KQED's Forum What’s Your Favorite Children’s Book?
Oct 24, 2025
Boris Kachka and Emma Sarappo from The Atlantic dive into the world of children's literature with their curated list of 65 essential books. They discuss what makes a book 'essential,' exploring criteria like distinctiveness and emotional depth. The pair highlights the significance of favorites such as 'Sylvester and the Magic Pebble' and 'School's First Day of School' for managing emotions. Listeners join in, sharing their beloved titles, while the editors reflect on the joys of storytelling and why children's literature holds a special place in our lives.
54:43
Sylvester Spoiled Before Reading
- Emma recalled hearing a kindergarten teacher spoil Sylvester and the Magic Pebble's ending before she read it.
- She found the plot — a child turned into a rock — initially existentially horrifying but ultimately appropriate for kids.
Durability Over Didacticism
- The Atlantic favored children's books that are distinctive and likely to endure rather than purely didactic titles.
- Editors sought books that teach subtly through entertaining storytelling rather than overt lessonizing.
Language Musicality Matters
- Musicality and playful language are key pleasures for both readers and listeners.
- Boris prized books like Green Eggs and Ham for their rhythmic repetition and performative joy.
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Intro
00:00 • 1min
Why Sylvester and the Magic Pebble Resonates
01:01 • 4min
What Makes a Children's Book 'Essential'
04:35 • 3min
The Story of Ferdinand's Lasting Appeal
07:38 • 2min
Focusing the List on Picture Books
09:20 • 30sec
Editors' Favorite Picture Books
09:49 • 2min
How Readers Choose Bedtime Favorites
11:23 • 1min
Why If You Give a Mouse a Cookie Matters
12:48 • 2min
Listener Picks and Lesser-Known Gems
14:55 • 1min
Books That Help Kids Manage Big Emotions
16:00 • 3min
Michael Rosen's Honest Book About Grief
18:47 • 2min
Sharing Family Favorites and Storytelling Practices
21:04 • 5min
How the Jury and Selection Process Worked
25:49 • 38sec
Why the List Includes 65 Books and Not Ranked
26:27 • 1min
Deciding on Omissions Like The Velveteen Rabbit
27:44 • 2min
Special Recommendations from Listeners
29:38 • 5min
Representation and The Snowy Day's Impact
34:57 • 7min
Environmental Stewardship and Other Thematic Picks
41:27 • 1min
Controversies and Popular Modern Picks
42:46 • 54sec
Editors' Personal Missing Favorites
43:40 • 3min
How Reading the Project Affected the Editors
47:00 • 5min
How Audiences Should Use the List
51:49 • 45sec
Final Thoughts and Thanks from the Guests
52:34 • 16sec
Outro
52:50 • 2min
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Grandfather Twilight
Barbara Berger
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On Mother's lap
Ann Herbert Scott
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Kitten's First Full Moon
Kevin Henkes
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Click, Clack, Moo Cows That Type
Doreen Cronin
Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type tells the humorous story of Farmer Brown's cows who find a typewriter in the barn and begin making demands.
Led by the clever cow, the cows type messages requesting electric blankets to stay warm in the cold barn.
When Farmer Brown refuses, the cows go on strike, leading to a series of comical negotiations.
The hens eventually join the strike, and through a series of notes, a compromise is reached, showcasing the power of communication and negotiation.
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Hippos Go Berserk!
Sandra Boynton
Hippos Go Berserk!
is a counting book by Sandra Boynton that features a group of hippos gathering for a nighttime party.
The book begins with one hippo and counts up to ten, as each hippo arrives with a friend, creating a lively and chaotic scene.
Boynton's signature whimsical illustrations and playful text make it a fun and engaging read for young children.
The book culminates in a wild party with hippos dancing and enjoying themselves, capturing the joy and excitement of a fun-filled gathering.
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The World Belonged to Us
null
Jacqueline Woodson
The World Belonged to Us, written by Jacqueline Woodson, captures the essence of childhood summers filled with freedom, diversity, and joy on a Brooklyn block.
The story is a nostalgic ode to the carefree days after school lets out, where children find endless ways to have fun together.
Woodson's lyrical prose and vivid imagery celebrate the rich tapestry of cultures and experiences that make up a vibrant community.
The book highlights the potential and excitement for the future, as it imagines the dreams and aspirations of the children growing up in this close-knit neighborhood.
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We Are in a Book!
Mo Willems
'We Are in a Book!
' is an interactive children's book by Mo Willems featuring the beloved characters Elephant Gerald and Piggie.
Piggie realizes that they are characters in a book being read by someone, while Gerald is initially skeptical.
As they experiment with the reader's involvement, they become excited about the possibilities of being in a book.
The story playfully breaks the fourth wall, inviting young readers to engage with the characters and participate in the storytelling experience, making it a unique and entertaining read.
#1563
• Mentioned in 19 episodes
Stuck
Joyce Uglow
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Bread and Jam for Frances
Russell Hoban
Lillian Hoban
In 'Bread and Jam for Frances', Russell Hoban tells the tale of Frances, a fussy badger who insists on eating only bread and jam.
Her parents cleverly address this by serving her bread and jam for every meal, leading to a turning point when she discovers the variety of foods her friend Albert enjoys.
This story explores themes of food, community, and personal growth.
#1209
• Mentioned in 24 episodes
Where the Wild Things Are
Maurice Sendak
In this iconic children's book, Max, dressed in his wolf suit, causes chaos at home and is sent to bed without supper.
His bedroom transforms into a jungle, and he sails to an island where he encounters the Wild Things.
Max tames the creatures and becomes their king, but eventually returns home, missing his mother's love.
The book is praised for its honest treatment of children's emotions, particularly anger and the need for parental love.
It has been adapted into a movie and an opera and remains a beloved classic in children's literature.
#3072
• Mentioned in 11 episodes
Where the Sidewalk Ends
Shel Silverstein
Where the Sidewalk Ends is a beloved collection of poems and drawings by Shel Silverstein.
The book takes readers on a whimsical journey through imaginative scenarios, from a boy who turns into a TV set to a girl who eats a whale.
It addresses common childhood concerns and presents fanciful stories, encouraging readers to see the extraordinary in the ordinary.
The poems are known for their clever wordplay, delightful illustrations, and moral lessons, making it a treasure trove for young readers and a favorite among adults as well.
#41199
The Day the Crayons Quit
Drew Daywalt
Oliver Jeffers
In 'The Day the Crayons Quit', Duncan discovers that his crayons have written him letters explaining why they are quitting.
Each crayon has a unique complaint, from being overused to feeling underappreciated.
Duncan must find a way to address their concerns and get them coloring again.
The book is a colorful exploration of creativity and problem-solving, featuring engaging illustrations by Oliver Jeffers.
#30108
Something from Nothing
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Alison Roman
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Sato the Rabbit series
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Yuki Inoya
#2189
• Mentioned in 15 episodes
The Lorax
Theodor Geisel (Dr. Seuss)
The Lorax is a story about the Once-ler, a businessman who arrives in a flourishing forest of Truffula trees and begins to chop them down to build a garment called a Thneed.
Despite the protests of the Lorax, who speaks for the trees, the Once-ler continues his destructive activities, leading to the devastation of the environment and the displacement of the wildlife.
The story highlights the consequences of unchecked industrialization and the importance of environmental conservation.
The book concludes with a message of hope, as the Once-ler passes on the last Truffula tree seed to a young boy, encouraging him to restore the forest and bring back the Lorax and his friends.
#2103
• Mentioned in 15 episodes
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie
Felicia Bond
Laura Joffe Numeroff
This delightful picture book, written by Laura Joffe Numeroff and illustrated by Felicia Bond, relates the cycle of requests a mouse is likely to make after you give him a cookie.
The story takes the reader through a young child's day, showcasing the mouse's antics and the consequences of his requests.
It is a great introduction to the 'If You Give. . .
' series and is perfect for beginning readers and story time.
#18778
• Mentioned in 2 episodes
The Snowy Day
Ezra Jack Keats
This celebrated classic, published in 1962, tells the story of Peter, a young boy who experiences the magic of his first snowfall.
The book beautifully depicts Peter's small adventures in the deep snow, including making snowmen, snow angels, and attempting to bring the snow inside.
It is notable for being the first modern children's book to feature an African-American protagonist and has been praised for its simple yet powerful storytelling and innovative illustrations.
The book has been shared by generations of readers and remains a must-have for every child's bookshelf.
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Michael Rosen's Sad Book
Michael Rosen
Quentin Blake
Michael Rosen's Sad Book is a heartfelt and honest account of the author's grief following the death of his son Eddie.
Illustrated by Quentin Blake, the book explores the complexities of sadness and offers insights into coping mechanisms.
It is a story that resonates with readers of all ages, addressing the universal experience of loss and sadness.
#19054
• Mentioned in 2 episodes
The Story of Ferdinand
Munro Leaf
Robert Lawson
The story follows Ferdinand, a bull who would rather sit under a cork tree and smell flowers than engage in the aggressive behavior of other bulls.
Despite his peaceful nature, Ferdinand is mistakenly chosen for the bullfights in Madrid.
However, when he enters the bull ring, he sits down to smell the flowers in the women's hair, disappointing the matador and other fighters.
The book has been celebrated for its message of nonviolence and pacifism since its publication in 1936.
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Jamberry
Bruce Degen
Jamberry is a rhythmic and colorful picture book that celebrates the joy of berries through playful language and imaginative illustrations.
The story follows a boy and a bear as they journey through a land filled with various types of berries, engaging in delightful wordplay and rhymes.
With its simple yet engaging narrative, Jamberry encourages young children to explore language and appreciate the beauty of nature.
Its vivid imagery and catchy verses make it a favorite for reading aloud and fostering a love for books and storytelling.
#6509
• Mentioned in 5 episodes
Sylvester and the Magic Pebble
William Steig
In this Caldecott Medal-winning book, Sylvester, a donkey, discovers a magic pebble that grants wishes.
However, he accidentally turns himself into a giant rock.
The story follows Sylvester's year-long wait through changing seasons until his parents find him and restore him back to his normal form.
The book captures a range of emotions and emphasizes the importance of family and reunion.
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Good Dog, Carl
null
Patricia Polacco
Patricia Polacco's "Good Dog, Carl" is a heartwarming and visually stunning children's book that tells the story of a dog who takes care of a baby while his owner is away.
The book's unique art style, featuring detailed oil paintings, captures the essence of the story's charm and humor.
The narrative is simple yet engaging, making it perfect for young readers.
The book's enduring popularity stems from its ability to connect with children's emotions and experiences.
#74281
The mitten
a Ukrainian folktale
Jan Brett
The Mitten, based on a Ukrainian folktale, tells the story of Nicki, a young boy who loses his white mitten in the snow.
Unbeknownst to him, a series of animals find the mitten and crawl inside for warmth, leading to a humorous and climactic conclusion.
Jan Brett's detailed illustrations bring the story to life, blending humor and cultural elements.
#3607
• Mentioned in 10 episodes
Green Eggs and Ham
Dr Seuss
In this beloved children's book, Dr. Seuss tells the story of Sam-I-Am and his relentless efforts to persuade an unnamed character, often referred to as The Grump, to try green eggs and ham.
Despite initial strong resistance and repeated refusals, Sam-I-Am's persistence eventually pays off when The Grump agrees to taste the dish and discovers he likes it.
The story explores themes of persistence, trying new things, and the importance of experience in forming preferences.
Written as a result of a bet between Dr. Seuss and his publisher to create a book using only 50 different words, 'Green Eggs and Ham' has become a timeless classic in children's literature.
There’s the picture book you wanted your parent or caregiver to read to you over and over. There’s the one with musical rhymes you love performing for your kids. The editors at the Atlantic’s books desk chose 65 “essential” children’s books, spanning the 1936 classic “The Story of Ferdinand” to 2024’s “I’m Sorry You Got Mad.” The list includes bedtime stories, books that teach counting and tales that make big emotions comprehensible for little ones. We’ll talk with the book editors about how the Atlantic made its list. And we’ll hear what your favorite books mean to you and your children.
Guests:
Boris Kachka, senior editor, The Atlantic
Emma Sarappo, senior associate editor, The Atlantic
Maya Chung, senior associate editor, The Atlantic
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