What Has Been the Best-Selling Children’s Book of All Time?

As one might expect, the best-selling book of all time was published in the late 90’s! It’s the first book in the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, also known as Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone in the U.S.

According to Statista, it has sold 500 million copies worldwide since its publication in 1997, of which 180 million were sold in the U.S.

What Is the Most Widely Read Children’s Book?

Obviously, the best-selling Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone is one of the most widely read books for children. Speaking of more ‘90s children’s books, The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister, The Magic School Bus series by Joanna Cole, and The Goosebumps series by R.L. Stine are also widely read.

If we go back in time, The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, published in 1943, remains one of the most widely read books, translated into 300 hundred languages. Delving further into the classics, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll, first published in 1865, is a story kids still read and watch on the screen today.

Are There Any Children’s Books That Are Worth a Lot of Money?

Many children’s books are worth a lot of money, especially if they are rare, first edition, or signed copies. According to AbeBooks, some of the most valuable children’s books include:

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll: The most expensive copy sold on AbeBooks was a signed Dali copy that fetched $20,000 in 2014.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. Rowling: The highest-priced copy ever sold on AbeBooks was a first edition that fetched $85,620 in January 2023.

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien: A 1937 first edition sold for $65,000 in 2003, making it one of the most expensive copies on AbeBooks.

If you own old children’s books, you might check their value online or with a rare book dealer. You never know, as you might be holding a treasure in your hands!