1950
amazon.com
$17.74
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
The biggest children's book in 1950 was C.S. Lewis' beloved first installment in The Chronicles of Narnia, a tale featuring the magical land of Narnia and the four precocious siblings who visit through a wardrobe in their spare room.
1951
HMH Books for Young Readers
amazon.com
$9.99
Minn of the Mississippi
In this charming tale published in 1951, the history of the Mississippi River is told through the adventures of Minn the snapping turtle.
1952
Harpercollins
amazon.com
$5.98
Charlotte's Web
Charlotte the spider weaves a tale of love, friendship, and honor in this E.B White classic that is considered one of America's 100 most-loved novels.
1953
HMH Books for Young Readers
amazon.com
$17.99
The Borrowers
First published in 1953, The Borrowers tells the tale of tiny Clock family—Pod, Homily, and their daughter, Arrietty—who live secretly in the walls of an English family's house and "borrow" to survive.
1954
Atheneum Books for Young Readers
amazon.com
$19.84
The Courage of Sarah Noble
Recipient of the Newberry Honor, this book by Alice Dalgliesh tells the tale of Sarah Noble, who travels with her family to build a new home in uncharted land in 1707.
1955
Golden Books
amazon.com
$5.99
Scuffy the Tugboat
This classic Little Golden Book tells the tale of Scuffy, an adventurous little tugboat who sets off to explore the world.
1956
Aladdin
amazon.com
$7.99
Misty of Chincoteague
A runner-up for the Newbery Medal in 1056, Misty of Chincoteague tells the story of the Beebe family and their challenges in raising a pony born to a wild horse they've always loved.
1957
Random House
amazon.com
$5.23
The Cat in the Hat
What's a popular children's book list without Dr. Seuss? The Cat In The Hat tells the story of siblings, Dick and Sally, and their fateful run-in with a certain talking cat.
1958
Random House Books for Young Readers
amazon.com
$5.98
The Cat in the Hat Comes Back
The second installment of The Cat in the Hat series follows the mischievous cat as he makes a huge mess in the middle of Sally and Dick's chores. Can they clean up in time for some winter fun?
1959
Random House Books for Young Readers
amazon.com
$11.00
Happy Birthday To You!
Securing a spot on this list three years in a row (as only Dr. Seuss can), Happy Birthday To You helps kids celebrate themselves in the ultimate birthday book!
1960
Farrar, Straus and Giroux (Byr)
amazon.com
$24.99
The Cricket in Times Square
Follow the escapades of friends Chester the cricket, Mario the boy, Tucker the mouse, and Harry the cat as they explore bustling, sprawling New York City.
1961
Knopf Books for Young Readers
amazon.com
$17.79
The Phantom Tollbooth
Children explore the meanings of idioms in this fantasy story about a boy named Milo, the tollbooth that mysteriously appears in his room, and his subsequent journey through the Kingdom of Wisdom.
1962
Viking Books for Young Readers
amazon.com
$10.59
The Snowy Day
A universal favorite that broke ground as being one of the first picture books for young children to feature a multi-cultural urban setting, author and illustrator Ezra Jack Keats shares with us the wonder and joy of the first snowfall in The Snowy Day.
1963
Harpercollins
amazon.com
$13.20
Where The Wild Things Are
The Caldecott Medal-winning picture book is one of the best-loved children's books of all time. Follow Max as he becomes king of the wild things after his bedroom transforms into a wild jungle.
1964
Delacorte Books for Young Readers
amazon.com
$17.99
Harriet the Spy
With lessons about life, love, and kindness, observant 11-year-old Harriet the Spy finds herself in hot water when her secret notebook falls in the hands of her friends and they read the awful things she's observed about them.
1965
Harpercollins
amazon.com
$8.14
The Giving Tree
A divisive children's book, and certainly one of his best-known, Shel Silverstein's The Giving Tree tells the story of a female apple tree, the child she addresses as "boy," and the give-and-take nature of their relationship.
1966
Little Simon
amazon.com
$7.99
Santa Mouse
Children learn the gift of giving with this classic Christmas story of an adorable mouse that becomes Santa's little helper.
1967
Atheneum Books for Young Readers
amazon.com
$14.59
From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler
When Claudia decides to run away from home to teach her parents a lesson, she discovers more than she'd bargained for at her chosen destination: The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
1968
Viking Books for Young Readers
amazon.com
$10.29
Corduroy
Everyone's favorite stuffed bear makes his debut in this heartwarming story of Corduroy, who takes a nighttime stroll through the department store to tidy himself up for Lisa, the little girl he wants to belong to.
1969
World of Eric Carle
amazon.com
$17.19
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Did you know? Every 30 seconds this book is purchased somewhere in the world! The Very Hungry Caterpillar tells the story of a caterpillar who eats his way through the days of the week.
1970
Atheneum Books for Young Readers
amazon.com
$14.88
Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret.
A quintessential coming-of-age tale from beloved author, Judy Blume, Are You There God follows Margaret as she talks to god about boys, bras, and everything in between.
1971
Harpercollins
amazon.com
$17.99
The First Four Years
In the ninth and final installment of the Little House on the Prairie series, beloved protagonist Laura Ingalls Wilder is all grown up and facing new trials on the South Dakota prairie with her husband and new baby, Rose.
1972
Target.com Use Only
amazon.com
$12.99
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
Alexander's day just keeps getting worse in This ALA Notable Children's Book and Reading Rainbow selection from Judith Viorst.
1973
Sterling Publishing
amazon.com
$47.99
Richard Scarry's Find Your ABC's
Sam and Dudley want your help in searching for the letters of the alphabet, hidden in the pages of this Richard Scarry illustrated book about the ABC's.
1974
amazon.com
$13.89
Where the Sidewalk Ends
Shel Silverstein makes his second appearance with Where the Sidewalk Ends, a collection of poetry, drawings and sketches that are as delightful as they are profound.
1975
Random House Books for Young Readers
amazon.com
$5.99
Just for You
Little Critter just wants to help his mother in this heartwarming tale for mothers and children alike!
1976
Dial Books
amazon.com
$17.99
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry
Nine-year-old Cassie Logan can no longer be shielded from prejudice and discrimination as her family faces racism in Mississippi during the Great Depression.
1977
amazon.com
$6.99
Bridge to Terabithia
Jess and new girl, Leslie, experience the wonders of friendship and the tragedy of first loss in this poignant tale from Katherine Paterson.
1978
Puffin Books
amazon.com
$5.99
Chocolate Fever
Henry, the boy who loves chocolate (probably more than any other little boy in the world) makes medical history when he develops the first case of Chocolate Fever in this hilarious story from Robert Kimmel Smith.
1979
Harpercollins
amazon.com
$16.39
Days with Frog and Toad
Follow along with Frog and Toad as they spend their days together flying kites, telling stories, and celebrating birthdays in this charming tale of friendship from Arnold Lobel.
1980
Warne
amazon.com
$10.99
Where's Spot?
In one of the first ever lift-the-flap books, children search high and low to discover where Spot the dog is hiding.
1981
Greenwillow Books
amazon.com
$16.99
Amelia Bedelia and the Baby
Children learn to read with Amelia Bedelia, the quirky housekeeper who takes her tasks a little too literally.
1982
Random House Books for Young Readers
amazon.com
$4.99
The Berenstain Bears Get in a Fight
Whether you remember them as Berenstain or Berenstein, this family of bears and their hilarious antics were sure to keep you guessing—and laughing—the whole read.
1983
amazon.com
$45.95
Peek-a-Boo! I See You!
Baby bears, rabbits, and other animals play hide-and-seek with their parents in this Joan Phillips tale, centered around the classic children's game.
1984
amazon.com
$7.99
More Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark
The second installment in the spooky series features more ghouls, ghosts, and ghastly apparitions in short, scary stories for elementary- and middle-grade children.
1985
HMH Books for Young Readers
amazon.com
$26.45
The Polar Express
This treasured holiday classic about a young boy who journeys to the North Pole on Christmas Eve was awarded the Caldecott Medal and sold over 7 million copies since its debut.
1986
Firefly Books
amazon.com
$11.69
Love You Forever
Get ready for waterworks in this tale about love and the enduring bond between a mother and child.
1987
Amistad Press
amazon.com
$10.99
Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters
Beautifully illustrated by John Stepoe, this Caldecott Honor and Reading Rainbow selection was inspired by the traditional African folktale about Mufaro's daughters—one kind and the other not— and his quest to have one of them become queen.
1988
Viking Books for Young Readers
amazon.com
$6.99
Matilda
Everyone's favorite bibliophile is also one of Roald Dahl's greatest works. He tells the story of Matilda; a precocious, sweet, and exceptionally smart girl who discovers she has a secret superpower all her own.
1989
Viking Books for Young Readers
amazon.com
$15.99
The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs!
Do you know the real story about the three little pigs? Illustrated by Lane Smith, A. Wolf tells all in this story told from the point of view of the big bad wolf himself.
1990
amazon.com
$8.48
Oh, the Places You'll Go!
A favorite of children and adults alike, this inspirational Dr. Seuss title addresses the ups and downs of life with his hallmark rhyming verses and illustrations.
1991
amazon.com
$6.49
Chrysanthemum
Children learn about self esteem and acceptance in this beautifully illustrated story about a little girl named Chrysanthemum, who absolutely loves her name...until the first day of school.
1992
amazon.com
$9.99
The Prom Queen (Fear Street Series)
Shadyside High School's prom queen candidates have been disappearing...and turning up dead. With only one left, will she be able to escape the same fate as everyone else, or is she next?
1993
amazon.com
$5.99
The Giver
This Newberry Medal–winning classic is just a few years away from celebrating its 30th anniversary. It tells the evocative story of 12-year-old Jonas, who lives in an utopian society that has eradicated emotions. With his new position as the Receiver of Memory, he is now one of the only people to remember a time before.
1994
Golden/Disney
amazon.com
$22.40
The Lion King
Adapted from screen to literature, This Big Golden Book retells the classic Disney story of Simba, Nala, and Mufasa, and what it means to complete the circle of life.
1995
Delacorte Books for Young Readers
amazon.com
$16.99
The Watsons Go to Birmingham – 1963
Meet the Weird Watsons of Flint, Michigan in this hilarious and heartwarming tale of love, endurance, and family.
1996
Greenwillow Books
amazon.com
$10.99
Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse
Lilly loves her purple plastic purse, so much that she can't wait until sharing time to show it off. When it gets confiscated, Lilly becomes vengeful, then remorseful, and must make amends to those she hurt in anger.
1997
Harpercollins
amazon.com
$16.99
Ella Enchanted
You can't help but fall in love with Ella, the precocious protagonist in this Cinderella retelling, who was given the "gift" of obedience at birth.
1998
Scholastic
amazon.com
$13.49
Harry Potter And The Sorcerer's Stone
J.K. Rowling changed children's publishing with 1998's Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. It's never too late to fall in love with Harry Potter, a boy who finds out he's a wizard on this 11th birthday.
1999
Arthur A. Levine Books
amazon.com
$13.73
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter sequel follows the young wizard and his friends as they learn new spells and solve new mysteries during their second year at Hogwarts.
2000
Knopf Books for Young Readers
amazon.com
$18.65
The Amber Spyglass
The third and final book in the His Dark Materials trilogy, Phillip Pullman's Amber Spyglass follows Lyra and Will to the land of the dead in their quest to stop Lord Asriel's rebellion.
2001
Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books
amazon.com
$14.99
Amelia Tells All
Amelia takes a dive into the unknown when she becomes a fortune teller in this 2001 interactive installment of the bestselling Amelia's Diary series.
2002
Big & Small
amazon.com
$6.55
The Nightingale
Jerry Pinkney writes and illustrates another Hans Christian Anderson retelling with The Nightingale, about a plain bird who wins fame and prestige with her beautiful song.
2003
Disney-Hyperion
amazon.com
$9.83
The Eternity Code
Book three of the Artemis Fowl series follows Artemis' attempt to pull off one last heist before going legit—that is until his plans go haywire, leaving his friend and bodyguard injured.
2004
Knopf Books for Young Readers
amazon.com
$16.95
The People Could Fly: The Picture Book
The title story in Virginia Hamilton's prize-winning folktale collection gets it's own illustrated story, bringing to life this inspiring fantasy about slaves who possessed magic words to make them fly.
2005
Harpercollins
amazon.com
$10.25
Fancy Nancy
Nancy believes there is nothing better than being fancy, and when she gets an evening to transform her parents and little sister into the most glamorous version of themselves, hilarity ensues.
2006
Henry Holt and Co. BYR Paperbacks
amazon.com
$8.99
Panda Bear, Panda Bear, What Do You See?
Rhyme, rhythm, and repetition are taught in this book, featuring endangered animals like the panda, the bald eagle, and the sea lion.
2007
amazon.com
$9.01
Diary of a Wimpy Kid
Diary of a Wimpy Kid burst on the scene in 2007 and became an instant bestseller with elementary and middle grade children alike. Told in journal style with handwritten notes and illustration, we follow protagonist Greg Heffley as he navigates the ups and downs of middle school.
2008
HMH Books for Young Readers
amazon.com
$6.89
Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes
Beautiful watercolor illustrations express the simple joy of baby fingers and toes (and the babies they belong to) from every part of the world.
2009
amazon.com
$5.99
13 Treasures
Fairy lore and a haunting mystery take center stage in this middle grade tale about a girl who sees fairies and is sent to live with her grandmother in a peculiar countryside town.
2010
amazon.com
$8.99
Big Nate: In a Class by Himself
Big Nate knows he's destined for big things; even when trouble seems to find him, Nate is determined to keep his cool. Follow Nate's adventures in middle school in a book series perfect for fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid.
2011
amazon.com
$6.99
The Night Night Book
Teach little ones to say goodbye to the day and settle in for the night with this adorable bedtime story.
2012
Roaring Brook Press
amazon.com
$13.39
Green
An ode to all things green from author and illustrator, Laura Vicaro Seeger.
2013
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
amazon.com
$18.99
The Tortoise & The Hare
Jerry Pinkney makes the list again, this time with the stunningly illustrated tale The Tortoise and the Hare, which teaches kids a timeless lesson about patience and persistence.
2014
Roaring Brook Press
amazon.com
$11.59
Viva Frida
A 2015 Caldecott Honor Book, Viva Frida tells the story of world-famous artist, Frida Kahlo, and how a life filled with love, laughter, and hardship all influenced her beautiful paintings.
2015
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
amazon.com
$15.99
Finding Winnie: The True Story of the World's Most Famous Bear
Children are introduced to the world of nonfiction through the amazing story that inspired the tale of Winnie-the-Pooh.
2016
Candlewick
amazon.com
$13.39
Du Iz Tak?
Children learn about the life cycles of plants from the vantage point of bugs—complete with their own unique language—in this quirky tale about the natural world.
2017
Philomel Books
amazon.com
$10.40
She Persisted: 13 American Women Who Changed the World
Blooming feminists get a head start on changing the world with the help of the 13 highlighted women; all of whom kept going in spite of the challenges and backlash they faced while pursuing their dreams.
2018
Harry N. Abrams
amazon.com
$10.93
Rosie Revere and the Raucous Riveters
Rosie Revere, Ada Twist, and Iggy Peck are all together in this first installment of their new chapter book series, which follows the girls on their quest to invent something new.
2019
GRAPHIX
amazon.com
$6.43
Dog Man: For Whom the Ball Rolls
The creator of the wildly popular Captain Underpants has a huge hit on his hands with his Dog Man series of children's books. The seventh installment in this graphic novel series features a police dog who is part dog/part human.
Can you guess which author made the list three years in a row?