Best Harry Potter Set to Buy (2026): Illustrated MinaLima vs Jim Kay OR Standard

If you want only one Harry Potter set, get this one.

If you want the simplest answer that creates the fewest regrets, buy one of the standard unabridged and complete 1-7 box sets. 

Our Harry Potter bookshelf at home
with a hardcover, paperback set, 
Hogwarts Library and the Marauder's Map!

For most families, it’s the format most likely to get fully read, because it’s complete, portable, and low-fuss.

But also read on for the answer to which Harry Potter edition is the best for those who want an even more immersive experience or a follow up edition. 

Plus, as a family we do have the qualifications to answer this, just look at our Harry Potter home bookshelf in the photograph above (and several pics below)! 

Who Were the Beatles? (Geoff Edgers): The Best Kid-Friendly Beatles Book to Read Aloud

There is something inexplicable about the best group in the world. Kids feel it too. And this little biography is the one that finally gave my children the real story behind the mop tops.

Why are The Beatles so interesting?

The Wind in the Willows - Best Illustrated Children's Editions

The mission statement was clear.  

 

Our own copy of The Wind in the Willows

Find the best-illustrated hardcover edition of Kenneth Graham's masterpiece The Wind in the Willows for my twins.

I also had to make sure the book was an unabridged version very suitable for read-alouds that can entrance my listeners on the force of its illustrations alone.

Simple, I thought.

Before you read any further I must admit that I failed in part of my "mission" - at the end I opted for a very carefully abridged version of The Wind in the Willow, on the strength of illustrations alone.

Yes, for fans of unabridged editions - hereby I admit I have sinned.

The Brothers Lionheart (Astrid Lindgren): Read-Aloud Guide for Big Themes (Without the Preachy)

The Brothers Lionheart looks like an adventure story… and it is. But it also walks straight into the big questions kids already carry around, quietly, without asking permission. 

Here’s how it reads aloud in real life, and how to keep it brave instead of bleak.

The Story of Doctor Dolittle: Best Illustrated Edition (Michael Hague) + What Parents Should Know

Some children's books simply amaze me.

The Story of Doctor Dolittle
illustrated by Michael Hague

Doctor Dolittle was supposed to be “too old” and “too wordy.” 

Then we found the right edition and suddenly it felt like an adventure serial you can’t stop reading.

You know that glorious feeling when you unexpectedly come across a wonderful example of children's literature?

A book that expands your horizons.

Take, for example, The Story of Doctor Dolittle that was published back in 1920.

Reading The Fire Cat (Pickles) with Kids - Why This Early Reader Still Sings Aloud

What I discovered might surprise you.

Most of you know about my deep love for the little delicate black cat with the red scarf, Jenny Linsky.

Esther Averill's creation is a dream come true for read aloud families around the world.

But, what I wasn't aware was that Jenny Linsky was merely the tip of a read aloud phenomenon.

Best Illustrated Pippi Longstocking Treasury (Astrid Lindgren): The 3-in-1 That’s Still Hilarious

You must not make the classic mistake of dismissing the obvious. Pippi is the obvious. And this 3-in-1 treasury is the edition that finally makes you understand why people never stop recommending her.

Please don't postpone the best for last.

Seize gold when you see it! 

Enid Blyton's The Island of Adventure: Why Book #1 of the Adventure Series Still Roars

This book didn’t just impress me. It started something. The Island of Adventure is the kind of first book that makes kids ask, “Wait, are there more?”

This book is a real show-stopper, I thought when I read it first.


Nowadays, I think it is quite the opposite, in fact.

A true show-starter.

Try reading Enid Blyton's The Island of Adventure and the show will begin.

The(are no) Bears on Hemlock Mountain: Short, Tense, Perfect for a Winter Night

Some books are simply unforgettable experiences for our boys and girls.

This is a fantastic moody thriller that builds suspense gradually, but never goes too fast or too far. 

Cover of The Bears on Hemlock Mountain
written by Alice Dalgliesh, 
illustrated Newbery Honor edition

Yes, many children's books may be guilty of being simply to hard to follow or being too boring.

William McCleery’s Wolf Story - Fast, Funny, Bedtime Perfection

What a gem!

What a find!

What a smashing read-aloud!

If you take up this 1947 book about a father, his smart five-year old son Michael and Michael's best friend Stefan ... well, you won't be able to put it down.

Oxford Children’s Classics — The Unabridged, Kid-Sized Gems My Shelf Was Missing

Thinking ahead.

The power of anticipation is a super-power that every parent has. 

Beautifully illustrated 
Oxford Children’s Classics
series of timeless stories 
for young readers. 
The vibrant new editions are out! 

You got it.

But you need to use one of the strongest weapons in your arsenal.

Beyond the Pawpaw Trees: A Lavender-Blue Illustrated Adventure

Sometimes you just feel it.

Boom, boom. 

The heartbeat of a book. 

Unmistakable.

But with other books there is no sound.

However, the heartbeat ones....

they tiptoe silently, coming up right behind you, and then they seize your heart without you feeling it.

Jenny Linsky and the Cat Club: A Little Black Cat, a Red Scarf, and Esther Averill's World Kids Don’t Forget

Jenny Linsky is shy in a way kids instantly recognize. Not “cute shy.” Real shy. 

And that red scarf? It becomes a tiny suit of armor.

Jenny Linsky - let me whisper in your ear.

       My twins adore you.

Come, come closer dear.

       My girl and boy love you.

You touched their young hearts.

They would give anything to put their small arms around you.

The Secret Garden: Hunting down the best illustrated edition

My favorite: Inga Moore illustrated edition

Best I go straight to the story today.

I have some good news to share!

A new book that I can rank among the best illustrated editions that we have at home.

We are in luck!

Usually when one searches for a smashing illustrated edition of a greatly loved children's book, the only certain result is that one will spend a lot of time looking. 

In the case of The Secret Garden, luck is on our side.

I found three heart-warming illustrated versions!

But before we check out which edition is the best book-of-the-day, lets make one thing clear.

The Secret Garden is a must-have for your home library, regardless of whether your family is blessed with sons or daughters.

Wee Gillis from NYRB Kids: the surprise Caldecott Honor that beat my expectations

Kindly look at this book cover and ... take a deeeeep breath.

Seriously.

What is your first impression of Wee Gillis?

Your first impression, just from looking at the red-green cover to the right.

Let me read your thoughts. Hmmm. I know, you think this book is ...

But wait - before I tell you what is on your mind - let me make a teeny weeny admission.

The Enchanted Wood (Faraway Tree #1): Enid Blyton’s Best First Real Chapter Book

This is the chapter-book icebreaker. 

The one that turns “maybe later” into “next chapter… next chapter!” in a single week. If you only try one “first real chapter book,” make it The Enchanted Wood

The Enchanted Wood (the first blue book in that purple slipcase) is is the one.

It is the book. 

A classic Enid Blyton collection
Seven magical stories in one
Beloved fantasy worlds for children
Brightly illustrated timeless adventures
Perfect for independent early readers

The book that made my 3 and half year old twins fall head over heels in love with chapter books - together.

Jonathan Swift's Gulliver's Travels: The Best Modern Illustrated Children's Edition

Do you remember reading Jonathan Swift's Gulliver's Travels?

One of the greatest fantasy adventures, full of strange people and quirky places. 

That's the one!

I knew that we had to include this children's classic in our home library.

Two Times the Fun: four mini-stories that feel like a first real chapter-book win

Are you wondering how to introduce chapter books to your kid AND to maintain his/her attention on the story during your read aloud session? 

Or maybe you have been trying chapter books too early? 

Is there a way that you can introduce chapter books to your child, while avoiding rejection and disappointment?

My advice - before you open the first chapter book - make sure that both you and your kid are ready.

Best Illustrated Edition of Peter Pan: my hunt for a real read-aloud classic (hardcover, unabridged, and gorgeous)

My new favorite Peter Pan
illustrated by MinaLima

POST UPDATE: As my old favorite, the Scott Gustafson illustrated version of Peter Pan is no longer available - I am now recommending the MinaLima illustrated version of Peter Pan.

Why, you ask? 

Well, I found out that this this  edition also includes a range of of interactive elements that are certain to fascinate any young reader!

NYRB Children’s Collection 40-Book Set - Why I Bought It (and Still Adore It)

Post update:

Since I ordered my book set and after writing this blog post, I noticed that the NYR Children's Collection changes the content of its book set from time to time, as they published many more books from the moment when I purchased my set. 

This means that the specific book set that is on sale today may contain a different number of books than at the time of my purchase, as well as different titles.