The 100 best-ever children’s books, as chosen by our readers

18. Elmer by David McKee (1968)

We said: A nursery favourite featuring a wonderful elephant of many colours. Elmer and all his differences have subtly taught generations of children that it's ok to be different. 

You said: It teaches us to be ourselves and embrace our quirks. 

thosedarkpages, Instagram

46. Further Doings of Milly-Molly-Mandy by Joyce Lankester Brisley (1932)

We said: Venture to the quaintest nooks of rural England with Millicent Margaret Amanda (or Milly-Molly-Mandy, for short), always on a fun escapade in that notorious pink-and-white striped dress.

You said: I loved M-M-M, the tales of the haberdashery shop and making a tea cosy from bits of the family’s old clothes and the booby prize of a little white rabbit. Simple and evocative of a bygone age.

NichollsTanya, Twitter

Books ranked in no particular order. Some answers edited for clarity and style.