Young Readers' Favorites

Young Readers’ Favorites

What books are popular with young readers these days? Thanks to the wonders of technology, we are able to analyze reader interests—something we could not do with any precision a decade ago – and can report the results. Kids are drawn to animals, heroes, imaginary creatures, scary stories, action, and humor.  Same as older readers, really, if we think about it. 

Here are the most borrowed children’s titles from 2009-10.

Top Children’s Nonfiction
First
Mythology: the gods, heroes, and monsters of ancient Greece, by Hestia Evans

Second
Dr. Ernest Drake’s Monsterology: the complete book of monstrous beasts

Third
World War II, by Simon Adams

Fourth
The Original Dogs for Kids!: everything you need to know about dogs, by Kristin Mehus-Roe

Fifth
Dr. Ernest Drake’s Dragonology Handbook: a practical course in dragons
Face to Face with Wild Horses, by Yva Momatiuk

Sixth
Face to Face with Sharks, by David Doubilet
Heavy Equipment Up Close, by Andra Serlin Abramson
Life-Size Zoo: from tiny rodents to gigantic elephants, by Teruyuki Komiya

Seventh
Do Not Open, by John Farndon


Top Children’s Fiction
First
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Greg Heffley’s journal, by Jeff Kinney

Second
Junie B., First Grader: jingle bells, Batman smells! (P.S., so does May), by Barbara Park

Third
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, by J. K. Rowling

Fourth
Coraline, by Neil Gaiman

Fifth
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, by J. K. Rowling

Sixth
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, by Lewis Carroll

Seventh
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: dog days, by Jeff Kinney
Christmas in Camelot, by Mary Pope Osborne
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, by J. K. Rowling

Eighth
Eragon, by Christopher Paolini


Top Children’s Picture Books
First
Where the Wild Things Are, by Maurice Sendak

Second
Hop on Pop, by Dr. Seuss

Third
Skippyjon Jones, by Judy Schachner

Fourth
Fancy Nancy Sees Stars, by Jane O’Connor
Curious George:  up, up, and away, by H. A. Rey, adaptation by Marcy Sacks

Fifth
Mr. Brown Can Moo!  Can You?, by Dr. Seuss
Little Mouse Gets Ready: a Toon book, by Jeff Smith
The Pigeon Has Feelings, Too! a smidgeon of pigeon, by Mo Willems
The Pigeon Loves Things That Go! by Mo Willems

Sixth
Clifford’s Puppy Days, by Norman Bridwell
Skippyjon Jones in Mummy Trouble, by Judy Schachner
Skippyjon Jones in the Doghouse, by Judy Schachner
The Cat in the Hat, by Dr. Seuss

Seventh
Library Mouse: a friend’s tale, by Daniel Kirk
Dewey: there’s a cat in the library!, by Vicki Myron
Skippyjon Jones and the Big Bones, by Judy Schachner
Melvin Might?, by Jon Scieszka
I Can Read with My Eyes Shut, by Dr. Seuss
The Cat in the Hat Comes Back!, by Dr. Seuss
Curious George at the Beach, by Margret Rey

Why are these so popular?  Take a look for yourself.  Who could resist the sharp photos of wild horses or sharks or big trucks, or the stories of an adorably mischievous monkey, or the lively chihuahua, or the underdog who overcomes the forces of evil?  And if these all happen to be checked out, we can point you in the direction of many more exciting books to explore.   Visit us at www.tcplweb.org or call 988-2541.