15 Worst Children's Books: Badly Terrible for Kids in 2024
Discover the 15 worst children's books to avoid with our curated recommendations. Explore dreadful reads, awkward bad, and terrible stories, and more.
What are the worst children’s books ever? We’re glad you asked because we have an exhaustive list of some of the worst children’s books ever.
Some notable worst children's books include here: Love You Forever, One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish, Little Blue Truck, Skippyjon Jones, The Giving Tree, The Rainbow Fish, The Butter Battle Book, The Lonely Doll, The Cat and the Hat and No, David!
These children's books that are simply boring for kids are so bad that if you let your kid read any of them he or she will probably end up as evil and sociopathic as the characters in them.
So please, make sure your kids don’t read these most disappointing children's stories to protect their innocence and avoid turning them into horrible little monsters who will probably grow up to become child molesters or something worse.
The number of unsatisfactory children's books available today is astounding, with new ones coming out every year. Some of these age-inappropriate children's books are good and some are bad, but the bad ones stick in our minds for years.
1. Love You Forever
Love You Forever by Robert Munsch
A story of a mother's love; the painting style is warm and full of life, and the sentences are simple, repetitive, and easy to catch; I just disagree with the mother's practice of rocking forth and back while the child is asleep and then facing the sleeping nine-aged, teen-aged & grown-up boy, shaking in his arms, I really doubt that mother's affection is unnecessary...
There is such a mother, who has a baby. Her favorite thing to do is hold the baby, shake it, and sing a beautiful song:
I will always love you, love you forever, and you will always be my baby as long as I live.
The boy grew up day by day, from a teenager to a young man until he finally became an adult and moved out of his parent's house, and his mother's favorite thing to do all the time was to climb to the head of his bed, make sure he was asleep, pick him up and shake him. Ah, sing that song again until the day she died.
Yes, no matter how old a child is, in the eyes of parents, they will always be the little baby in their arms.
Only this lyric poem is dedicated to all parents and children and the fate and affection between them that last a lifetime.
2. One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish
One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish by Dr. Seuss
"One fish two fish red fish blue fish" Seuss opened this short reading with a sentence from Dr. Seuss that aims to tell everyone that the biggest feature of Dr. Seuss is: to outline the most interesting stories with the most concise words.
This is reflected in his other picture book "Green Eggs and Ham". The whole picture book does not use more than 50 English words, which will not cause huge dyslexia and pressure for young children.
but the whole story through vivid characters, interesting and changing scene switching, catchy escort essays coupled with a very dramatic storyline, this book is absolutely magical for children! Let the English learning process become simple and happy!
Many parents think that their children like this book, but they don't. I would like to say that it may be that parents have not yet discovered how simple and rich the child's world is, like in this book by Dr. Seuss.
The whole book begins with a story about the development of marine creatures to land creatures, and then a variety of different creatures evolved on land.
After that, Dr. Seuss compiled a short rhyme story for each creature. , let children explore and learn about all kinds of strange creatures and their characteristics.
While these creatures don't necessarily exist in real life, this is where Dr. Seuss's imagination comes in, creating creatures that look like children's dream playmates and best friends. Everyone is unique and special.
After playing enough and exploring enough, Dr. Seuss will put the child to sleep. Good night, my little baby, this world is full of all kinds of novel and interesting things, there are today and tomorrow, so look forward to a more colorful tomorrow!
In addition, I want to emphasize that I just want to show this article to parents. For children, attractive stories are king. In the process of storytelling, parents don’t have to force their children to master this.
Master that, and children can find their own pleasure in listening to stories or reading. There are some laws, and we don't need to sum up various conceptual definitions like adults. I believe that sometimes children's observation ability will be better than adults'.
3. Little Blue Truck
Little Blue Truck by Alice Schertle
Beep! Beep! Meet Blue! Filled with truck sounds and animal noises, Little Blue Truck is a rollicking homage to the power of friendship and the rewards of helping others.
A muddy country road is no match for this little pick-up—that is until he gets stuck while pushing a dump truck out of the muck.
Luckily, Blue has made a pack of farm animal friends along his route. And they're willing to do whatever it takes to get their pal back on the road.
Little Blue Truck is a joyful cacophony of animal and truck sounds that will have youngsters beeping and quacking—and begging for one more go-round!
Along the way, readers see that it pays to be kind to our animal friends. If we show friendly respect to others, we’re more likely to get help when we’re, say, stuck in the muck in a truck!
4. Skippyjon Jones
Skippyjon Jones by Judy Schachner
Skippyjon Jones is no ordinary kitten. Oh, no. . . .He's actually El Skippito, a great sword fighter ready to battle Banditos the world over!
With a little imagination and a whole lot of fun, this frisky cat dons a mask and cape and takes on a bad bumblebee to save the day.
And along the way, he'll be sure to steal young readers' hearts, yes indeed!
5. The Giving Tree
The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
The first time I saw this book when I was in college, I picked up a book at random in a bookstore: I finished reading the entire thick book in less than 3 minutes and then felt that this book would take a lifetime When I came to read, my thoughts were very long: in it, I thought of her, when I was in love with a girl secretly. She was my classmate in elementary school.
She had a special affection since she was a child. When she was in college, one day, she suddenly found out that she had fallen in love with her, although she didn't know what love was at that time.
I decided to give her the book and tell her "If she were that little boy, I would be such a tree". Just to express my true feelings: I believe this should be called love.
Later, I actually gave her the book and told her "If she were that little boy, I would be such a tree". She said nothing. She also had a boyfriend at the time.
Later, she told me, "She was reading this book in a self-study classroom, and when she read: "As time goes by ---," she couldn't help crying."
In fact, what I want to share is just: "Everyone has some things worth remembering when they grow up, or some feelings worth savoring. These things are very simple and natural. In fact, they have always existed in our hearts, maybe in the busy and busy growth.
In middle school and work, it has gradually been forgotten, and when something touches us, we will suddenly discover how full and warm our hearts are, and these things are the direction and motivation that promotes us to move forward.”
The plot of the story is not beautiful, but the story is beautiful because I found something about my inner quiet world and my original dream.
Thank you for this book, for the story this book brings to me, and for all the people who have touched me in my life. This person may be a relative, a friend, a lover, a classmate, or even someone who doesn't know his name. stranger.
I believe this book can bring you value. I hope you can truly discover everyone who brings you to love and touch in this world and tell her (him) that you are willing to bring her (him) happiness That Giving Tree.
We believe that gratitude and dedication make the world more beautiful.
6. The Rainbow Fish
The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister
A board book edition of a popular modern classic follows the tale of a beautiful iridescent fish, who suffers a life of loneliness until he decides to share his glittering scales with a catch of new friends.
Children like fish, so I just read this book. I didn't expect to see a children's picture book and the sky will be thunder.
- In the book, the rainbow fish doesn't want to pull out the scales and give them to other fish. It's not a problem at all. Normal fish thinking.
- It is wrong for other fish to isolate the rainbow fish because it is beautiful. It is a shame to be jealous.
- A friend bought with profit is not a real friend. A person who wants to harm your own interests to fulfill his vanity is not worthy of being a friend.
If my son reads this book, I will probably teach it like this, but fortunately, he does not know how to read. I read the pictures and made up a story.
This book is probably about sharing, but if it’s too bad, children can’t share without a bottom line.
7. No, David!
No, David! by David Shannon
When I first heard other mothers recommend this book, I was apprehensive. Because I learned that the protagonist of this book is a naughty little boy.
Children are also quite naughty, although I don't resent that. In fact, on the premise of being safe and not obstructing others, I try to give him freedom as much as possible. I don't care about climbing up high at home or rolling in the snow in new clothes in winter.
However, if I show him such a picture book, will he learn from the little protagonist to do things that make me even more troublesome? So I have not been tempted to buy this book.
What changed my mind was that one day, I was eating and my son was eating faster than me, washing my hands and getting ready to play with the toys.
While washing, the son was talking about the games he had learned to do. I will answer, very well, you are great!
The son asked, Mom, do you like me?
Although this question is a bit abrupt, I still answer: Mom likes you!
The son ran over, stretched out his hand, and said: Mom, thank you, hug!
I also reached out and hugged him, and I was very puzzled because my son rarely took the initiative to hug me. So I asked in his ear, it's normal that my mother likes you, why do you seem so strange?
The son was stunned, hesitated for a long time, and replied, "Because I'm more troublesome, I thought you didn't like me anymore.!
I was also stunned, and quickly answered him: No matter how naughty you are, you are the child of your parents, and we all like you!
At that time, I thought to myself, I should buy a copy of "David, No". I know that at the end of that book, my mother said to David, "Baby, darling, I love you!"
Although David made many mistakes and his mother reprimanded him again and again, in the end, his mother did not hesitate to convey her love to her children.
How important it is to give your child reassurance of love!
8. The Butter Battle Book
The Butter Battle Book by Dr. Seuss
The Butter Battle Book, Dr. Seuss's classic cautionary tale, introduces readers to the important lesson of respecting differences.
The Yooks and Zooks share a love of buttered bread, but animosity brews between the two groups because they prefer to enjoy the tasty treat differently.
The timeless and topical rhyming text is an ideal way to teach young children about the issues of tolerance and respect.
Whether in the home or in the classroom, The Butter Battle Book is a must-have for readers of all ages.
9. The Lonely Doll
The Lonely Doll by Dare Wright
Once there was a little doll. Her name was Edith. She lived in a nice house and had everything she needed except someone to play with. She was lonely! Then one morning Edith looked into the garden and there stood two bears!
Since it was first published in 1957, The Lonely Doll has established itself as a unique children's classic.
Through innovative photography, Dare Wright brings the world of dolls to life and entertains us with much more than just a story.
Edith, the star of the show, is a doll from Wright's childhood, and Wright selected the bear family with the help of her brother.
With simple poses and wonderful expressions, the cast of characters is vividly brought to life to tell a story of friendship.
10. The Cat and the Hat
The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss
Dr.Seuss is a very famous picture book. I have borrowed it from the library no less than 3 times, and I have never read it completely, just because I personally don't like the style of this series of picture books.
This time, I finally dived in and read it carefully several times. The rhythmic English and rich imagination are really good, and my baby likes it very much.
Dad is right, I shouldn't bring my own aesthetics into the selection of books for my baby, I have to try all kinds of styles and subjects, and he just enjoys it.
I admire the imagination of Dr.Seuss! In a way, I think of time as the clothes we take off and never wear again, and that imagination belongs to childhood.
The exception is that adults who write children's books have the ability to travel through time, not forgetting that they were children and will always be children, so beautiful qualities like purity, innocence, and imagination do not follow as Aging wears away.
May every jackal be like Chagall, and may every grown-up be like a child obsessed with the silver planet.
11. Kids Are Americans Too
Kids Are Americans Too by Bill O'Reilly
Four-time #1 bestselling author and veteran television news journalist Bill O'Reilly has more than 5 million copies of his books in print to date! His first book for younger fans, The O'Reilly Factor for Kids, held the honorable distinction of being the #1 bestselling nonfiction title for kids in 2005 according to Nielsen's The Book Standard.
Back again with a dialogue on rights that will have everyone talking, O'Reilly and his coauthor Charles Flowers dole out the kind of blunt, cogent, commonsense commentary you count on them for. Together they explore timely questions being debated in and out of courts today including:
- Can a kid wear an anti-gay T-shirt on campus?
- Does a school newspaper have the right to bad-mouth a principal?
- Does a mother have the right to eavesdrop on her daughter's telephone conversations?
Some of the answers will surprise you. Some will empower you. All of them will make you think.
12. Where the Wild Things Are
Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
I've read it many times, but the story is very short, so I can slowly turn page by page patiently.
The first time a groundhog classmate read it to me, I unknowingly shed tears. That primitive and vivid innocence made me mistakenly think that I was back when I was a child, back to the place where the wild beasts haunted my memory.
I saw an episode of an American TV show today. The male protagonist was terminally ill. On the hospital bed, he had the same unending dream over and over again. He felt fear and despair, like falling into an abyss that was cut off from love.
As he was dying, he held his son's hand and finally saw the end of the dream - on the beach, he held his son, and his wife in a straw hat smiled, and looked at them, he said to his son, I asked for a week's Fake, I told my boss, work can be delayed, I want to be with my family...
So he suddenly realized that it was not a nightmare, on the contrary, it was the sweetest time of his life. No matter how far a person goes, the defense line close to his heart is always there.
When I grow up slowly, slowly lose the time to think, and slowly build a shell to resist damage, I will slowly forget my original appearance. And always, at some point, I read this story carefully, with great peace and satisfaction.
I watched the beasts in the book dancing, looking at their fat claws and harmless eyes, and I knew that the world was still as I thought like a child, full of dreams and surprises, that you are your own king.
At the same time, I am relieved that I have not been washed away by the temporary obscurity and absurdity in my life, and I am still me. This book is like a giant candy wrapped in colored cellophane, making me happy and touching the dry, stable part of my soul.
At the end of the story, Max goes home. To me, it was like a call to myself when I was young. The best gift is to give back the well-protected self after many years.
13. Olivia
Olivia by Ian Falconer
The author's style of painting is very in line with my taste. It is simple and bright, low-key and exaggerated. It is really a beautiful picture book.
Olivia is smug and creative. Her life is colorful, playful cute, and a little cool. It perfectly interprets what a delicate pig girl is.
Olivia is a girl and a piggy. She can do a lot of things, especially good at making people faint, and often even herself. She has a follower brother who haunts her all day long.
Sometimes, she is very "fierce" to her brother. She doesn't like naps. She was so stinky that she had to try on every outfit before going out. She is a confident activist who can copy a famous painting in 5 minutes. She has a beautiful dream to dance ballet.
She's also a little bit sleazy. Most importantly, she has a mother who loves her very much, and she loves her mother very much. ——"Olivia"
PS: No matter whether parents or children, they can always feel a strong resonance in this book. Every time I tell it to my daughter (2 and a half years old), she likes the phrase "Little cutie, do you know that you are about to make me faint?
But mom still loves you." Mom's steady, unchanging love, I believe that no child will refuse! This book, in my opinion, is very good. Except for one small detail, I don't like very much, that is Olivia's bed. On the last page, Olivia is sleeping on the bed and dreaming.
14. Once Upon a Potty -- Boy
Once Upon a Potty -- Boy by Alona Frankel
"The classic books on a timeless subject -- for a new generation." In 1975, Alona Frankel wrote and illustrated her first book, especially for her son Michael, on how to use the potty.
Thirty-two years later, Once Upon a Potty -- Boy and Once Upon a Potty -- Girl are classic books on potty training and have sold more than four million copies worldwide.
This classic book has already helped millions of parents get their children through a life milestone with ease and some entertainment too.
With Once Upon a Potty, a parent reads the book to their child or allows the child to read it while on the potty. Not surprisingly, the book takes some wear. This new board book edition will withstand such heavy use and survive the occasional water spill too.
This is THE potty training book. It has it all, bright graphics, simple language, a fun story, and an anatomically correct hero. With an edition for each gender, the book relates directly to the child, making the potty-training process relatable and easy to understand.
These children's books help parents everywhere deal successfully with an often vexing challenge for the whole family.
Thanks to their timeless words and beloved images, Once Upon a Potty -- Boy and Once Upon a Potty -- Girl are being discovered and used by a new generation of parents.
These two books, with their phenomenal staying power, target and meet the needs of an obviously perpetual market.
15. Llama Llama Red Pajama
Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney
Llama Llama’s tale of nighttime drama has charmed readers for over a decade and makes an ideal story for bedtime reading.
With this board book edition, Anna Dewdney’s infectious rhyming text and expressive artwork are available to the youngest readers.
Children will relate to Baby Llama's need for comfort, as much as parents will appreciate Mama Llama's reassuring message.
Llama, Llama red pajama waiting, waiting for his mama. Mama isn't coming yet. Baby Llama starts to fret. In this infectious rhyming read-aloud, Baby Llama turns bedtime into an all-out llama drama!
Tucked into bed by his mama, Baby Llama immediately starts worrying when she goes downstairs, and his soft whimpers turn to hollers when she doesn't come right back.
But just in time, Mama returns to set things right. Children will relate to Baby Llama's need for comfort, as much as parents will appreciate Mama Llama's reassuring message.
Conclusion: A Collection of Terrible Tales for Children
These 15 Unfavorable children's reading materials will have you either laughing or cringing, depending on whether or not you remember reading them as a child yourself.
When it comes to badly crafted children's literature, there’s no shortage of amazing reads that have entertained generations of kids and parents alike.
From Dr. Seuss to Goodnight Moon, these classic stories are as popular now as they were when they were first published years ago.
But every so often, there are terrible children's books on the market that almost everyone agrees are awful—even if no one can agree on which book deserves the dubious honor of being called the worst children’s book ever written.
Children's Books to Consider with Caution
Inappropriate Content:
- "The Wonderful Story of Peter Rabbit" by Beatrix Potter (animal violence)
- "The Babysitters Club: Mind Over Matter" by Ann M. Martin (mentions witchcraft)
- "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" by Mark Twain (glorifies running away)
- "James and the Giant Peach" by Roald Dahl (insects might be scary for some)
- "The Tale of Benjamin Bunny" by Beatrix Potter (animal abduction)
- "Where the Wild Things Are" by Maurice Sendak (monsters might be scary)
- "The Velveteen Rabbit" by Margery Williams (sad themes of loss)
- "The Phantom Tollbooth" by Norton Juster (mentions death)
- "The Boxcar Children" by Gertrude Chandler Warner (abandonment)
- "The Indian in the Cupboard" by Lynne Reid Banks (cultural appropriation)
Outdated Stereotypes:
- "Five Little Peppers and How They Grew" by Margaret Sidney (overly domestic girls)
- "The Bobbsey Twins" series by Laura Lee Hope (stereotypical sibling roles)
- "The Five Little Pigs" by Eugene Field (straw = weak, brick = strong)
- "The Pokey Little Puppy" by Janette Sebring Lowrey (shaming disobedient children)
- "Pollyanna" by Eleanor H. Porter (unrealistic optimism)
- "The Raggedy Ann Stories" by Johnny Gruelle (gender stereotypes)
- "Mr. Men Little Miss" series by Roger Hargreaves (superficial personality traits)
- "The Country Bunny and the Milkman" by Edith Thatcher Hurd (glorifies unpaid labor)
- "The Little Engine That Could" by Watty Piper (reinforces "might make right")
- "Scuffy the Tugboat" by Miriam Schlein (gender roles in professions)
Poorly Written or Illustrated:
- "Goodnight Moon" by Margaret Wise Brown (repetitive text)
- "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day" by Judith Viorst (unrealistic scenarios)
- "The Runaway Bunny" by Margaret Wise Brown (nonsensical plot)
- "There's a Wocket in My Pocket" by Dr. Seuss (made-up words might be confusing)
- "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle (limited vocabulary)
- "The Cat in the Hat" by Dr. Seuss (unconventional grammar)
- "Harold and the Purple Crayon" by Crockett Johnson (lack of detail)
- "Chicka Chicka Boom Boom" by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault Jr. (confusing letter placement)
- "Ten Little Monkeys" (cumulative song with violence)
- "Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls" series (uneven writing quality across stories)
Problematic Messages:
- "The Tortoise and the Hare" by Aesop (glorifies arrogance and laziness)
- "The Lion King" (original story) by Roger Allers and Irene Mecchi (discourages responsibility)
- "Pinocchio" by Carlo Collodi (lying is rewarded)
- "The Three Billy Goats Gruff" by retold by Paul Galdone (violence against antagonist)
- "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day" by Judith Viorst (tantrums as solutions)
- "Corduroy" by Don Freeman (materialism)
- "Miss Suzy Snowflake" by Miriam Young (bullying with "snowball effect")
- "Alexander Who Used to be Afraid of Everything" by Judith Viorst (fear as weakness)
- "Stone Soup" (tricking others to contribute)
- "The Paper Bag Princess" by Robert Munsch (gender role subversion might be confusing)
Please note: Some of these books are considered classics and may still be enjoyed by children with parental guidance or discussions about outdated messages.
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About Muhiuddin Alam
Muhiuddin Alam is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of ReadingAndThinking.com. He serves as a consistent contributor to various websites and publications, including Medium, Quora, Reddit, Linkedin, Substack, Vocal, Flipboard, and Amazon KDP. Alam personally read numerous books and, for the past 10 years, has been providing book recommendations and reviews. Find Me: About Me & Google Knowledge Panel.
