Check out some of our favorite classic children’s picture books, on and off our platform!
As time flies, stories come and go, but the best books never go out of style… and neither does sharing your favorite works of children’s literature with your own kids! We’ve rounded up our latest list of nostalgic children’s books loved by little ones and grownups alike. Many of these are on Epic, including in a convenient audio format the whole family can enjoy at home and on the go.
Take a look at some of our favorite classic kids’ books below.
Classic Children’s Picture Books on Epic
The Tale of Peter Rabbit
By: Beatrix Potter
Ages: 2-6
Beatrix Potter’s “The Tale of Peter Rabbit” is among the most beloved classic stories of all time. Your kid can follow the mischievous Peter as he (despite his mother’s warnings) raids Mr. McGregor’s garden for some yummy veggies. It’s great fun until he gets caught!
The simple illustrations and traditional language will transport your kid into another time as they read this timeless classic.
Blueberries for Sal (Audiobook)
By: Robert McCloskey
Ages: 3-7
While Sal and her mother are picking blueberries for winter canning, Sal wanders off and discovers a mama bear getting ready for her own long winter. Meanwhile the mama bear’s cub has found Sal’s mother and has taken a liking to her delicious berries.
First published in 1948, this charming, colorfully illustrated tale of a little girl and baby bear hunting for blueberries has been winning hearts for over 75 years.
Caps for Sale (Audiobook)
By Esphyr Slobodkina
Ages: 3-7
In this charming tale a group of mischievous monkeys steal a peddler’s caps and he must outwit them to get them back. Parents have been sharing this classic story with little ones for over 80 years, and with good reason. With rhythmic repetition and patterns—not to mention warmth, humor, and simplicity, it’s a fun way to teach little kids about problem resolution.
Harold and the Purple Crayon
By: Crockett Johnson
Ages: 3-7
This Read-To-Me version of the beloved classic about a little boy and his magical purple crayon has been handed down from bookshelf to bookshelf for generations. Adult fans will remember Harold’s fateful moonlight walk when, using his enormous purple crayon, he draws a wondrous world through forests and distant seas and more.
With its soothing, dreamlike tone, this is the perfect tale to share with little ones before bedtime.
Make Way for Ducklings (Audiobook)
By: Robert McCloskey
Ages: 3-7
Mrs. Mallard has found the perfect home for her ducklings to live, but there’s just one problem: how will she transport them on foot through the busy Boston streets? After enlisting the help of the Boston police she’s able to deliver little Jack, Kack, Lack, Nack, Ouack, Pack, and Quack to their new home safe and sound.
Published in 1941, it’s since become a favorite for generations of readers.
Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?
Written by: Bill Martin Jr.
Illustrated by: Eric Carle
Ages: 4 & under
From author Bill Martin Jr. and late illustrator of “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” Eric Carle comes this endearing animal story based on the classic board book.
With rhythmic text and the delightful, boldly colored collage illustrations Carle is known for, this endearing Read-To-Me book teaches little ones how to identify colors by looking at the cascade of animals and birds.
Goodnight Moon
Written by: Margaret Wise Brown
Illustrated by: Clement Hurd
Ages: 4 & under
A little bunny, tucked away and ready for sleep, says goodnight to all the familiar things in its softly lit room. “Goodnight room, goodnight moon,” and everything from the clocks and socks, to the mittens and the kittens. With its melodic word sequences and gentle imagery, “Goodnight Moon” has lulled generations of sleepy kiddos to sleep.
This classic story book is the perfect first book and bedtime read-aloud for your young reader or pre-reader.
The Little House (Audiobook)
By: Virginia Lee Burton
Ages: 4-7
A man builds a sturdy little house and declares, “This little house shall never be sold for gold or silver and she will live to see our great-great-grandchildren’s great-great-grandchildren living her.” Sure enough it stands the test of time, standing on a hill watching the days, nights and seasons pass by.
This enchanting story about a happy home has been capturing little ones’ hearts for over 75 years.
The Snowy Day (Audiobook)
By: Ezra Jack Keats
Ages: 4-7
This Caldecott Medal-winning picture book follows a little boy named Peter as he pulls on his snowsuit and makes his way through the city during winter’s first snowfall. The story beautifully and sweetly depicts a child’s wonder through Peter’s adventures through the snow, and is the perfect read to snuggle up with on a cold winter day.
Madeline’s Rescue (Audiobook)
By: Ludwig Bemelmans
Ages: 4-8
Many of us remember the adventures of the fearless Madeline, her twelve famous peers and her dog Genevieve. With whimsical illustrations and humor, all of the books in the series paint an enchanting portrait of 1950s Paris.
In this audio version of “Madeline’s Rescue,” Madeline falls into the river and nearly drowns. Genevieve comes to the rescue, and the other girls are jealous when she gets to keep her as her cherished pet.
Where The Wild Things Are (Audiobook)
By: Maurice Sendak
Ages: 4-8
Grab your copy of this gorgeously illustrated book and let your kids follow along with this audio version!
Adult fans of “Where the Wild Things Are” will remember Max, the little boy who’s transported far away to a magical forest filled with wild things after he threatens to eat his mother (eek!) and she sends him to bed without supper.
Fortunately, the wild things don’t eat Max, and instead make him their king. In the end Max realizes that king or not, he still needs the love of his parents. The story teaches kids about love, family and that it’s okay to have strong feelings and still treat others with love and respect.
Other Recommendations
Here are a few more classic children’s picture books we love, off our platform. Most are available on Amazon.
Richard Scarry’s Busy, Busy World
By: Richard Scarry
Let your little one explore with Richard Scarry’s globally themed picture book. With 33 stories featuring fun-filled visits all over the world, this adventurous book will get your kid stoked to discover all of these Busytowns.
The Giving Tree
By: Shel Silverstein
“Once there was a tree…and she loved a little boy.”
So begins this moving tale. Every day a boy comes to a tree to eat its apples and swing from its branches, which makes the tree was happy. But as the boy grows, he wants more and more, and the tree gives and gives. This tender story will show your kid the meaning of giving and receiving love.
The Cat in the Hat
By: Dr. Seuss
Your kid will have a blast with this zany classic about the rompous misadventures of the Cat in the Hat and his troublemaking friends, Thing 1 and Thing 2. With simple words and rhyming text, this book is a delightfully entertaining way to develop your young reader’s language skills.
Are You My Mother?
By: P.D. Eastman
When a mother bird’s egg starts to jump, she hurries off to find food for her baby to eat. But the egg hatches while she’s away and the baby bird sets off to find his mother, not knowing what she’s supposed to look like.The hatchling encounters a kitten, a hen, a dog, and other animals, asking each, “are you my mother? Little ones love this timeless story about the bond between mother and child.
Corduroy
By: Don Freeman
A little bear named Corduroy has been on the store shelf for a long time when he meets a little girl named Lisa. She loves him instantly, despite the fact that he’s a little worn and missing a button. Corduroy knows he’s the bear for her and sets out in the middle of the night to fix himself up and be the bear she deserves.
That’s out list of classic children’s picture books! Want more great book recommendations for your kid? Check out our post: “14 Best Classic Books for Kids on Epic” for faves like “Frog and Toad are Friends” and “Grimm’s Fairy Tales.” For more picture books for little ones, check out “Best Books for 6-Year-Olds-on-Epic.”