15+ Favorite Book Characters That Parents and Their Kids Love

A captivating character is what truly hooks kids on a book or an entire series, which is why the most popular children's books feature unforgettable figures who kids can relate to or look up to.

When your child gets invested in a certain character, they'll be more likely to pick up subsequent books in a series. In turn, your child will improve reading fluency, comprehension skills, and vocabulary, all while hanging out with a new literary friend. 

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Here are 15+ book series featuring the most popular characters that parents and their kids love. 

The Baby-Sitters Club

Your reader will love getting to know the friends and members of The Baby-Sitters Club — Kristy, Claudia, Mary Anne, Stacey, Dawn — and other unforgettable characters! 

The Bad Guys

Introduce your upper elementary reader to the baddest bunch of do-gooders in town — Mr. Wolf, Mr. Piranha, Mr. Snake, and Mr. Shark — the main characters in The Bad Guys graphic novel series.

Captain Underpants

When George and Harold accidentally hypnotize their principal, he turns into Captain Underpants — the greatest superhero in the history of their elementary school!

Clifford The Big Red Dog

Growing readers will delight in the everyday activities and experiences of Clifford, the lovable Big Red Dog who always values loyalty, kindness, compassion, and friendship. 

Diary of a Pug

In the Diary of a Pug series, readers meet Baron von Bubbles, aka Bub, and follow along on his relatable and hilarious antics.

Dog Man

Fans of graphic novels will love Dog Man, author Dav Pilkey’s crime-biting protagonist who’s part dog, part man, and all hero.

Dragon Girls

Your child will love reading about the fascinating adventures of the Dragon Girls — Azima, Willa, and Naomi — as they learn how to use their secret powers to protect the Magic Forest from evil.

Fly Guy

For being such a little bug, Fly Guy makes a big buzz for early readers. Follow Buzz the fly on his adventures in the Fly Guy book series!

Harry Potter

Unlock your child’s imagination and curiosity as they follow the adventures of Harry Potter and his friends in the wizarding world.

How Do Dinosaurs

In the charming How Do Dinosaurs series, prehistoric pals come to life in relatable and hilarious ways for young readers — and teach important life lessons about empathy, kindness, and compassion.

Owl Diaries

Emerging readers will delight in the hoot-worthy adventures of Eva Wingdale — a sweet and colorful owl from Treetopolis — in the Owl Diaries series. 

Pokémon

Featuring their favorite Pokémon characters, these action-packed books take kids on epic quests and battles across the Pokémon world.

Peppa Pig

Introduce your young reader to everyone’s favorite little piggy, Peppa, her friends (each a different animal), and her family (Mummy Pig, Daddy Pig, and little brother George).

Pig the Pug

Following the mischief and hilarious antics of Pig the Pug and his best friend Trevor, your little one will learn valubale lessons about sharing, kindness, and honesty.

There Was an Old Lady

From a truck to a dinosaur, your child will be giggling by the random items the hungry Old Lady gobbles up in her lovable book series.

Unicorn Diaries

Your little one will love following Bo Tinseltail, the wish unicorn, and all of their twinkle-tactic friends each with a different set of powers in the Unicorn Diaries series. 

For more great titles that will entice your reader, check out these timeless chapter books for kids. Plus, explore more children's books by age.

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