Once your child has developed a love of the written word, consider introducing him or her to the top 10 award-winning children’s books. Each book contains a classic story sure to enthrall your child and make the little one want to learn more about the author.
The top 10 award-winning children’s books include Where the Wild Things Are, Maurice Sendak’s timeless tale of a little boy who wishes himself away to the world of the wild things only to find he misses home. Other must-read books include Finding Winnie: The True Story of the World’s Most Famous Bear, a fantastic take on the beloved stories by A. A. Milne.
Books provide the perfect addition to your child’s education–a chance for them to expand the horizons in their minds with new ideas, concepts, and visuals. It also helps ensure they grow up as worldly citizens brimming with knowledge.
What’s here: This fantastic compilation of the 10 best award-winning children’s books for the spring and summer months of 2017 was created by real moms and educators who enjoyed these books themselves or taught them in class. Numerous types and themes of books are included in the list to keep your youngin’ stimulated.
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Post Updated: April 9th, 2017
What’s Here:
1. The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt
2. Last Stop on Market Street by Matt De La Peña
3. Finding Winnie: The True Story of the World’s Most Famous Bear by Lindsay Mattick
4. Wonder by R. J. Palacio
5. Waiting by Kevin Henkes
6. Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
7. The War that Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
8. Don’t Throw It to Mo! by David A. Adler
9. How to Babysit a Grandma by Jean Reagan
10. Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! by Mo Willems
1. The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt
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Ages: 3 – 7
First up among the top 10 award winning children’s books for 2017 – The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt.
Duncan fancies himself a true artist. He loves coloring in bright, vivid colors with his prized box of crayons…but one day, his crayons stage a protest. They are tired of being overworked and underappreciated. What will poor Duncan do now?
This funny, unique, and just-plain-adorable story includes Beige quitting because he is tired of always being second to Brown, Black quitting because he wants to be used for more than outlining, Blue quitting because he needs a break from being used for bodies of water all the time…the list goes on. A great book for little artists, it also works well as a back-to-school tale and features plenty of humor besides. The winner of Amazon’s 2013 Best Picture Book of the Year, both you and your child will love this clever story.
2. Last Stop on Market Street by Matt De La Peña
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Ages: 3 – 5
Last Stop on Market Street by Matt De La Peña comes in second of the 10 best award-winning children’s books this year.
CJ and his Grandma have a routine. Every Sunday, they ride the bus across town on their way home. CJ begins to notice the other kids have cars, the latest gadgets, and bunches of stuff he’s never had. When he questions his Grandma, she lovingly comes up with thought-provoking answers.
The winner of many literature awards, including the 2016 Newbery Medal, this is a truly wonderful tale that emphasizes appreciating what you have instead of wishing for material things. It is also a great book for stressing the importance of seeing beauty everywhere. Seriously, what is not to love? Share this book with your children…they will love it!
3. Finding Winnie: The True Story of the World’s Most Famous Bear by Lindsay Mattick
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Ages: 3 – 6
Third up on this year’s prestigious list – Finding Winnie: The True Story of the World’s Most Famous Bear by Lindsay Mattick.
Before Winnie the Pooh, there was simply Winnie—a female baby bear rescued by a World War I veterinarian in 1914. She was loving and loyal, touring the world with Harry Colebourn until she landed at the London Zoo. This is where she befriended the real-life little boy, Christopher Robin.
Colebourn’s real great-grandma narrates this charming true story complete with lovely illustrations and wonderful characters. If your child is a huge Winnie the Pooh fan, he or she will jump at the chance to read the real story that inspired the classic tales of Winnie, Tigger, Piglet, and all of their other adorable friends.
4. Wonder by R. J. Palacio
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Ages: 8 – 12
Another worthy addition to the best award-winning kids’ books — Wonder by R. J. Palacio.
Choose Kind is an acceptance movement that aims to abolish bullying—and this book started it all. August Pullman was born with a facial deformity, one that has made him the butt of the jokes before he moved to a different school. At the new school, he discovers kindness, companionship, and loyalty in better, nicer friends.
A wonderful tale about accepting people for who they are and not what they look like, this is a great story to read with your children if they are experiencing issues with bullying…or any other time. Seeing your child upset from bullying is one of the worst things you can go through as a parent, and while you can take steps with school authorities to get the bullying to stop, there is still hurt that needs to be sorted out. This story is a great way to help your children’s hearts heal!
5. Waiting by Kevin Henkes
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Ages: 4 – 8
Hitting 5th among the children’s books award-winners for 2017 is Waiting by Kevin Henkes.
On a windowsill sit five stuffed animals—a wise owl, an antsy rabbit, a plump pig, a classic teddy bear, and a curious pup. And they are all waiting for something. But what? This heartfelt book addresses growing up; how kids always feel like they are waiting for something bigger.
It is easy to wish for “something bigger” as a child, but what this story emphasizes is the importance of doing instead of sitting around waiting for something to happen. As children grow up they learn that they are in charge of their destinies and they have to be the ones to take action instead of simply hoping for the best. This story instills these concepts beautifully.
6. Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
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Ages: 4 – 8
An all-time favorite of mine – Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak also manages a position among 2017’s best kids’ award-winning books.
Let the wild rumpus start! I looove this book and that quote is a childhood favorite that I can remember shouting on the playground. Max is a grumpy boy, sent to bed without supper. So, he builds a boat to escape to where the Wild Things are. A timeless read, Max is made king of the wild things but quickly realizes he misses his parents after all. When he returns to his bedroom he is very relieved…and finds his mom has left his dinner in his room. This sweet and fantastical story features some of the most well-known illustrations of all time and is a must for any child.
7. The War that Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
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Ages: 9 – 12
Making it to #7 on the list – The War that Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley.
In the times of World War II, nine-year-old Ada is a curious, adventurous little girl, but she was born with a twisted foot. Her mother, a cruel woman, keeps Ada confined in a one-bedroom apartment out of shame. Ada escapes, consciously choosing a life with more experiences. She follows her little brother Jamie, who was shipped off to London, and finds herself and her little bro being taken care of by a woman called Susan. Ada learns to read, ride a pony, and watch for German spies. Will she and Jamie get to stay with Susan? You and your children will have to read this incredible story of family and survival to find out.
8. Don’t Throw It to Mo! by David A. Adler
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Ages: 6 – 7
Don’t Throw It to Mo! by David A. Adler holds its own among children’s award winning books in 2017 at #8.
Mo Jackson is a little gent with bigger-than-life ambitions. He wants to play football, but he is bullied because of his small size and short stature. Big bummer for little Mo. Nicknamed “butterfingers,” Mo is down-and-out until his coach gives him a few encouraging words of wisdom, compassion, and friendship. Mo turns out to be the team’s secret weapon…will they win the big game? You have to read to find out!
A fantastic book with a diverse group of characters and plenty of great illustrations, the story teaches all kinds of wonderful things, from perseverance and determination to not letting size or stature get in the way of big dreams. The perfect story for any child struggling to find what he or she is good at, it will definitely resonate…and stay with your child forever.
9. How to Babysit a Grandma by Jean Reagan
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Ages: 5 – 8
Fun! Making it to the 9th spot on the list – How to Babysit a Grandma by Jean Reagan.
Great gift for both grandmothers and grandchildren. This quirky, cute story is about a little girl who teaches kiddos all the ins-and-outs for “babysitting” a grandma. First, there has to be a sleepover. Then of course, there has to be cuddles…you know, to make grandma feel happy, loved, and safe.
Full of many great tips and tricks, your little ‘uns will become expert grandma sitters quickly! Packed with humor and wonderful illustrations, it is easy to love this book and read it any time you and your kiddos need a chuckle. There are plenty of related books as well, including How to Catch a Santa, How to Babysit a Grandpa, How to Surprise a Dad, and How to Raise a Mom.
10. Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! by Mo Willems
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Ages: 2 – 6
The final addition to the top ten list of chidren’s book award winners for 2017 – which happens to be my favorite children’s book of all time – is Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! by Mo Willems.
If we have learned anything from the Pigeon series, it’s that Pigeon is relentless, a little bit snarky, and silly. In this book, that pesky Pigeon wants to drive a bus. No lie. He thinks he is totally qualified, and he pleads, begs, and makes his case throughout the story. Told entirely in speech bubbles, you and your younglings will get a huge kick out of this goofy, clever book featuring the most determined of pigeons. Pigeon has plenty of other adventures as well, including The Pigeon Wants a Puppy and Don’t Let Pigeon Stay Up Late!
Enjoy reading this story to your children…and laughing with them!
Update note: This Top 10 Award-Winning Children’s Books 2017 page was modified to reflect current
information on April 9th, 2017.