Children's books make life sweeter, whether they're read with a flashlight at bedtime, out loud in silly voices or pulled from a long-forgotten shelf, whisking readers to secret

gardens, chocolate factories and beyond. Such tall tales can provide comfort, a laugh or an escape, especially as much of the world stays home during the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19)

pandemic. From silly mysteries to timeless classics, these books can make a kid (or nostalgic adult) smile — and teach them a life lesson or two. Read on for PEOPLE editors’ picks. _THE

PHANTOM TOLLBOOTH_ BY NORTON JUSTER A celebration of learning and common sense — paired with memorable sketches and kooky characters — this classic is a calming (and fun!) voice of reason

for reading aloud to your kids whether they’ve seen the film or not." — _Allison Adato, Senior Editor _ _SHE'S GOT THIS_ BY LAURIE HERNANDEZ The American gymnast’s picture book

takes pages out of her own life: _She’s Got This_ follows Zoe, an ambitious young girl, as she discovers her love for gymnastics. It’s a colorful reminder of not giving up, that you must

fall to fly — the perfect message for any little one. — _Morgan Smith, Editorial Assistant _ _WHAT DO YOU SAY, DEAR?_ BY SESYLE JOSLIN This book (illustrated by Maurice Sendak!) is a

throwback, but it still feels fresh today! It’s a truly silly guide to manners (invaluable for my toddler, who is a tiny tyrant) that makes even adults laugh — invaluable when it comes to

books for young readers, which you tend to read again and again (and again). — _ Alex Apatoff, People.com Lifestyle Director _ _CITY SPIES_ BY JAMES PONTI In his _Dead City_ and_ Framed!_

trilogies, James Ponti created marvelously entertaining escapades through which his vivid tween characters marched with mischievous attitude and clever smarts. He’s at it again with his

newest, which finds Sara Maria Martinez, a 12-year-old Brooklyn foster kid and injustice-averse computer hacker, sneakily recruited by a man known as Mother into a British spy ring of

complementary kid talents, with a mission in Paris suddenly looming. Ingeniously plotted, and a grin-inducing delight. — _Jeff Truesdell, Writer_ _WHERE DO BALLOONS GO?_ _AN UPLIFTING

MYSTERY_ BY JAMIE LEE CURTIS This book was one of my favorites growing up! Jamie Lee Curtis’s fun, whimsical story explores the many places balloons travel to once they’re let go: cafès,

spas, even Alaska! Bonus: It’s written in silly, creative rhymes. Laura Cornell’s masterful illustrations, too, are filled with surprise details that are fun to spot. — _Morgan Smith,

Editorial Assistant _ _A WORLD OF OPPOSITES_ BY GRAY MALIN The dreamiest photographer in your Instagram feed repurposes some of his most glorious shots into a kids’ book. Using photos that

span the globe (and incorporate some of kids’ favorite animals) he illustrates the concept of “opposites;” your kid will love flipping through it, though you may be more tempted to frame the

pages. — _Alex Apatoff, People.com Lifestyle Director_