Booklist: The Most Popular Children's Books in Each Country

Looking for some reading inspo for the kids? TheToyZone recently shared its extensive list of the all-time best children’s books in 104 different countries around the world.

While some of the books are quite fitting (Harry Potter in the UK, for example), we were a bit surprised to see a few of our very favourite children’s books didn’t get a place. Where’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar? And Goodnight Moon? Where the Wild Things Are?

According to TheToyZone, they used Wikipedia and Goodreads to determine the highest-rated books in each country to come up with their results. You can check out the full 104 books plus their methodology here.

But first, check out the top 10 books by country as well as Australia’s Top 50 Kids’ books (scroll to the bottom for this list).

1. USA – Wonder by R.J. Palacio

How good is this book? And the movie is just as brilliant! Wonder is about as heartwarming as they come and a perfect read for tweens.

2. Canada – Love you Forever, by Robert Munsch

Now, I am a Canadian and can vouch that this book is hella popular. But it’s also pretty much the saddest book you will ever read. I haven’t even attempted to read it to my kids because I always end up in tears. And I don’t just mean like a small tear in my eye, but big soppy raindrop tears.

3. UK – Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, by J.K. Rowling

No surprise that Harry and his wizard mates won the top book in the UK. I’m actually surprised Deathly Hallows took out the crown though – Chamber of Secrets was way better!

4. Ireland – Kingdom of the Wicked, by Derek Landy

Another series book, Kingdom of the Wicked is the seventh instalment in this cheeky Skulduggery Pleasant series that combines humour and horror adventure for the older readers.

5. Australia – Then by Morris Gleitzman

Then is the second book in this incredibly popular Morris Gleitzman series and recommended for older readers. Beautifully written and cherished by countless children and adults, this is definitely one to add to your teen’s reading list.

Keep scrolling to see several more great Aussie children’s books, for the younger readers too.

6. New Zealand – Slinky Malinki by Lynley Dodd

Good ol’ Slinky Malinki. Gotta love him and all the Lynley Dodd characters. I have to admit, I would have voted for Harry Maclary but, hey Slinky is a good choice too.

7. South Africa – The Land of Green Ginger by Noel Langley

This classic kids’ novel is loved by so many generations even though it may seem a bit ‘outdated’ by today’s standards. I’ve not read it but from the reviews, it appears the book, which focuses on the new Emporer of China, Aladdin, mixes wit and wonder in a beautifully eloquent way.

8. Japan – A Mother for Choco by Keiko Kazsa

Deeply relatable and lovingly illustrated, this book resonates with children of all ages and anyone who has ever felt “different” within their family. Such a beautiful little story!

9. China – Seven Blind Mice by Ed Young

This book isn’t just entertaining but also incredibly educational, teaching our younger readers some pretty invaluable life lessons. Plus it’s bright, colourful and creative too. A winning combo indeed.

10. France – Press Here by Herve Tullet

Another picture book for the younger readers, Press Here is interactive, fun and a little bit magical. Wait til you see what happens when kids rub the dots together! If you happen to have this book, you’ll know why it made the list.

Australian top children’s books revealed

According to Better Reading, these 50 children’s books are considered the best of the best in Australia. Some are by Australian authors while others are simply loved by Australian families.

Coming in at #1 for older readers is once again Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone by J.K. Rowling and #1 for younger readers is The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle.

How many do you currently have on your children’s bookshelf?