What Books Should Every Child Have On Their Shelf?

Is there such thing as a perfect bookshelf for a child? The answer to that question may just be a resounding yes — and this infographic might be exactly it. This picture, created by the Stuart Morris design team, explains what children of different ages enjoy reading about, and backs it up with book recommendations based on the most popular stories at each age group. And you know what? I think this might be the bookshelf of my childhood dreams.

Children aged three to five, the infographic explains, like to read simple stories about their favorite things — which, at that age, are animals, toys, and food. (Um, those are still my favorite things TBH.) Book recommendations for that age group include The Snowman by Raymond Briggs, Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak, and Dogger by Shirley Hughes — delightful classics which are all firmly on my bookshelf to this day.

It's when kids are about nine that they start appreciating strong heroes and lots of narrative conflict — and you know what that means. Yup, it's Harry Potter time! Badass female characters also make an appearance at this point: like book-obsessed Matilda Wormwood, the brave and imaginative Sara from A Little Princess , and the tough-as-nails Tracy Beaker.

From the age of 12, children start getting lost in the wide and wonderful world of Young Adult fiction. The infographic suggests anything from the terrifying Watership Down to the powerful Noughts and Crosses, from the charming Pride and Prejudice to the angsty The Catcher in the Rye. I'm actually jealous of the kids who haven't read these books yet: they have so much ahead of them!

Images: Stuart Morris