4 Fun Rhyming Books for Kids

By Catherine Hong
July 09, 2020
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Illustration by Francesca Spatola; Amazon (2)

Whether read aloud or after school in a quiet corner at home, these fun books with irresistible wordplay will leave lasting memories, according to children's book authors who fell in love with them when they were kids themselves.

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The Phantom Tollbooth

Credit: Random House
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“Around 9, 10-ish, 11, The Phantom Tollbooth, by Norton Juster (ages 8 to 12), was my go-to book. The main character travels to ‘Dictionopolis,’ a town where people go to buy words and letters that each have their own flavor, aroma, and texture.”

—Emma Walton Hamilton, coauthor of the Very Fairy Princess series

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The Lorax

Credit: Random House Books for Young Readers
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“The genius of Dr. Seuss was his ability to distill serious messages into simple rhyme. You have a heart of stone if you’re not moved by The Lorax (ages 5 to 9), and its message about environmentalism is even more relevant today.”

—Cressida Cowell, author of the How to Train Your Dragon series

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Selected Poems of Langston Hughes

Credit: Vintage
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“I struggled in school. Reading a book was like being served bitter spinach. All that changed when I was introduced to Selected Poems of Langston Hughes (ages 12+). The poems weren’t reading. They were sweet wordplay, letter music, possibilities on paper!”

—Andrea Davis Pinkney, author of The Red Pencil

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Marvin K. Mooney Will You Please Go Now!

Credit: Random House Books for Young Readers
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“Marvin K. Mooney Will You Please Go Now! by Dr. Seuss (ages 2 to 5), ignited my passion for words. I vividly recall my parents reading the rhyming story to me.”

—Actor Gabrielle Union, author of Welcome to the Party

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