16 Must Read Book Series For Kids

We’ve read a lot of books over the years and some of them have become as dear to us as old friends. Book series are especially fun because the joy of the story gets to last even longer. I was a “reader” as a child, and the books that I read helped shape the person I am today. Knowing that, I take care in choosing books for my children. I like the overall message to be positive, with the characters showing evidence of the benefits to having good character. I tend to lean towards books that were written many years ago, because it is easier to find stories that elevate good morals and encouraging story lines: books. that have stood the test of time.

In this post I’m sharing 16 book series for kids that we have enjoyed over the years. Some of them have been family read alouds, a few we’ve listened to as audiobooks, and of course the children have read (and reread!) many of these on their own… but they’re all on the “favorites” list for our family!

Little House on the Prairie

Every child should have the opportunity to experience life as a pioneer through the eyes of Laura Ingalls Wilder, who wrote The Little House series about her childhood. We’ve read the series all the way through several times. It is a treasure!

Heartwood Hotel

This heartwarming, well-written series is perfect for the younger reader! The stories detail the happenings of the animals at Heartwood Hotel, in the middle of Fernwood Forest.

The Boxcar Children

My kids love the Boxcar Children books because they are full of exciting adventure. I love that the children in the books are great role models in the kind way they treat their siblings and others.

The Chronicles of Narnia

This series has been a classic for over half a century. It features talking creatures, a magical doorway, and a continuing battle between good and evil. I prefer to read the series starting with The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe.

Anne of Green Gables

When I was a young teen the Anne of Green Gables books were some of my favorites, and I still enjoy them today. Red headed Anne is an orphan who’s unique personality causes everyone who meets her to eventually become a friend.

Milly Molly Mandy

Written in 1928, these stories about Milly Molly Mandy and her friends are perfect for reading aloud to younger children. The chapters are short, and the stories are so charming!

In Grandma’s Attic

In Grandma’s Attic is a collection of stories that our whole family enjoyed. The tales are full of detail and make a captivating read aloud. They tell of a grandma’s life lessons learned as a girl on her nineteen-century farm.

My Father’s Dragon

These quick to read books follow the adventure of Elmer Elevator, a boy who sets off to rescue a baby dragon being held captive by the animals on Wild Island.

The Moffats

The Moffat family consists of a widowed mother and her four children, who can turn even an ordinary day into an adventure. We have read these books many times and always enjoy them!

Mrs. Piggle Wiggle

The endearing Mrs. Piggle Wiggle is a small woman who lives in an upside down house. She helps the parents of the town turn around their children’s bad habits in the most interesting ways! These books are a favorite with my younger children.

The Borrowers

The Borrowers follows the story of a tiny family that lives under the floorboards of an English home, and has acquired their home furnishings by “borrowing” from the humans. Their life remains rather ordinary until the boy upstairs sees them for the first time.

The Five Little Peppers

The Five Little Peppers

Mrs. Pepper is a poor widow who has to sew all day just to earn enough to pay rent and feed her five children. Yet her wonderful attitude is contagious and encourages her children to do their best to happily work together and push through all sorts of trials. These books are a precious addition to your library.

The Happy Hollisters

The Happy Hollisters is a mystery book series from the 1960s that has over thirty books in its collection. The books follow the Hollister family, who model a great example of family togetherness and love, while working eagerly to find the answers to each mystery.

The Lighthouse Family

This eight book series is full of wholesome and gentle tales that tell the stories of the Lighthouse Family animals. Perfect for younger listeners.

All of a Kind Family

This five book series follows a poor immigrant family living in New York just before World War 1. It tells the stories of day to day life for the five sisters and how their Jewish faith strengthens the whole family. The books are beautifully written treasures.

Christian Heroes Then and Now

The Christian Heroes Then and Now books are valuable collections to have for your home library. These biographies are incredible in their ability to inspire readers of all ages. They have impacted our whole family, including my husband and me. Some of the stories can have heavy content, and as I’ve read them aloud there have been a few descriptions that I’ve skipped over for the sake of my youngest listeners. The last time I checked there were 54 books in the series! I guess we still have some reading to do! 🙂

Do you have any favorite book series I haven’t included in this list? I’d love for you to share them in the comments!