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20 Best-Loved Children’s Book Characters
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Kids often love reading because the book characters grab their attention and take them along on grand adventures.
Check out this list of 20 of the best children’s book characters that become kids’ best book buddies. Classics like Paddington Bear, Winnie the Pooh, The Gruffalo, Thomas the Train, and Peter Rabbit will spark imaginations for childhood fun they’ll never forget!
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1. Paddington Bear
From The Paddington Treasury
The stories of Paddington Bear have been loved by young readers for over fifty years. Famous for his love of marmalade, Paddington is a polite bear full of good intentions with a trusting nature that gets him into trouble. The Paddington Bear stories are filled with adventure, humor, and marmalade. Each and every story is sure to be loved by your children.
2. Winnie-the-Pooh
From The Complete Tales of Winnie-the-Pooh
Winne-the-Pooh and his friends are the unforgettable creations of A.A. Milne, who wrote the books of Pooh’s adventures for his son Christopher Robin. Winnie-the-Pooh and his stories are timeless treasures of childhood that continue to speak to us all with a fresh and light heartedness any child will fall in love with.
3. Very Hungry Caterpillar
From The Very Hungry Caterpillar
The Very Hungry Caterpillar is one of the best-selling children’s books of all time, and is a delightful book to add to your child’s growing library. The classic book introduces generation after generation of children to the magical world of Eric Carle, a world full of whimsical illustrations and beautiful stories.
4. Postman Pat
From The Postman Pat’s Story Box
Children will love heading to the quaint village of Greendale to join the world-famous Postman Pat, Jess, and all of their friends in the Postman Pat book series. The funny stories find Pat having to deal with everything from bouncy castles to runaway cows and pesky parrots. They are sure to delight any fan of the long running television show.
5. Thomas the Train
From Thomas & Friends Story Time Collection
Every day is a new adventure with Thomas the Tank Engine and his gang of friends. Thomas, Percy, Gordon and all the other engines work together on the Fat Controller’s railway and have been delighting children across the world for over seventy years. Any train loving little one would love reading these stories before bed.
6. The Gruffalo
From The Gruffalo Picture Books
One of the world’s favorite picture books, The Gruffalo is an award-winning story about a clever little mouse outwitting the creatures of the deep dark wood. This rhyming story has already found its way into the hearts and bedtimes of an entire generation of children and will undoubtedly continue to enchant children for years to come.
7. Harry Potter
From The Harry Potter Collection
K. Rowling’s spellbinding storytelling continues to captivate readers worldwide. This stunning box set contains all seven of the classic, award-winning Harry Potter novels that are sure to be loved by your children and yourself. We read all of the books with my son, and it was such an amazing bonding experience.
8. Cinderella
From The Classic Tale of Cinderella
You really can’t beat the classics, and Cinderella is one of those stories that is a must read for every child in the world. There are so many beautiful variations of the story, and beloved characters in each one. Disney’s version follows the story from Cinderella, a young girl with a cruel step mother and flurry of forest friends.
9. Mr. Men
From Mr. Men Storybook Collection
This delightful box set features the complete collection of the timeless Mr. Men stories. As well as the much loved classic titles like Mr. Tickle and Mr. Bump, you can also enjoy the newest additions to the collection. The lasting love for these books ensure that any child will feel proud to have this set on their bookshelf.
10. Peter Rabbit
From The Tale of Peter Rabbit
Finally the classic Beatrix Potter storybook, The Tale of Peter Rabbit, is available in a colorful and generously sized board book. Young children will be enchanted by the simple text and beautiful illustrations, which bringing a classic story vibrantly to life. This board book is a wonderfully introduction for young readers into the world of Peter Rabbit and his friends.
11. Willy Wonka
From Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Willy Wonka’s famous chocolate factory is opening at last, but only five lucky children will be allowed inside! This classic and beloved story by children’s author Roald Dahl tells the adventurous story of Charlie Bucket, a boy who is honest, kind, brave, true, and ready for the wildest time of his life.
12. Peter Pan
From The Adventures of Peter Pan
Magic and excitement are in the air in the classic story of Peter Pan by J. M. Barrie. One starry night, Peter Pan and Tinker Bell lead the three Darling children over the rooftops of London and away to Neverland, the island where the lost boys play and fairies make mischief. But beware of the villainous looking gang of pirates who lurk in the dark.
13. The Big Friendly Giant
From The BFG
The BFG is no ordinary bone-crunching giant. He is far too nice and jumbly, which is lucky for little Sophie. Follow the miraculous adventure of a gentle giant and brave little girl on their quest to stop the chiddler swallowing giants once and for all. The BFG is marvelous story to read with all children young and old.
14. Alice
From Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
Perhaps the most popular heroine in English literature, Alice is a loveable character on a brilliant adventure after tumbling down a rabbit hole. With the wonderfully eccentric characters of the Queen of Hearts, Tweedledee, Tweedledum, and the Mad Hatter, this story is a favorite among children everywhere.
15. Noddy
Every now and again it is nice to pull yourself away from everyday life and enter the calm and cozy atmosphere of Toy Village where Noddy lives. Enid Blyton writes an exciting and alluring story for children of all ages, with just enough mystery to spice things up! It is a great story for children young and old.
16. Charlie
From The Complete Adventures of Charlie and Mr. Wonka
This dazzling volume contains two classic Roald Dahl novels that have been children’s favorites for generations. In Charlie and the Chocolate Factory the gates of Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory are opening at last, and only five children are allowed inside. And then in Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator Charlie and Willy Wonka are back in a fantastic journey to outer space.
17. Matilda
From Roald Dahl’s Matilda
Matilda is a sweet, exceptional young girl, but her parents think she’s just a nuisance. When Matilda is attacked by the terrible Miss Trunchball, she suddenly discovers she has a remarkable power with which to fight back. Join Matilda’s adventure in the classic book that will surely go straight to children’s hearts.
18. Mog the Cat
From Mog the Cat Collection
Mog the Forgetful Cat is everyone’s favorite family pet and has delighted generations of children with her antics since her first appearance in 1970. This fantastic set contains 10 Mog picture books for the whole family to enjoy and treasure for years to come.
19. Mr. Toad
From The Adventures of Mr. Toad
The story begins when Mole abandons his spring cleaning to explore the world beyond his burrow. He scurries down to the riverbank, where he meets Ratty and discovers a carefree world of picnics and messing about in boats. There are adventures ahead, in the company of reckless Mr. Toad, and dangers, when the two friends venture into the Wild Wood to visit Mr. Badger.
20. Pinocchio
From Classic Starts Pinocchio
Mischievous and full of tricks, the puppet Pinocchio causes trouble for his creator almost as soon as he comes to life. Yet more than anything, this naughty and playful creature wants to become a real boy. Come along on Pinocchio’s amazing journey as he learns—the hard way—what it means to be .
