The Most Popular Children's Book Series, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the children's book series you think is the most popular!
Updated on May 10, 2024 06:33
Choosing the right children's book series can often feel like a daunting task for both young readers and their guardians. With so many options available, it's crucial to identify stories that not only entertain but also foster growth and imagination. A curated list based on popular opinion serves as a valuable tool to highlight the series that resonate most with audiences, helping each child find books that inspire a lasting love for reading.
This listing offers a unique opportunity for readers to participate directly in the ranking process. By casting a vote for their preferred series, users contribute to a dynamic guide that reflects current reading trends. Participation not only enhances the usefulness of this resource but also engages the community of young readers and those who support their literacy journey.
What Is the Most Popular Children's Book Series?
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195votes
Nzgabriel · CC BY 2.5Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling
J.K. RowlingThis series has sold over 500 million copies worldwide and has been translated into 80 languages. It has also been adapted into a successful film franchise.The Harry Potter series is a popular children's book series that revolves around the magical adventures of a young wizard named Harry Potter. Written by J.K. Rowling, the series explores the Wizarding World, a hidden society coexisting with the Muggle (non-magical) world. As Harry attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, he uncovers dark secrets, battles evil forces, and forms strong friendships. The series combines elements of fantasy, mystery, and adventure, captivating readers of all ages.- Genre: Fantasy
- Target age group: Children and young adults
- Number of books: 7
- Main protagonist: Harry Potter
- Setting: Wizarding World
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244votes
The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
C.S. LewisThis series has sold over 100 million copies and has been adapted into several films and television shows.The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis is a renowned series of seven fantasy adventure books that have captivated readers of all ages. Set in the magical world of Narnia, the books follow the adventures of a group of children who stumble upon a wardrobe that acts as a gateway to this enchanting realm. As they explore Narnia, they encounter talking animals, mythical creatures, and engage in epic battles between good and evil.- Genre: Fantasy, Adventure
- Publication Year: 1950-1956
- Number of Books: 7
- Main Protagonists: Peter, Susan, Edmund, Lucy Pevensie
- Iconic Character: Aslan the Lion
The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis in other rankings- Position 3 of 10 in Most popular fantasy book in the world
- Position 4 of 10 in Most successful fantasy book
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37votes
The Magic Tree House by Mary Pope Osborne
Mary Pope OsborneThis series has sold over 140 million copies worldwide and has been translated into 33 languages. It has also been adapted into a successful stage show.The Magic Tree House is a wildly popular children's book series written by Mary Pope Osborne. It follows the adventures of siblings Jack and Annie, who discover a magical tree house filled with books that can transport them to different times and places.- Genre: Children's fiction
- Publication Date: 1992-present
- Number of Books: Over 60
- Main Characters: Jack and Annie
- Reading Level: Ages 6-10
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414votes
Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
Jeff KinneyThis series has sold over 150 million copies worldwide and has been adapted into several successful films.Diary of a Wimpy Kid is a popular book series written by Jeff Kinney. The story revolves around the hilarious and relatable adventures of Greg Heffley, a middle school student. Illustrated with cartoons, the books are presented in the form of Greg's journal, chronicling his daily struggles, embarrassing moments, and attempts to fit in. The series has captivated young readers with its humor, engaging storytelling, and relatable characters.- Genre: Comedy, Fiction
- Publication Year: 2007 - Present
- Target Audience: 11-year-olds (recommended age)
- Number of Books: 15 (as of 2021)
- Book Length: Around 200 - 250 pages
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514votes
Goosebumps by R.L. Stine
R.L. StineThis series has sold over 400 million copies worldwide and has been adapted into a successful television series and film.Goosebumps is a popular children's book series written by R.L. Stine. It is known for its thrilling and spooky stories that capture the imaginations of young readers. The series primarily revolves around horror fiction and is filled with suspense, mystery, and supernatural elements.- Genre: Horror fiction
- Target audience: Children
- Number of books: 62 primary series books, plus numerous spin-off titles
- Publication years: 1992 - present
- Themes: Supernatural, fantasy, science fiction
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65votes
The Babysitters Club by Ann M. Martin
Ann M. MartinThis series has sold over 180 million copies worldwide and has been adapted into a television series and graphic novel series.The Babysitters Club is a popular children's book series written by Ann M. Martin. The series follows a group of friends who start a babysitting business in their small town of Stoneybrook. Each book focuses on different babysitting adventures, personal dramas, and growing up experiences of the club members.- Genre: Children's fiction
- Number of books: Over 200
- Target age range: Ages 8-12
- Publication years: 1986-2000 (original series)
- Main characters: Kristy Thomas, Mary Anne Spier, Claudia Kishi, Stacey McGill, Dawn Schafer, Mallory Pike, Jessi Ramsey, and Abby Stevenson
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713votes
Junie B. Jones by Barbara Park
Barbara ParkThis series has sold over 60 million copies and has been translated into several languages. It has also been adapted into a musical.Junie B. Jones is a beloved children's book series written by Barbara Park. The series follows the humorous and adventurous life of Junie B. Jones, a spirited and outspoken young girl entering kindergarten and progressing through first grade. With witty language and relatable experiences, the books explore Junie B.'s encounters with school, friendships, family, and everyday challenges.- Genre: Children's fiction
- Age Range: 5-8 years old
- Publication Date: 1992-2013
- Number of Books: 28
- Main Character: Junie B. Jones
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86votes
Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan
Rick RiordanThis series has sold over 45 million copies and has been adapted into a successful film franchise.Percy Jackson and the Olympians is a popular children's book series that revolves around the adventures of Percy Jackson, a young demigod, as he discovers his true identity and gets entangled in the world of Greek mythology. Written by Rick Riordan, the series combines action, fantasy, and humor to captivate readers of all ages.- Genre: Children's literature
- Publication Date: 2005-2009
- Number of Books: 5
- Main Protagonist: Percy Jackson
- Setting: Modern-day United States, Camp Half-Blood
Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan in other rankings- Position 4 of 10 in Most popular fanfiction on FanFiction.net
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97votes
Captain Underpants by Dav Pilkey
Dav PilkeyThis series has sold over 80 million copies and has been adapted into a successful film franchise.Captain Underpants is a popular children's book series written and illustrated by Dav Pilkey. It revolves around the hilarious adventures of two fourth-grade boys, George Beard and Harold Hutchins, who hypnotize their grumpy principal, Mr. Krupp, into becoming a dimwitted superhero named Captain Underpants. The series combines comedy, humor, and action to captivate young readers.- Genre: Children's book series
- Target Age Range: 6-12 years
- Publication Date: 1997-present
- Number of Books: 12 main series books, plus spin-offs
- Characters: George Beard, Harold Hutchins, Captain Underpants, Mr. Krupp, etc.
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106votes
The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss
Dr. SeussThis classic series has sold over 100 million copies and has been adapted into several successful television shows and films.The Cat in the Hat is a beloved children's book series written by Dr. Seuss. It follows the mischievous and playful adventures of a hat-wearing cat who brings excitement, chaos, and valuable life lessons to two young children on a rainy day.- Genre: Children's literature
- Publication Date: March 12, 1957
- Main Characters: The Cat in the Hat, Sally, Conrad
- Number of Books in the Series: 2 (The Cat in the Hat, The Cat in the Hat Comes Back)
- Target Age Group: 3-7 years old
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Discussion
Ranking factors for popular children's book series
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Sales figuresThe number of copies sold or units of a book series that have been sold worldwide is a strong indicator of its popularity.
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LongevityHow long the series has been in publication or remained popular among readers can be an important factor in determining its overall influence and popularity.
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Readers' ratings and reviewsChecking the average reader ratings and reviews on platforms like Goodreads, Amazon, or other book review sites can provide insights into the general sentiment and popularity of a series.
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Awards and recognitionAny awards or nominations the book series has received are indicators of its quality and popularity, especially if the awards are prestigious (e.g., the Newbery Medal, the Caldecott Medal, or the Carnegie Medal).
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Adaptations and spin-offsIf a book series has been adapted into movies, TV shows, graphic novels, or other forms of media, it's likely a sign of the series' popularity and cultural impact.
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Wide appealA popular children's book series should have a wide target audience, appealing to diverse age groups, genders, and backgrounds.
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Influence on culture and other worksThe significance of the series in inspiring other works (books, TV, movies) or its impact on popular culture can be another key factor to consider.
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Translations and global reachThe number of translations and the series' popularity in multiple countries can indicate its global appeal and success.
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TimelessnessA book series that can endure the test of time and remain consistently popular across generations is a strong contender for popularity rankings.
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Educational value and moral lessonsA popular children's book series should possess strong educational content, provide opportunities for learning, and impart important moral lessons or values.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular children's book series. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or children's book series is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1311 views
- 210 votes
- 10 ranked items
Movers & Shakers
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each children's book series once every 24 hours. The rank of each children's book series is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular children's book series
Children's literature has been captivating young readers for centuries, and it's no surprise that book series have become a staple in the genre. From the adventures of magic-wielding wizards to the musings of mischievous mice, there is no shortage of beloved children's book series to choose from. But what is the most popular children's book series of all time? To answer this question, we turned to the data on StrawPoll, where users have been voting on their favorite book series for years. Here, we explore the top contenders for the title of most popular children's book series and what makes them so special to readers of all ages.
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