The Most Popular Dr. Seuss Book in Every State
Dr. Seuss Book Popularity Across the U.S.
From timeless classics that have had their own big-screen adaptations like The Lorax to lesser-known titles that are still beloved like The Butter Battle Book, Dr. Seuss’s stories have been a fun introduction to reading for generations of children.
In a celebration of children’s literature, we explored the popularity of Dr. Seuss’s books and other popular children’s book series across the country. As we dive into the data, it’s clear that Dr. Seuss’s appeal is as vast and varied as the United States itself. Continue reading to find out the titles that are most popular in every state, according to 20 years of online search interest.
For decades, Dr. Seuss has played a pivotal role in shaping the reading habits of children across the country. Encouraging children to explore the world through books is a gift that keeps on giving, and Dr. Seuss’s stories, with their universal themes and timeless appeal, continue to be a cherished part of that journey. We examined this popularity a little more closely to determine his most popular books in every state.
1. Hop on Pop
Published in 1963, Hop on Pop emerges as the favorite Dr. Seuss story in eight different states, particularly beloved in the Midwest. Its playful rhymes make it a delightful read-aloud choice for young readers, fostering early literacy skills and a love for language.
- States: Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Ohio, Virginia, and Wisconsin
2. Green Eggs and Ham
The top-selling Dr. Seuss book of all time, Green Eggs and Ham, has captured the hearts of readers across the nation, tying Hop on Pop for the title of most popular in eight states, as well. Its memorable characters teach valuable lessons about trying new things and embracing differences, making it a timeless favorite for children and adults alike.
- States: Alaska, California, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, and Rhode Island
3. Thidwick the Big-Hearted Moose
While not as widely recognized as some of Dr. Seuss’s other works, Thidwick the Big-Hearted Moose holds its own as the most popular book in four states. This lesser-known gem showcases Dr. Seuss’s trademark wit and imagination, captivating young readers with its endearing characters and whimsical adventures.
- States: Arizona, Indiana, Oregon, and Washington
4. The Cat in the Hat
Of course, no discussion of Dr. Seuss would be complete without mentioning The Cat in the Hat, one of the author’s most iconic creations. According to some studies, it ranks among his most popular books overall. Based on our study, it especially resonates with readers in the South. Its mischievous protagonist and lively illustrations continue to inspire a love for reading that lasts a lifetime.
- States: Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, and Texas
5. Mr. Brown Can Moo! Can You?
Hitting the shelves in 1970, Mr. Brown Can Moo! Can You?, is likely the first introduction of onomatopoeia in text to young readers, which could be part of why it’s so popular compared to other, more widely-known, Dr. Seuss stories.
- States: Kansas, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Tennessee
The Most Popular Children’s Book Series in Every State
Every child’s reading journey is unique, with interests that vary widely from one to another. What resonates with one child might not with another, and that’s perfectly okay. However, for those kids who do find joy in diving into books, introducing them to captivating children’s book series can be a game-changer. These collections of stories offer a treasure trove of adventures and new worlds, often with more complex narratives that can engage and challenge them as they grow. They serve as an excellent bridge from the whimsical rhymes of Dr. Seuss to a more profound appreciation of literature, nurturing not just a habit but a passion for reading that can last a lifetime.
1. The Nancy Drew Mystery Stories
The Nancy Drew Mystery Stories, penned under the pseudonym Carolyn Keene from 1930 to 2003, is a collection of mysteries with a staggering 175 stories published in total. Nancy Drew captivated readers for generations with her thrilling adventures and cunning sleuthing skills. The mystery series is the favorite children’s series in 11 states and is particularly popular in the South.
- States: Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Michigan, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin
2. Captain Underpants
The irreverent antics of Captain Underpants, authored and illustrated by Dav Piley, have garnered the series a strong following among young readers nationwide. It comes in as the most popular children’s book series in eight states and is especially beloved in the Midwest.
- States: Arizona, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Mexico, Ohio, and Texas
3. Harry Potter
No list of popular children’s book series would be complete without mentioning the cultural phenomenon that is Harry Potter. J.K. Rowling’s spellbinding saga has captured the imaginations of millions worldwide, enchanting readers with its richly imagined wizarding world and iconic characters. With over 600 million copies sold since its debut in 1997, Harry Potter is the most popular series in the West, and is the top-searched in seven states overall.
- States: Idaho, Iowa, Kentucky, Missouri, Nevada, Tennessee, and Utah
4. Diary of a Wimpy Kid
Jeff Kinney’s Diary of a Wimpy Kid series has struck a chord with readers, offering a humorous and relatable glimpse into the life of middle schooler Greg Heffley. This beloved series resonates with audiences across the country, also claiming the top spot in seven states.
- States: California, Georgia, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, New Jersey, and New York
5. The Chronicles of Narnia
Originally published between 1950 and 1956, The Chronicles of Narnia, is the most popular children’s book in three states. Its lasting popularity is a testament to the magical world that C.S. Lewis built and the lessons his imaginative stories and characters helped tell over half a century ago.
- States: Hawaii, Kansas, and Oregon
In addition to these standout series, other beloved children’s book series, including the Magic Tree House and Junie B. Jones, have garnered widespread popularity across several states.
The enduring popularity of several of these children’s book series is staggering and speaks to the impact that literature can have on generations. From solving mysteries with Nancy Drew to exploring magical realms with Harry Potter, stories like these ignite a passion for reading that can last a lifetime.
Closing Thoughts
Closing the book on our exploration of popular children’s literature today, we’re reminded of the impact that developing a genuine love for reading can have. Starting with the whimsy of Dr. Seuss books and growing into the desire to read longer-form novels and series, children’s books are stepping stones on the journey all young readers go on.
At ABCmouse, we understand the importance of nurturing this love for reading from an early age. Through our engaging games and activities, young readers can have fun while developing their reading skills.
Methodology
To determine the most popular Dr. Seuss books and children’s book series in every U.S. state, we compiled two separate lists. The first was a list of 39 of Dr. Seuss books from Seussville, we excluded six of his stories from the search that are no longer being published or licensed by Seuss Enterprises. The second was a list of 25 popular children’s book series, according to Goodreads.
Once we had our lists of search terms, we analyzed the regional interest of each using Google search data from 2004 to 2024. Google gives each searched query a value of 0 to 100 based on how often that term is searched compared to all other searches in an area. It then ranks states based on that proportion to paint a picture of how frequently a term is searched across the country.
We compared the search interest of each book and series across all 50 states to determine the most popular Dr. Seuss book and children’s book series in every state. We used high search interest as an indicator for popularity in this study.
Source: Age of Learning Commissioned Survey