Do You Remember These Classic 90s Children’s Books?

If you were a kid in the 1990s, a few covers probably come back right away: a fish with shiny scales, a bat hanging upside down, a girl named Junie B. who said exactly what she thought. This list sticks to books first published between 1990 and 1999, with the author, the illustrator and the year for each one.

It also clears up two favorites that people often file under the 90s but that came out earlier. Then you get a few simple ways to share these books with your own kids.

What counts as a 90s children's book?

Here, a 90s book means its first edition came out in 1990 to 1999. Many books we read as kids in the 90s were older, so memory is not a reliable guide.

The books below are grouped by reading stage: picture books for reading aloud, early chapter books for new readers, and middle-grade novels for older kids. That makes it easier to pick the right one for your child today.

90s picture books to read aloud

The Rainbow Fish (1992)

The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister, who wrote and illustrated it, first came out in German in 1992. The most beautiful fish in the sea will not share his shiny scales, and he ends up alone. It is best known for the shiny foil scales, and the lesson about sharing is easy for small children to follow.

Stellaluna (1993)

Stellaluna by Janell Cannon, who also illustrated it, was published in 1993. A baby fruit bat falls away from her mother and grows up in a bird nest, trying to act like a bird. Kids loved the soft, detailed paintings and the happy reunion at the end.

Guess How Much I Love You (1994)

Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney, illustrated by Anita Jeram, came out in 1994. Little Nutbrown Hare and Big Nutbrown Hare try to outdo each other in showing how much they love each other. It became a bedtime classic because the back-and-forth is short, sweet and easy to repeat.

Officer Buckle and Gloria (1995)

Officer Buckle and Gloria by Peggy Rathmann, who wrote and illustrated it, came out in 1995 and won the 1996 Caldecott Medal. Officer Buckle gives dull safety talks at schools until his police dog Gloria starts acting out the tips behind his back. Kids loved being in on the joke that Officer Buckle cannot see.

Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse (1996)

Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse by Kevin Henkes, who wrote and illustrated it, came out in 1996. Lilly the mouse brings her new purse to school, and it keeps interrupting class until her teacher, Mr. Slinger, takes it away. Kids saw their own big feelings in Lilly, and the ending shows how to say sorry.

90s early chapter books for new readers

Junie B. Jones (1992)

The Junie B. Jones series by Barbara Park, illustrated by Denise Brunkus, began in 1992 with Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus. Junie B. is "almost six" and in kindergarten in the early books, and later moves up to first grade. Kids loved her loud, funny voice and the way she says exactly what she thinks.

Magic Tree House (1992)

The Magic Tree House series by Mary Pope Osborne, illustrated by Sal Murdocca, began in 1992 with Dinosaurs Before Dark. Siblings Jack and Annie find a tree house that takes them to other times and places. The publisher calls it perfect for readers who are just starting chapter books.

90s middle-grade books for older kids

Goosebumps (1992)

R.L. Stine's Goosebumps series began in 1992 with Welcome to Dead House, and the original series ran to 62 books by 1997. It is aimed at readers about 8 to 12. Stine calls them "scary books that are also funny," which is a good way to explain to your child why these scares are fun.

Holes (1998)

Holes by Louis Sachar came out in 1998. It won the 1998 National Book Award for Young People's Literature and the 1999 Newbery Medal. Stanley Yelnats is wrongly sent to Camp Green Lake, where each boy must dig one hole five feet wide and five feet deep every day, and his family's past slowly ties into the mystery.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (1997 and 1998)

J.K. Rowling's first book came out in the UK in June 1997 as Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. The US edition, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, followed from Scholastic in September 1998. Harry learns on his eleventh birthday that he is a wizard and goes to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Quick list: 90s children's books at a glance

Late-80s books that 90s kids also loved

Some books feel like the 90s because that is when you read them, but they came out earlier. Two common mix-ups:

• The Magic School Bus. The first book, The Magic School Bus at the Waterworks by Joanna Cole and Bruce Degen, came out in 1986. The animated TV series started in 1994, which is why so many people link it to the 90s.
• Crusher Is Coming! Bob Graham's picture book was first published in 1987 and won the 1988 CBCA Picture Book of the Year award in Australia. It is a late-80s book that many 90s kids still read.

If you are trying to find a half-remembered book from that time, our guide on finding a childhood book from vague details can help.

How to share 90s favorites with your kids

1. Start with the right stage. Picture books work for reading aloud with young kids. Save Goosebumps, Holes and Harry Potter for when your child is ready for longer chapters.
2. Tell them why you loved it. One sentence is enough, like "I read this one so many times the cover fell off." Kids like knowing a book was yours first.
3. Let them react their own way. Your child may love a different part, or not like the book at all. That is fine, and it can start a good talk.
4. Pair old with new. Read one 90s book next to a newer one on the same theme. For more ideas, see our list of read-aloud books for kids.

Want to swap book memories with other parents? Share yours in what was your favorite childhood book and why.