The Greatest "Children's books, Fiction, Fantasy" Books Since 1970

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 305 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

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Children's books

Children's books are a category of literature that is specifically written and designed for children. These books are typically aimed at readers between the ages of 0-12 and cover a wide range of topics, from picture books for toddlers to chapter books for older children. Children's books often feature colorful illustrations, simple language, and engaging stories that are meant to entertain, educate, and inspire young readers. They can cover a variety of genres, including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and more, and are an essential part of a child's early education and development.

Fiction

Fantasy

Fantasy is a genre of literature that typically involves imaginative and supernatural elements, often set in a fictional world or alternate reality. These stories often feature mythical creatures, magic, and epic battles between good and evil. Fantasy books can range from high fantasy, which includes complex world-building and intricate plotlines, to urban fantasy, which blends fantastical elements with contemporary settings. The genre allows readers to escape into a world of wonder and adventure, where anything is possible.

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  1. 26. Dealing With Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede

    This novel tells the story of a young princess who is bored with her life and decides to go live with dragons instead of marrying a prince as expected. She becomes the servant of a dragon and learns about magic, dealing with wizards, and how to outsmart those who underestimate her. The book is a humorous and empowering twist on traditional fairy tale tropes, emphasizing the importance of intelligence and independence over beauty and obedience.

    The 3191st Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 27. The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson

    This children's book tells the story of a clever mouse who uses his wits to avoid being eaten by various predators in the woods. The mouse invents a monster, the Gruffalo, to scare away a fox, an owl, and a snake, only to discover that the creature actually exists. Using his quick thinking, the mouse manages to convince the Gruffalo that he is the most feared creature in the forest, thus avoiding becoming the Gruffalo's meal.

    The 3232nd Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 28. Moominvalley In November by Tove Jansson

    "Moominvalley In November" is a heartwarming and melancholic tale that follows a group of quirky and endearing characters who all find themselves drawn to Moominvalley. As they arrive one by one, they discover that Moomintroll and his family are nowhere to be found. Left to their own devices, the group embarks on a journey of self-discovery, friendship, and the search for meaning, ultimately finding solace and comfort in each other's company. With its beautiful prose and poignant exploration of themes such as loss, identity, and the transformative power of nature, "Moominvalley In November" is a captivating and bittersweet read.

    The 3778th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 29. The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

    The novel follows the unusual life of a boy named Nobody "Bod" Owens who, after his family is murdered, is raised by the supernatural inhabitants of a graveyard. Under the protection of ghosts and his guardian, who is neither living nor dead, Bod learns about the living world and the dangers it holds, including the man Jack who continues to hunt for him. As he grows up among tombstones and crypts, Bod explores the limits of his graveyard home, encounters creatures of the night, and ultimately confronts the sinister forces that took his family from him, all while trying to lead a normal life despite his extraordinary upbringing.

    The 4061st Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 30. The Snowman by Raymond Briggs

    "The Snowman" is a heartwarming and enchanting picture book that tells the story of a young boy who builds a snowman that magically comes to life. Together, they embark on a whimsical adventure, exploring the boy's world and experiencing the joys of friendship and imagination. This beautifully illustrated tale captures the wonder and innocence of childhood, leaving readers with a sense of warmth and nostalgia.

    The 4379th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 31. Ernest And Celestine by Gabrielle Vincent

    "Ernest And Celestine" is a heartwarming children's book about an unlikely friendship between a bear named Ernest and a young mouse named Celestine. Despite societal expectations and prejudices, the two form a deep bond and defy the norms of their respective worlds. Through their adventures and challenges, they teach readers the importance of acceptance, friendship, and the power of love.

    The 4560th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 32. Badjelly The Witch by Spike Milligan

    The book is a whimsical children's story that follows the adventures of siblings Tim and Rose as they search for their lost cow, Lucy. Their quest leads them into an enchanted forest where they encounter a host of magical creatures, including giants, a fairy, and an evil witch named Badjelly who can turn people into sausages with her magic wand. With courage and the help of their new fantastical friends, the children must outwit Badjelly and rescue their beloved cow, embarking on a journey filled with humor, whimsy, and the triumph of good over evil.

    The 4673rd Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 33. The Worst Witch by Jill Murphy

    The book tells the story of a young girl attending a witch academy who is always getting into trouble due to her clumsiness and inability to get her spells right. Despite her constant mishaps, she manages to save the school from a dangerous plot by a wicked witch, proving that she may not be the worst witch after all.

    The 4688th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 34. The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar by Roald Dahl

    The book is a collection of seven short stories. The titular story revolves around a wealthy, idle man who discovers a set of yoga exercises that allow him to "see" through playing cards. After rigorous training, he uses this ability to win at casinos, donating his winnings to orphanages worldwide. The other stories include a tale about a man who can change his appearance at will, a bet about igniting a candle from a distance, a hitchhiker with a special thumb, a boy who discovers a turtle with 117 years, a story of a swan who saves a boy, and a tale about a woman who is obsessed with her two cats. These tales are filled with magical realism and surprising twists, showcasing the author's imaginative storytelling.

    The 4848th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 35. The Lives Of Christopher Chant by Diana Wynne Jones

    In this enchanting fantasy novel, a young boy discovers his remarkable ability to travel between worlds while he sleeps. Unbeknownst to him, his gift makes him a valuable asset in the eyes of his uncle, who uses him to smuggle magical artifacts. As the boy grows, he learns more about his powers and the ethereal realm known as the Related Worlds. He must navigate the complexities of his family's expectations, his unique abilities, and an impending magical conflict. With the help of a talking cat and other peculiar friends he meets along the way, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery and must decide where his loyalties lie and how to use his gifts for the greater good.

    The 5154th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 36. Mamy Wata Et Le Monstre by Veronique Tadjo

    "Mamy Wata Et Le Monstre" by Veronique Tadjo is a captivating tale that explores the relationship between humans and nature. Set in a coastal village, the story follows the adventures of a young girl named Mamy Wata, who discovers a mysterious monster wreaking havoc on her community. As she embarks on a journey to confront the monster, Mamy Wata learns valuable lessons about the importance of harmony and respect for the environment. With its vivid imagery and thought-provoking narrative, this book serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between humans and the natural world.

    The 5154th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 37. A Wind In The Door by Madeleine L'Engle

    In this fantastical science fiction novel, a young girl embarks on an extraordinary adventure to save her ailing brother. With the help of a few peculiar friends, including a cherubim and a teacher who transforms into a dragon, they journey into the microscopic universe within the brother's cells. There, they face the malevolent force of Echthroi, creatures determined to spread chaos and unmake the fabric of reality. As the protagonists confront challenges that test their courage and understanding of the universe, the story delves into themes of love, sacrifice, and the interconnectedness of all life, ultimately revealing that the fight to maintain balance and harmony is as much internal as it is external.

    The 5947th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 38. The Grey King by Susan Cooper

    In this captivating installment of a classic fantasy series, a young boy, recovering from a severe illness, is sent to Wales to recuperate. There, amidst the mystical Welsh landscape, he discovers his deep connection to ancient magical forces and his crucial role in the ongoing battle between good and evil. Guided by a prophecy, he seeks out a legendary golden harp and allies, including a mysterious boy and a loyal dog, to awaken the ancient and powerful Sleepers to aid in the fight against the malevolent Grey King. This tale weaves together myth, magic, and the rich lore of Welsh legends to create a compelling narrative of courage, friendship, and the eternal struggle against darkness.

    The 6089th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 39. The House With A Clock In Its Walls by John Bellairs

    In this gothic mystery novel, a young orphan named Lewis Barnavelt moves to New Zebedee, Michigan, to live with his eccentric Uncle Jonathan, who turns out to be a mediocre, but well-intentioned, warlock. Lewis discovers that his uncle's house, a creaky, old mansion with a mysterious ticking heart, was previously owned by a sinister couple who sought to bring about the end of the world using a magical clock hidden within the walls. As Lewis learns magic from his uncle and befriends a neighboring witch named Mrs. Zimmerman, he must confront his own insecurities and fears while they all race against time to find the clock and stop the apocalyptic plans set in motion by the house's former inhabitants.

    The 6143rd Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 40. The Indian In The Cupboard by Lynne Reid Banks

    This children's novel revolves around a young boy who receives a small cupboard as a birthday gift, along with a plastic Indian figure. Upon discovering that the cupboard has the magical ability to bring toys to life, the boy embarks on a series of adventures and learns valuable lessons about responsibility, friendship, and the complexities of human nature. As he navigates the challenges of interacting with the living toy, which has its own personality and history, the boy gains a deeper understanding of empathy and the consequences of one's actions in a story that blends fantasy with moral growth.

    The 6389th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 41. Talking To Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede

    In this enchanting fantasy novel, the story follows a young protagonist who embarks on a perilous journey through a magical forest to find his missing father, the King. Along the way, he encounters a cast of whimsical characters, including a feisty princess, a deceitful witch, and a variety of talking animals. His adventure is filled with riddles, spells, and dragon encounters, which challenge his wit and courage. As the final installment in a series, the book wraps up the overarching narrative with clever twists and the revelation of long-held secrets, ultimately leading to a confrontation with a powerful enemy and a quest to restore peace to the kingdom.

    The 6612th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 42. Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin, Janet Song

    "Where the Mountain Meets the Moon" is a children's fantasy novel about a young girl named Minli who lives in a poor village at the base of a mountain. She sets out on a journey to find the Old Man of the Moon, hoping he can answer her family's prayers for a better life. Along the way, she meets a talking goldfish, a dragon who cannot fly, and other magical creatures. Through her adventures, Minli learns valuable lessons about gratitude, kindness, and the power of storytelling.

    The 6670th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 43. Lord Brocktree by Brian Jacques

    In this high-fantasy novel, the story follows the epic journey of a badger lord named Brocktree who sets out to reclaim the mountain fortress of Salamandastron from the clutches of the tyrannical wildcat Ungatt Trunn. Alongside a diverse cast of woodland creatures, including the haremaid Dotti and a host of other valiant warriors, Brocktree embarks on a quest filled with adventure, bravery, and battles. As they face numerous challenges and forge alliances, the group's camaraderie and courage are tested. The novel is a tale of heroism and the fight for justice in a world where the forces of good stand against the tyranny of evil.

    The 6682nd Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 44. Deltora Quest Series by Emily Rodda

    The series is a collection of fantasy novels that follow the journey of a young boy named Lief, who is tasked with finding the seven lost gems of the Belt of Deltora. Accompanied by his companions Barda and Jasmine, he must travel across the land of Deltora, facing numerous challenges and adversaries, in order to restore the belt's magical properties and overthrow the tyrannical rule of the Shadow Lord. Each gem is hidden in a perilous location and guarded by a fearsome guardian, requiring courage, wit, and perseverance to be retrieved. The quest is not only a physical adventure but also a journey of self-discovery for the heroes as they learn the importance of friendship, trust, and bravery.

    The 6830th Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 45. Searching For Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede

    In this enchanting fantasy sequel, a spirited princess teams up with the King of the Dragons to find a missing monarch and tackle the magical troubles plaguing the Enchanted Forest. Together with a cast of quirky characters, including a witch, a floating blue donkey, and a stone prince, they embark on a whimsical adventure that challenges traditional fairy tale norms. Through wit, courage, and clever problem-solving, they navigate a world where magic is real and dragons might not be what they seem, all while uncovering a deeper conspiracy and learning about the true nature of friendship and duty.

    The 6965th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 46. Last Stop On Market Street by Matt de la Peña

    "Last Stop On Market Street" is a heartwarming children's book that tells the story of a young boy named CJ and his grandmother as they embark on their weekly bus ride across town. Along the way, CJ learns valuable life lessons about gratitude, empathy, and the beauty in the world around him, ultimately realizing that the journey itself is just as important as the destination. With its vibrant illustrations and poignant narrative, this book celebrates the power of perspective and the joy of finding beauty in unexpected places.

    The 7009th Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 47. Calling On Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede

    In this enchanting fantasy novel, the third installment of a beloved series, a princess-turned-witch and her companions, including a talking cat and a dragon, embark on a whimsical adventure to stop an evil plot that threatens their kingdom. Along the way, they encounter a diverse cast of characters, including a witty magician and a mischievous young witch. With a blend of humor, magic, and a touch of romance, the group uses their wits and magical abilities to outsmart their enemies and protect their magical world from danger. The story is a celebration of friendship, ingenuity, and the importance of embracing one's unique talents.

    The 7093rd Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 48. Outside Over There by Maurice Sendak

    In this whimsical children's book, a young girl named Ida must rescue her baby sister after she is stolen away by goblins. While their mother is away, the goblins sneak in and replace the baby with an ice replica. Ida, noticing the change, embarks on a magical journey to the world of "Outside Over There" to save her sibling. Throughout her adventure, she learns about bravery, responsibility, and the power of music.

    The 7156th Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 49. Gergő és Az álomfogók by Gyula Böszörményi

    In this enchanting tale, a young boy named Gergő discovers a mysterious world of dream catchers who are responsible for protecting dreams from the nightmares that seek to disrupt them. As Gergő embarks on a thrilling adventure, he learns about the delicate balance between the dream world and reality, and the importance of confronting one's fears. With the help of new friends and his own courage, Gergő must navigate through this fantastical realm to ensure that the harmony of dreams is preserved for himself and others. Along the way, he gains insights into bravery, friendship, and the power of imagination.

    The 7805th Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 50. Rules Of Summer by Shaun Tan

    "Rules of Summer" is a visually stunning and thought-provoking picture book that explores the complex relationship between two young boys during their summer vacation. Through a series of surreal and imaginative illustrations, the book delves into themes of friendship, power dynamics, and the unspoken rules that govern their interactions. With its rich imagery and open-ended narrative, "Rules of Summer" invites readers to reflect on the nuances of human relationships and the lessons learned during the season of growth and change.

    The 8226th Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download