Cast your mind back to the most treasured memories of your childhood and chances are some of them are centred on quiet moments reading books with beloved parents and grandparents and putting pen to paper, creating your own tales to share with friends.

There’s no doubt story telling is a crucial part of our early years, helping us to get a better understanding of the world around us and at large, and developing our imaginations.

That’s why it’s so important kids are introduced to books that will inspire and educate them, and luckily there are countless reads that do just that.

From absolute classics like Charlotte’s Web and Matilda to more recent hits like the Clarice Bean books, covering pre-school to teenage years, these are the best children’s books to read to the little ones in your life.

Guess How Much I Love You By Sam McBratney, illustrated by Anita Jeram

Very young readers can learn about love and the weight it holds from this beautiful and poignant story about Little Nutbrown Hare and Big Nutbrown Hare, as they discuss just how much they love one another. Best to read with children between the ages of two and five.

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The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter

He’s the mischievous rabbit beloved by children and adults the world over thanks to Potter’s endearing writing. Go along with Peter, his best friend Benjamin and his trio of sisters as they get into scrapes and try to avoid Mr McGregor. Great for children three years and older.

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The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

A classic, light-hearted book for small children getting to grips with reading, about a caterpillar who can’t stop eating. One to revisit again and again with young readers from an early age.

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Peace at Last by Jill Murphy

A comforting bedtime story about Mr Bear, who can’t get to sleep no matter how hard he tries. With beautiful illustrations bringing the sweet story to life, it’s a must-read for young readers from the age of two.

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Percy the Park Keeper by Nick Butterworth

The Percy the Park Keeper series is packed with lovely stories about a kind park keeper and the animals he cares for. In One Snowy Night, Percy discovers his friends need more than food and sets out on a mission to help them. For readers three years upwards.

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The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss

Dr. Seuss is known for bringing fantastical characters and worlds to life with his unique writing style and The Cat in the Hat is perhaps his best work. When two restless children are left alone without their mother’s watchful gaze, a naughty cat arrives and havoc ensues. Suitable for a range of readers from a young age.

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The Magic Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton

Children’s stories don’t come much more iconic than the tales of Enid Blyton. When Joe, Beth and Frannie move to the countryside, they discover that their new house sits next to the Enchanted Wood, home to the Magic Faraway Tree that transports them on all sorts of adventures. Perfect for readers aged five to nine.

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Matilda by Roald Dahl

Perhaps the ultimate literary hero due to her unwavering love of books shining through in the story, Matilda is a character all children need to be introduced to. As she battles against unfairness using her quick wits and special powers, Matilda proves how important it is to be kind. Perfect for readers aged eight to 11.

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Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White

After being saved by Fern, Wilbur the pig’s life is still in danger. Thankfully Charlotte, a wise and beautiful spider comes up with a plan to save him. It’s a classic tale of friendship, courage and magic. Perfect for readers aged eight to 11.

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The Harry Potter books by J.K. Rowling

A children’s book series that needs no introduction, and transcends the genre in appealing to adults worldwide, the Harry Potter series is the ultimate story of good versus evil. Follow Harry, Hermione and Ron as they battle against darkness in the wizarding world and go on many epic journeys along the way. Great for readers from the age of eight upwards, with the books becoming more adult as the series goes on.

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The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis

One of the most beloved fantasy stories of all time, The Chronicles of Narnia allow children to escape into a magical world with four adventurous siblings, Lucy, Edmund, Susan and Peter. Step through the wardrobe door with them and enjoy the epic tale. Ideal for children eight plus.

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Clarice Bean, Don’t Look Now by Lauren Child

In Clarice Bean, Lauren Child has created a loveable and related hero children can grow with. Clarice notes her worries, hopes and dreams in a journal and lets her imagination carry her away in a story that’s filled with fun. Great for children aged eight to 11.

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The Bed and Breakfast Star by Jaqueline Wilson

Wilson’s stories have become beloved by so many young readers who’ve carried them through to adulthood thanks to their strong messages of kindness and resilience overcoming darkness. In this story, Elsa and her family become homeless and live with the shadow of abuse hanging over them, however Elsa’s spirit and her mum’s love shine through. Suitable for readers aged nine to 11.

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Private Peaceful by Michael Morpurgo

This novel follows siblings and friends in England and abroad during World War One, as they come to terms with how the world is changing and what it will mean for them and their relationships. It will make children laugh, cry and appreciate the true value of life and family. Best for readers between the ages of nine and 12.

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The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time by Mark Haddon

In this classic novel for older teenagers and young adults, Haddon beautifully depicts the inner workings of Christopher’s mind, as he sees the world through the lens of someone on the autistic spectrum. When the dog next door is killed with a garden fork, Christopher becomes determined to get to the bottom of what happened, unravelling a mess of secrets.

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Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman

Malorie Blackman expertly explores race and prejudice in a story about Stephy and Callum, two young people who’ve been friends since they were children, despite their destiny to be enemies. Best for older teenagers.

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