Best Children’s Book Authors

Jean De Brunhoff / Babar Series
This series of children’s books originated in France in 1931 and has been hugely successful over the years. Babar is an elephant who ventures far from the jungle when his mother was killed by a hunter. Babar finds himself in Paris and learns about civilization. Upon his return, he is crowned king of an African country and has his own children. The premise of the stories is that Babar takes lessons he learned in Paris and teaches his children about right and wrong. There are over 50 books in the Babar series and DVDs of the television version which briefly aired in the early 1990s.

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. From the early 1950s, he wrote and illustrated “And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street”. Dr. Seuss’ books are known for their rhyming patterns, i.e. “The Cat in the Hat”, “Green Eggs and Ham”, and their imaginative characters that have goofy names, i.e. -say. “The Snitches”. Theodor Geisel died in 1991 and by then he had written and illustrated 44 children’s books and influenced countless children’s stories. Stuffed animals, DVDs, games and countless other Dr. Seuss 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 him 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,” but all of his books are masterpieces that not only teach important lessons, but also touch children’s emotions so they understand. what happens in the story or poem. Silverstein is a must for every child, and for that matter, the library for adults.

Judy Blume
Judy Blume is an author of books for children and teenagers. Blume’s books tackle issues that can be difficult 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 his most famous book on the subject of a teenage girl going through puberty. Judy Blume’s books help children understand important issues that might arise in their own lives.

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