Top Children's Book Authors

Jean De Brunhoff / Babar Series

This children's book series originated in France in 1931 and has been a huge success through the years. Babar is an elephant who ventures away from the jungle when his mother was killed by a Hunter. Babar finds himself in Paris and learning about civilization. Upon his return, he is crowned king of an African country and has his own children. The premise of the stories has Babar taking lessons that he learned while in Paris and teaching his children right and wrong. There are over 50 books in the Babar series and DVDs from the television version that aired briefly in the early 1990's.

Theodor Geisel (aka Dr. Seuss) / Dr. Seuss Books

Theodor Geisel started out as a political cartoonist, but soon found his passion in writing and illustrating children's books. Starting in the early 1950's, he wrote and illustrated "And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street". Dr. Seuss books are known for their rhyme patterns, i.e. "The Cat in The Hat", "Green Eggs and Ham", and their imaginative characters that have kooky names, ie. "The Sneeches". Theodor Geisel died in 1991 and by that time he had written and illustrated 44 children's books and influenced countless children's bedtime stories. Dr. Seuss stuffed animals, DVD, games and countless other items can be found just about anywhere you go.

Ludwig Bemelmans / Madeline Series

The Madeline series began in 1934 when Ludwig Bemelmans named his character after his wife and modeled it after his 8-year old daughter. The premise of these children's books is based on Madeline's daily activities in her life. The Madeline series teaches children the basics of life such as, brushing their teeth and going to bed on time. Madeline dolls and DVDs can be found in addition to the book series.

Shel Silverstein

Shel Silverstein was a man of many talents. Silverstein was a playwright, songwriter, composer, illustrator, poet and author. His children's books are filled with stories full of imagination and emotion. Silverstein is best known for "The Giving Tree" and "A Light in The Attic", however all of his books are masterpieces that not only teach important lessons, but touch on children's emotions so they understand what is happening in the story or poem. Silverstein is a must for every child, and for that matter, adult bookshelf.

Judy Blume

Judy Blume is a writer of books for children and teenagers. Blume's books address issues that it might be hard for children to talk to their parents about such as low self-esteem, bullies, racism, divorce and puberty. "Are You There God, It's Me Margaret" is perhaps her most famous book touching on the subject of a teenage girl going through puberty. Judy Blume's books help children understand important issues that could be happening in their own lives.

Brothers Grimm

Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm were perhaps the best fairy/folk tale writers in the past 500 years. The Brothers Grimm were born into 18th century Germany and after their father's death lived with their mother and struggled to make ends meet, just like many kids do today (even as it's increasingly popular to donate clothes to non-profit organizations). Children will learn that "Snow White", "Cinderella" and "Sleeping Beauty" were all adapted by Walt Disney, but were originally Brothers Grimm fairy tales. The complete collection includes over 200 tales and all are written to stimulate children's imaginations and transport them to another time and place. Many of the tales can be found on DVD also.

Marty Craigs has been reading to his kids from when they were toddlers. He highly supports providing relief to children around the globe who are less fortunate. Follow his example and donate new children's clothes to KIDS -- http://kidsdonations.org/pd_wtd_cc.htm -- a non-profit children's charity.