Children’s books by age
Every stage of childhood has its own perfect books. Pick your child’s age and follow the shelf.
Children grow and change quickly, and so does what they want from a book. A baby wants a voice and a rhythm. A toddler wants to point and shout. A seven-year-old wants to prove they can read a whole chapter. A ten-year-old wants a story that keeps them up past bedtime.
Use these guides to find books that fit where your child is right now. Age bands are a guide, not a rule: a younger child may be ready for something longer, and an older one may enjoy a picture book as much as ever.
- Babies and toddlers (0–2)Board books, lift-the-flaps and rhymes for the very littlest readers
- Preschoolers (3–5)Picture books with rhythm, humour and big feelings
- Early readers (6–8)First chapter books, funny series and graphic novels
- Middle grade (9–12)Adventure, fantasy and stories with real heart
Looking for something specific?
If you have a particular need, these collections might help:
- Irish voices: Irish children’s authors, Irish-language books and Irish myths and legends.
- Bedtime and big feelings: Bedtime stories and books about feelings.
- Presents: our children’s book gift guide.
How we think about age
Publishers print an age range on the cover, but children are individuals. A few things matter more than the number:
- Interest. A child who loves dinosaurs will stretch to read about them.
- Reading level. Some children read early; others take longer. Both are normal.
- Emotional readiness. Some themes are better met a little later, and you know your child best.
- Listening level. Children can listen to stories far beyond what they can read themselves, so keep reading aloud.
For more, see how to choose a children’s book.