Less Well Known Books That Should Be on Your Shelf

When it comes to discovering amazing children’s books, there’s a delight to enjoying something mainstream. But there’s an equal—if not greater—delight in uncovering what we like to call “hidden gems.” Hidden gems are children’s books that for lack of marketing resources, author or illustrator name recognition, or other reason did not garner much attention, have been overlooked, or were only in the spotlight for a moment before they faded from memory. Yet one thing is for sure: these books don’t lack quality. This list celebrates children’s books that have incredible stories, remarkable illustrations and should be enjoyed by all readers. These underappreciated hidden gems make great gifts, since they’re less likely to already be on someone’s shelf. They’re also a delight to add to your own collection, as they often become favorite stories to read and re-read. You can filter these books by type to find the right books for kids of any age. Board books are good for infants to toddlers. Picture books are great for toddlers and elementary age kids and for adults to read aloud to children. Chapter books and novels are perfect for elementary school and middle school age tween readers. Enjoy exploring this collection of hidden gems, and be sure to suggest titles you’d add to the list!