Ever wonder what the most popular children’s books are in each state? Maybe you’re a fan of the colorful The Very Hungry Caterpillar, or grew up reading Goodnight Moon, or fondly remember the beloved main character in The Rainbow Fish. In a study from 95 Percent Group — an organization committed to the science of reading and equipping teachers with the right tools to educate young readers — they analyzed over 1,500 Google searches of children’s book titles to determine the most popular titles in each state.
Their research led them to some interesting discoveries. Clifford the Big Red Dog by Norman Bridwell is a favorite in seven states. It could be because the giant pup is top of mind after the beloved book character was featured in its own movie in 2021, or it could just be a sense of nostalgia, since Clifford has been entertaining kids since 1963.
Several states were drawn to books that remind them of home. Both of the Dakotas along with Oklahoma, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Kansas love Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder. Maine, which is known for its delicious lowbush blueberries, is drawn to the classic book about the fruit: Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskey.
In Florida, families don’t need to go to the Florida Keys to experience an island adventure. The most searched book there is Treasure Island! Meanwhile, in Hawaii where tropical fish are plentiful, children are unsurprisingly drawn to The Rainbow Fish.
As for the overall most popular books in the US, Clifford is no match for A.A. Milne’s Winnie the Pooh and Roald Dahl’s Matilda.
Curious about the other books that made the list? What about the top children’s book authors, as voted by parents? What are the stats on parents reading aloud to their children?
Check out the full article on 95 Percent Group’s website.
