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The best books for kids of all ages

Looking for a good read? Then dive into our list of the best children's books of all time!

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Here it is, the 101 best books for kids of all ages! We compiled the best picture books, chapter books and graphic novels for every kind of reader. 

Our list includes timeless classics from your childhood, and new releases that will be read for generations to come. Our favorite picks include Newbery and Caldecott winners, bestsellers every kid should read and kooky books you didn’t even know existed!

Goofball kids, taco-eating dragons, legendary spacegirls, spooky urban legends, mischievous boy robots: These books are filled with characters that will spark young imaginations. Our advice? Make a list of the books that tickle your fancy, then visit the best libraries for kids in NYC, sit in on storytimes for kids or head to your local indie to learn more about the coolest book clubs for kids.

And if your little one sneaks under the covers with one of these books and a flashlight, you should be proud of your little bookworm—wait a few minutes before “catching” them.

Be sure to check out our virtual daily storytimes with the New York Public Library, every Monday through Friday at 10am. 

Best Books for Kids

Dory has a hard time keeping her fantasy life to herself—her imaginary best friend (a monster named Mary), imaginary enemy (Mrs. Gobble Gracker) and fairy godmother (Mr. Nugy, who she calls on a banana) are as real as her family and school pals. This delightful, wildly creative five-volume series gets into the wonders and uncertainties that course through every young mind: These books will speak to your child. It doesn’t hurt that you’ll get as much out of Dory’s adventures as your little one.  Ages 5-10.

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It’s always hard being the new kid at school, but it can be particularly difficult when you’re from Washington Heights in New York City and you earned a spot at an elite private school across town. New Kid follows Jordan’s first year at Riverdale, addressing racism and other tricky issues head-on. This thoughtful book was awarded the Newbery Medal in 2020, becoming the first graphic novel to win its category. Ages 8-12.

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Hilo doesn’t know where he’s from, why he fell out of the sky, what he’s doing on Earth—or why he can’t go to school in only his underpants. This series is as funny as it is exciting, and chronicles the action-packed adventures of the (spoiler alert) boy robot who can shoot lasers from his hands—and who cares deeply about his human friends. To add to the fun, Hilo Book 6: All the Pieces Fit, drops in February, 2020. Ages 5-12.

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Your kids won’t know that this book teaches them colors, counting, the days of the week, healthy eating and the process of metamorphosis. They’ll simply love the story—and poking their tiny fingers through the holes. All the more reason to admire one of the world's most perfect picture books. (Good thing Carle's editor convinced him to make the book about a caterpillar instead of Carle's original idea: Willie Worm.) Ages 3 and under.

Peter is a sloth that likes everything just as it is: He wants to stay put and hang out. The goofball Ernesto is a sloth of a different stripe, and sets out on a joyful expedition that takes him to the far corners of the world. Poor Peter! He misses his pal so much that he swallows his fear and sets off to find him—and discovers that the world is wild, kind and full of wonder. The third book in the series, Peter & Ernesto: Sloths in the Night, will be released in April, 2020. Ages 4-8.

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These epic stories resonate with young minds—start reading these family-friendly versions and you’ll see why the Iliad and the Odyssey have been told and retold for thousands of years. Gillian Cross’s writing is beautiful, poetic and clear enough for children to understand, while Neil Packer’s detailed and haunting images bring the stories to life. This boxed set is so handsome, and the stories so compelling, you'll want it out on the shelves with the grown-up books. Ages 8 and up.

The New York subway is hard to love—unless you're a kid. This highly-stylized picture book by designer Christoph Niemann is a love letter to the MTA, a visual delight filled with playful illustrations that will delight your child, and will have you looking at your commute with new eyes. Ages 5 and under.

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A prose poem that celebrates African-American culture, The Undefeated is about the artists, athletes, martyrs, athletes, and everyday heroes who have shaped this country. This book takes an unflinching look at slavery, Civil Rights and contemporary issues of racism: If you’re going to solve a problem, you address it directly. The Undefeated is a 2020 Newbery Honor Book, and won the 2020 Caldecott Medal for Kadir Nelson’s illustrations. Ages 6-12.

You might not be inclined to turn off the lights after skimming through Alvin Schwarz’s eerily fantastic stories. The author researched folklore tales that chilled us to the bone for years, and then put a dark and twisted spin on three volumes of retellings. Let’s not forget the creepy, gothic black and white sketches that accompany each piece—they might scare you before you even get to the text. Between mysterious bloody hooks, frightening scarecrows and everything in between, we recommend a storytime when your Halloween party needs a little extra oomph. Ages 8 and up.

 

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A girl and her father are riding a motorcycle that seems to fly across the roads of a California town that’s changing with the times: Old stores are closing, and neighborhoods are being transformed. This thoughtful reflection of childhood is a celebration of Mexican-American culture, but more than that, it’s a universal story about how a child is shaped by a loving family. Ages 4-8.

Stanley is an industrious if silent dog that putters around the house making things—and that will serve up a big surprise to his sleep-deprived humans. This picture book has a brilliance that sneaks up on the adults who decide to decode the illustrations, but that doesn’t matter to the kids who like the story, the rhymes, the big HOWOOO! Ages 6 and under.

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This Beach Is Loud! by Samantha Cotterill
Courtesy: Penguin Young Readers

21. This Beach Is Loud! by Samantha Cotterill

What's more fun than a day at the beach! But there are too many people, and the sand is too itchy, and the seawater too sticky. It's all too much, but Dad knows just how to help his little one refocus and enjoy the excursion to the see. This Beach Is Loud is for kids with sensory-processing issues, but the book explores themes that are helpful for any child. Ages 4-6.

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Kuma-Kuma Chan is a bear who lives a quiet and contemplative life in a small house in the mountains. He’s a mindful animal, who takes care when he makes a salad, and stops to think about the sound of the rain on the roof. Much of the charm of this calming book comes from the elegantly simple illustrations. Ages 6 and under.

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Young Emily finds an amulet in her great-grandfather’s library that she absently puts on. It’s only later, after she and her brother Navin travel to another world to save their mother with the help of a robot bunny named Miskit, that the power of the amulet is revealed and Emily becomes a Stonekeeper. And so it begins—this is a fantastical series of graphic novels (8 volumes and counting) that will feed young imaginations. Ages 8 and up.

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A polite young bear, dressed in a stylish red hat, shows up in London’s bustling Paddington Station with no more than a suitcase full of marmalade. The Brown family takes him in, unprepared for the mischief that Paddington and their children, Jonathan and Judy, will get into together. Ages 4–10.

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Alma is an adorable little girl with a very long name—Alma Sofia Esperanza José Pura Candela to be exact. Where did all of that come from? Each part of her name is an homage to a relative, and each relative has a story. This delightful book, which won the 2019 Caldecott Medal for Juana Martinez-Neal’s illustrtions, is also available in Spanish under the title Alma y cómo obtuvo su nombreAges 4-8

The formulation of the Science Comics series is straightforward: Children will happily tackle big ideas and hard science when presented in the form of a graphic novel–and spiced up with a lot of silly jokes. These books covers everything from robots and drones to coral reefs to plagues, and will turn any kid into a scientist-in-training. Bonus: You’ll learn a lot, too. Ages 5 and up.

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Think of each volume in this series as a history lesson geared to the attention span–and sense of humor–of a child. The books cover everything from the Constitution to the Colosseum, and Paul Revere to Pele. The already exhaustive series continues to add titles—your little one can read up on just about any person, place or historical event. Ages 8 and up.

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History can be a mind-dulling recital of dates and speeches, or it can be a vibrant and evocative retelling of the gut-churning events that shape our world. This nine-volume series of graphic histories by the illustrator "Nathan Hale" turns the Alamo, World War I, the Underground Railroad, the Marquis de Lafayette and more into stories with edge-of-your-seat thrills. It starts with One Dead Spy, which looks at real-life Revolutionary War hero Nathan Hale. Ages 8 and up.

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Greg Heffley is your normal run-of-the-mill wimpy kid—who happens to keep a diary and document every ridiculous, hilarious, bonkerballs event in his life. The diary entries are played for laughs, but just below the joking around there are some important life lessons. There’s a reason why this series is on its 14th installment and counting. Ages 8-12.

36. Fox in Sox by Dr. Seuss

Ready for a hot take? Fox in Sox isn't just a masterpiece—it's maybe Dr. Seuss’s best book. Not to take anything away from Green Eggs and Ham, but the playful rhymes and silly scenarios in Fox build to a hilarious crescendo—just try to keep a straight face when you read the tweetle beetle battle. Ages 5 and under. 

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What makes a family a family? Love, of course. This bright and cheerful board book explores how a family isn’t only defined by a mommy and a daddy, but can include a diverse range of people: A family with two daddies will read to their child at bedtime, while a family with two mommies will start the day with a happy breakfast, and both deeply love their little ones. Ages 4 and under.

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Arguably Dr. Seuss’ most popular tale, The Cat in the Hat’s wonky drawings and tongue twisters galore that all generations can’t help but love and pass down. What will happen when the Cat in the Hat shows up and makes a mess when Sally’s parents aren’t home? You’ll need to journey on the rhythmic adventure to find out. Ages 5 and under.

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This delightful book from illustrator Nicholas Blechman will let your little ones count their way to sleep. The clever die-cut pages lead you from one image to another, seemingly traveling from adventure to adventure—or maybe it’s just the toys in a bedroom sparking a child’s imagination. Ages 5 and under.

Boredom leads to high adventure when lackluster Milo rides a tiny car through a tollbooth and finds himself in a magical land. It pulls off the unusual feat of intertwining clever wordplay and mathematics into a single cohesive story. Ages 8–12.

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Love is strong enough to give life to stuffed animals—it’s true! Waiting patiently for a chance to be played with after being given to “The Boy” at Christmastime, the little velveteen rabbit finally gets his wish and more, when he becomes the boy’s favorite cherished toy. The unconditional love the two share gives them the strength to help each other through the roughest moments of their lives. Ages 4–8.

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This irreverent series takes a wicked view of history, delighting in blood, guts and gross-out humor. But how else can you tell the story of Henry VIII, the antihero king and the star of the Terrible Tudors?  This British series has more than 60 titles and counting: From Angry Aztecs and the Vile Victorians to Groovy Greeks and Rotten Romans, these books will have your kid wanting to read history books all day long. Ages 8-12.

The No. 1 sleepytime rhyme award goes to Margaret Wise Brown, who created the rare book that can be read a hundred times over without ever becoming tiresome. Amazingly, the quintessential bedtime story wasn't a hit in its day back in 1947, but the sheer levels of comfort it offers have made it a go-to book for generations of families. Ages 4 and under.

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A ten-year-old boy with a constellation of facial deformities struggles to navigate school for the first time. He braves comments from bullies about his appearance, but makes some true friends who defend him against the hurtful whispers. This novel teaches kids that “when given a choice between being right and being kind, choose kind.” Ages 8–12.

This cute touch-and-feel book is one that almost everyone remembers from their childhood (it was first published in 1940!), and it continues to please little ones today. Tots get hands-on with each turn of the page as they feel the soft “fur” of a rabbit, look in a reflective “mirror” and more. Ages 4 and under.

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Spouting the truths grown-ups don't want to hear, Harriet has no equal even today. Her notebook and spy missions around New York City have inspired whole legions of girls—and boys—to become writers as well. Ages 8–12.

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This book leaves an indelible impression on anybody who reads it, and has planted a fantasy in the minds of generations of children: Would you live in the Metropolitan Museum of Art if you had the chance? Young Claudia and her brother Jamie run away from home to live in the Met. The two are sneaky, and surprisingly practical, and solve one of the greatest mysteries in the history of art. From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler is every bit as wonderful as you remember. Ages 8–12.

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A big move to New Jersey throws ‘tween Margaret Simon for a loop. Losing all her friends back home and starting a new school is almost too much to bear. With no one to talk to at such a confusing age, Margaret chooses God to be her friend and all-around go-to for advice, requests and funny observations, in this classic coming of age story. Ages 9–12.

The well-intentioned maid Amelia Bedelia will always puts her best effort forward to please the Rogers family, but she just can’t seem to get it right. She misunderstands instructions (or takes them too literally) leading to silly mistakes like “dressing” the chicken—in overalls and socks. The original title has been followed by over 40 books. Ages 4–8.

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Matilda needs no introduction. One of Roald Dahl’s most popular characters, the young girl reads stories well beyond her years, but sadly must endure wacky educators and less-than-stellar parents. Of course, we can’t help but fall in love with her magical abilities—and her concentration when tackling a new book. It's a good companion to James and the Giant Peach, and other books by Dahl. Ages 8-12.

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"Where's Papa going with that axe?" The world's greatest first line starts off this tale, recounted with a child's wisdom, that kids remember and love long after they've put it down. Even if a young reader's closest association with a pig consists of pork chops at dinner, all kids can identify with Fern and Wilbur—and when they grow up and have children of their own they'll find themselves identifying with Charlotte. Ages 8–12.

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76. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll

Lewis Carroll’s classic has encountered a number of retellings, but nothing quite compares to the original story. An inquisitive little girl named Alice journeys down the rabbit hole after a bunny hops by with a pocket watch. That’s when she arrives in a convoluted world where a vindictive Queen of Hearts will stop at nothing to get what she wants, a Cheshire cat accompanies her on the journey and so many other wacky scenarios take place. Children’s literature will forever be influenced by this fan favorite. All ages. 

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The Complete Tales of Winnie-the-Pooh by A. A. Milne
Courtesy: Penguin Young Readers

77. The Complete Tales of Winnie-the-Pooh by A. A. Milne

Adorable tales about a plump and often confused teddy bear, paired with Ernest H. Shepard’s sweet illustrations, make for a timeless collection of stories. Each chapter takes us on a new adventure, whether hunting for a Woozle with Piglet in the Hundred Acre Wood or celebrating Eeyore’s birthday with the rest of the crew. Ages 4 and up.

Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O’Dell
Courtesy: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Books for Young Readers

78. Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O’Dell

Based on the true story of the Lost Woman of San Nicolas, Scott O’Dell’s book tells the tale of a young woman who lives on the Island of Ghalas-at with her people. After an encounter with a ship of strange visitors, her life will change forever. Ages 7–10.

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The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
Courtesy: Penguin Young Readers

79. The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

A wild mix of mystery and gothic underpinnings, this delightful story reads like a child-friendly version of Jane Eyre. It also happens to contain the most unlikable, spoiled protagonist you've ever met (in the beginning, anyway). Ages 8–12.

80. The Story of Babar: The Little Elephant by Jean De Brunhoff

Translated from Jean de Brunhoff’s French original, Babar delights readers big and small. After his mother is killed by a hunter, Babar runs away from the wild—in the process, he meets a very sweet old lady. With her help, he returns to the forest—and picks up a royal title! Ages 4–8.

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81. Oh, The Places You’ll Go by Dr. Seuss

Whimsical and wise, this colorful classic explores the ups and downs on the journey of life. In his clever, lighthearted rhyming fashion, Dr. Seuss presents the prickly times on the road ahead in a manageable light for young readers. All ages.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Courtesy: Scholastic

82. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Katniss Everdeen’s dystopian YA has captured the attention of kids—and adults—across the country with its fight-to-the-death games broadcasted on live TV. The trilogy is just as addicting on the page as it is on the screen. Ages 12 and up.

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83. Stellaluna by Janell Cannon

When a baby fruit bat is separated from her mother during an owl attack, she finds herself in a bird’s nest alongside feathered youngsters Pop, Flitter and Flap. As Stellaluna tries to coexist with the birds, she’ll discover all the ways she’s different, while readers learn about the interesting characteristics that have. Ages 4–8.

Strega Nona by Tomie dePaola
Courtesy: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing

84. Strega Nona by Tomie dePaola

All Italian grandmas love whipping up a bowl of pasta, but Strega Nona is different. This magical little old lady has the ability to cure people in town with her powers. As magical as she is, there’s certainly a problem when her help, Big Anthony, eats all the goods. Ages 4–8.

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Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan
Courtesy: Scholastic

86. Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan

This riches-to-rags tale follows a rich Mexican landowner's daughter who loses everything and must start over again in America. Set during the Great Depression, it's a book of hope that's ideal for kids with a penchant for realism. Ages 8–12.

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87. Go Away, Big Green Monster! by Ed Emberley

As if by magic, this die-cut masterpiece hands kids the power to invoke a monster, then does away with him piece by piece until at last they can say with pride, "And don't come back until I say so." Ages 3–6.

The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
Courtesy: Scholastic

88. The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick

Don't let the 533 pages fool you—it is mesmerizing (and fast!) from page one onward. Selznick's groundbreaking mix of text and images, about an orphan seeking a family and a forgotten filmmaker in his twilight years. Ages 8–12.

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89. Anna Hibiscus by Atinuke

Set in modern-day Africa, Nigerian-born Atinuke's charming heroine navigates her ridiculously large extended family, keeps an eye on her twin brothers, Double and Trouble, and comes to understand how lucky she is in a book that deserves to become a classic. Ages 6–9.

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

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

It may always be winter and never Christmas in this magical land, but Narnia's lure has always enthralled young readers. When four kids stumble into a new world, the evil White Witch who rules there has no idea what she's in for. Ages 8–12.

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91. Tintin by Hergé

Blistering barnacles, thundering typhoons! Young Tintin and his faithful pup Snowy had their first adventure in 1929, and have been roaming the globe ever since. The memorable supporting cast includes Captain Haddock, Professor Calculus and twins Thomson and Thompson. Ages 8 and up.

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Black Beauty by Anna Sewell
Courtesy: Penguin Young Readers

93. Black Beauty by Anna Sewell

In one of the most original and poignant animal stories of our time, Black Beauty recounts his life while living with myriad owners, some loving and gentle, others cruel and damaging—but all the while, the horse’s spirit and strength remain intact. Ages 9–12.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
Courtesy: Penguin Young Readers

94. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl

Golden tickets, Oompa Loompas, bratty children and even poverty collide in Dahl's best-known tale. If you've only ever seen the film, take time out to see what all the fuss is really about. Ages 8-12.

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Teen super sleuth Nancy Drew never backs away from a challenge. In a collection of eerie, mysterious stories, our favorite girl detective always gets to the bottom of the problem. Her counterparts the Hardy Boys kick off their mystery-solving stories with The Tower Treasure, which follows the story of the young fellas who have to find a dying criminal’s stash of goods and clear the name of their friend’s father in the process. Ages 8–12.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
Courtesy: Disney-Hyperion

96. Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

Getting kids interested in Greek mythology is easy—just read the first book in the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series. The first of Rick Riordian’s popular adventure novels, The Lightning Thief introduces readers to the protagonist, a 12-year-old boy who constantly runs into trouble due to his unique and odd abilities. Turns out his family ties to Poseidon might have something to do with his behavior issues. Ages 10–14.

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The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
Courtesy: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Books for Young Readers

97. The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg

No December is complete without a reading of The Polar Express. The Caldecott Medal winner tells the story of a little boy who notices a train appear outside of his home on Christmas Eve. But this isn’t just any locomotive—The Polar Express is on the fast track to the North Pole. Who wouldn’t want to have a little meet and greet with Santa on December 24? All aboard! This is one trip you won't want to miss. Ages 4–7.

Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren
Courtesy: Penguin Young Readers

98. Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren

A kid living alone with no parents and one monkey? Sounds bizarre, but that’s just Pippi Longstocking. The girl full of pep and personality in the little house called Villa Villekulla hilariously dances with robbers, fights the strong man at the circus and gets into silly shenanigans all over town. Ages 9– 12.

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99. Olivia by Ian Falconer

Bound to please the aesthetics of parents and the wild imaginings of their kids, Olivia is a one-of-a-kind piggy. No doubt the book's elegant palette of black, red and white will be a welcome relief to those seeking something that isn't sparkly, pink or dipped in glitter. Ages 3–6.

100. Curlee Girlee by Atara Twersky

Embrace the waves! Curlee Girlee is all about feeling empowered by those unique features and characteristics—including strands of curls. Don't forget the follow-up Curlee Girlee's Got Talent! Ages 3–8. 

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Eloise by Kay Thompson
Courtesy: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing

101. Eloise by Kay Thompson

Eloise is a lucky little New Yorker who gets to call the Plaza Hotel her home. Imagine the adventures that await while living in one of NYC’s most popular attractions! With her pug, Weenie, and turtle, Skipperdee, by her side, she wreaks havoc on the guests, causes a bit of mayhem during weddings and gives the maids grief while they try to keep the place spotless. All in a day’s work for Miss Eloise! Ages 4 and up.

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