A list of popular children’s books published every year between 1920 and 2019 based on librarian and teacher polls, top 100 roundups in media like Time magazine and the BBC, book critic reviews, interviews with children’s book authors, and lists of award-winning literature for young readers.
1982: Moo, Baa, La La La! by Sandra Boynton
More than 3 million copies of the silly rhyming book with humorous art were sold after the book was first published in 1982, according to Simon & Schuster.
1986: Animalia by Graeme Base
The book has sold millions of copies around the world and been adapted into a 300-piece jigsaw puzzle.
1988: The Magic Locket by Elizabeth Koda-Callan
This charming story teaches young readers that “good things happen when you believe in yourself.” It sets itself apart from other children’s books by including a locket on a chain with every copy.
1990: Oh, the Places You’ll Go! by Dr. Seuss
The last Dr. Seuss book published in the author’s lifetime, “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” is a lighthearted tale about seizing new opportunities and exploring the world.