16 Worst Children’s Books Parents Regret Buying (And What to Read Instead)
As a parent who reads nightly with three kids, I’ve seen the best and worst children’s books on our shelves. Some books charm, teach, and inspire.
Others? They make you cringe, squirm, or roll your eyes. Today, we’re diving into the worst children’s books that frequently disappoint parents and kids alike.
From controversial messages to bizarre plots, these titles are often recommended—but many families regret bringing them home. Whether you’re building a baby’s first library or decluttering your preschooler’s shelf, here are the books you might want to skip—and what to read instead.
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1. Love You Forever by Robert Munsch
This book has stirred debate for decades. While the sentiment is sweet, the imagery of a mother sneaking into her grown son’s house is unsettling for many.
Why it’s one of the worst: The overly sentimental tone and boundary-crossing scenes make it a top regret for modern parents.
Instead, try: “I Love You to the Moon and Back” – still heartfelt, but far less creepy.
2. The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister
A beautifully illustrated book, but the message? Give away all your beautiful things to make others like you.
Why it’s one of the worst: Many interpret it as encouraging kids to give up what makes them special to gain acceptance.
Instead, try: “Giraffes Can’t Dance” – a tale of individuality and self-confidence.
3. The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
A classic, yes—but also a depressing tale of one-sided sacrifice.
Why it’s one of the worst: Critics argue it glorifies toxic relationships and self-erasure in the name of love.
Instead, try: “The Boy Who Loved Everyone” – a sweet balance of empathy and boundaries.
4. The Poky Little Puppy by Janette Sebring Lowrey
It’s one of the best-selling children’s books of all time—but does it hold up?
Why it’s one of the worst: Repetitive, slow, and lacking a clear moral. Plus, the protagonist often gets rewarded for bad behavior.
Instead, try: “Little Blue Truck” – engaging, rhythmic, and full of heart.
5. Caillou Books by Christine L’Heureux
If you’ve ever watched the show, you know what’s coming. The books reflect the same whiny tone and bratty behavior.
Why it’s one of the worst: Caillou rarely faces consequences and tends to whine his way through problems.
Instead, try: “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood” series – better behavior modeling with catchy life lessons.
6. Berenstain Bears: Too Much Birthday by Stan and Jan Berenstain
Though nostalgic, this particular title drags and feels preachy.
Why it’s one of the worst: The tone is more lecture than lesson, and the pacing is tedious.
Instead, try: “Pete the Cat and His Magic Sunglasses” – fun, fast-paced, and full of positive vibes.
7. The Saggy Baggy Elephant by Kathryn and Byron Jackson
A Golden Book classic with a problematic tone.
Why it’s one of the worst: The body-shaming language and message of conformity feel outdated.
Instead, try: “Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun” – celebrates differences and courage.
8. Curious George Series by H.A. Rey
George is iconic—but his antics are often dangerous and go unchecked.
Why it’s one of the worst: Many books show him breaking rules, facing no consequences, and being rewarded.
Instead, try: “The Pigeon” series by Mo Willems – funny, mischievous, but with clear lessons.
9. I Wish You More by Amy Krouse Rosenthal
A beautiful sentiment, but vague and abstract.
Why it’s one of the worst: Lacks a strong narrative or hook for younger readers.
Instead, try: “What Do You Do With an Idea?” – equally inspiring, but more engaging.
10. Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown
Okay, don’t throw tomatoes—this one’s controversial.
Why it’s one of the worst: Some parents find it dull, disjointed, and filled with strange, outdated imagery.
Instead, try: “Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site” – keeps kids’ attention with rhythm and theme.
11. The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper
An inspiring story, but the prose is long-winded and dense for today’s kids.
Why it’s one of the worst: Repetitive phrasing and dated language can bore modern audiences.
Instead, try: “She Persisted” – empowering with updated storytelling.
12. Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
Praised for its imagination, but not all kids respond well to the scary visuals and vague resolution.
Why it’s one of the worst: Can be too dark or confusing for sensitive children.
Instead, try: “Journey” by Aaron Becker – adventurous and beautifully illustrated.
13. No, David! by David Shannon
A boy wreaks havoc—and gets a hug at the end.
Why it’s one of the worst: Many parents feel it lacks accountability and promotes chaotic behavior.
Instead, try: “How Do Dinosaurs Say Good Night?”
14. Little Critter Series by Mercer Mayer
Sweet in concept, but some titles feel overly simplistic or whiny.
Why it’s one of the worst: Critter often complains and misunderstands without enough character growth.
Instead, try: “Llama Llama” series – better flow, stronger lessons.
15. Are You My Mother? by P.D. Eastman
It’s simple and repetitive—maybe too much so.
Why it’s one of the worst: Lacks excitement and can be frustratingly redundant.
Instead, try: “The Snail and the Whale” – adventurous with rhyme and charm.
16. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault
Fun for some, annoying for others.
Why it’s one of the worst: The rhyme and rhythm can become grating fast—and not all kids latch on.
Instead, try: “ABC Mindful Me” – educational and soothing.
FAQs About the Worst Children’s Books
Are these books harmful or just outdated?
Many aren’t harmful per se, but they reflect outdated values, confusing plots, or poor storytelling. Modern parents want books that model empathy, boundaries, and clarity.
Should I remove these from my shelves?
That depends. If a book bothers you or confuses your child, it might be time to replace it.
How can I tell if a book will be a hit or miss?
Look for positive reviews from parents and educators, engaging illustrations, and clear, age-appropriate messages.
What if my child loves one of these books?
That’s okay! Everyone has different tastes. Just balance it with stronger storytelling elsewhere.
Want Better Reads? Here Are More Book Lists to Explore:
- Discover fun learning reads with our best sticker books for toddlers.
- Potty training? Try these potty training books for kids.
- For older kids, check out best books for 8-year-old girls.
- Don’t miss our audiobooks for family road trips.
- Sibling issues? We’ve got books to tame sibling rivalry.
Final Word:
Books matter. They shape how our children see the world and themselves. While many of the worst children’s books are classics, not all have aged well. Choosing better books means choosing better conversations, values, and experiences.
Make your bookshelf a space for stories that lift your kids up—and skip the ones that make you cringe.
