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.

HarperFestival

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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.

Dragonfly Books

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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.

HarperFestival

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Goodnight Moon

If you've got kids or grandkids, you can probably recite this simple yet sweet Margaret Wise Brown picture book by memory.

Puffin Books

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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.

Charles Scribner's Sons

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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.

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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.

Houghton Mifflin (Trade)

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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.

Harpercollins

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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.

HMH Books for Young Readers

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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.

Atheneum Books for Young Readers

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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.

Golden Books

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Scuffy the Tugboat

This classic Little Golden Book tells the tale of Scuffy, an adventurous little tugboat who sets off to explore the world.

Aladdin

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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.

Random House Childrens Books

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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.

Random House Books for Young Readers

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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?

Random House Books for Young Readers

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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!

Farrar, Straus and Giroux (Byr)

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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.

Knopf Books for Young Readers

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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.

Viking Books for Young Readers

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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.

Harpercollins

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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.

Delacorte Books for Young Readers

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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.

Harpercollins

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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.

Little Simon

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Santa Mouse

Children learn the gift of giving with this classic Christmas story of an adorable mouse that becomes Santa's little helper.

Atheneum Books for Young Readers

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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.

Viking Books for Young Readers

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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.

World of Eric Carle

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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.

Atheneum Books for Young Readers

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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.

Harpercollins

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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.

Atheneum Books for Young Readers

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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.

Sterling Publishing

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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.

Harpercollins

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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.

Random House Books for Young Readers

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Just for You

Little Critter just wants to help his mother in this heartwarming tale for mothers and children alike!

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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.

Puffin Books

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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.

Harpercollins

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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.

Warne

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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.

Greenwillow Books

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Amelia Bedelia and the Baby

Children learn to read with Amelia Bedelia, the quirky housekeeper who takes her tasks a little too literally.

Random House Books for Young Readers

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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.

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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.

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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.

HMH Books for Young Readers

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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.

Firefly Books

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Love You Forever

Get ready for waterworks in this tale about love and the enduring bond between a mother and child.

Amistad Press

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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.

Viking Books for Young Readers

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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.

Viking Books for Young Readers

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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.

Random House Childrens Books

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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.

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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.

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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?

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The Giver

This Newberry Medal–winning classic just celebrated it's 25th 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.

Golden/Disney

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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.

Delacorte Books for Young Readers

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The Watsons Go to Birmingham – 1963

Meet the Weird Watsons of Flint, Michigan in this hilarious and heartwarming tale of love, endurance, and family.

Greenwillow Books

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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.

Harpercollins

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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.

Scholastic

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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.

Arthur A. Levine Books

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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.

Knopf Books for Young Readers

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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.

Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books

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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.

Brand: Phyllis Fogelman Books

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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.

Disney-Hyperion

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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.

Knopf Books for Young Readers

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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.

Harpercollins

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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.

Henry Holt and Co. BYR Paperbacks

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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.

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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.

HMH Books for Young Readers

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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.

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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.

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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.

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The Night Night Book

Teach little ones to say goodbye to the day and settle in for the night with this adorable bedtime story.

Roaring Brook Press

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Green

An ode to all things green from author and illustrator, Laura Vicaro Seeger.

Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

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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.

Roaring Brook Press

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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.

Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

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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.

Candlewick

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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.

Philomel Books

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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.

Harry N. Abrams

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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.

GRAPHIX

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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.