Keeping little ones entertained can sometimes be mission impossible. However, if you have a good book to hand, you will not only bring bookish joy to your kids' lives, you may also get a few hours of peace in the process.
Online book retailer In the Book has analysed over 300 children’s books to find the most popular for 2022. Taking the top spot is the award-winning The Very Hungry Caterpillar, which has sold over 55 million copies since it was published in 1969.
It is also available in over 40 languages. The book, which teaches young children about life cycles, counting and food, offers a first look into reading and has been a go-to educational tool for many years.
The massively popular Harry Potter series continues to enthral countless generations and sneaks into second place on the list. Amassing over 500 million sales since the first book came out in 2001, Harry Potter has had a firm grip on children’s literature and imaginations for over two decades.
The Gruffalo might seem a perennial favourite on bookshelves, however it has also been adapted into an Oscar-nominated film. With over 19,000 five-star reviews on Amazon alone and with people searching Google on average over 3,300 times every month for the book, it has become a true classic.
Here is the full list of the books that are wowing children in the UK.
The UK’s top 10 favourite children’s books
- The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Eric Carle
- Harry Potter, J.K. Rowling
- The Gruffalo, Julia Donaldson
- Wonder, R.J. Palacio
- Stick Man, Julia Donaldson
- The Invisible String, Patrice Karst
- Zog, Julia Donaldson
- Superworm, Julia Donaldson
- Holes, Louis Sachar
- Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Roald Dahl
There are many benefits of reading, for young children and adults alike. In a child’s formative years, reading can not only provide a relaxing hobby, it is also considered to aid progression in school, expand vocabulary and help with socialising.
Kevin Sears, E-Commerce Director at In the Book said: “It’s important that we support children in continuing to find time to reach for a book. Reading provides a wealth of benefits for development and learning, along with helping with socialisation and understanding of peers.
"We’re thrilled to see some of the classics make this top list, alongside newer books which are providing a variety of teachings for the younger generation.”
