35 Classic Books Every Kid Should Read
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It is common knowledge that reading to young children helps build literacy skills and a love of reading.
In recent years, the Harry Potter series has taken the world by storm; inspiring readers of all ages to read, read, read! The plot twists and the endless and ageless battle of good versus evil makes this series an exciting, modern classic already.
But, there are many books with similar morals and endless adventure out there that we as parents read when we were kids.
These stories portray memorable characters who have stood the test of time.
I’m talking about the timeless classics that have been filling household bookshelves for generations. The ones that parents, and even grandparents, pass down to their children/grandchildren.
Stories that inspire kindness and empathy, courage and fortitude, but also silly tales of sleepy critters and talking animals.
Each of these classics has proven its worth and still reign high as some of the most popular books today.
From the endearing classic picture books to the classic chapter books, children will love listening to you share your favorite stories with them. And, don’t be surprised when memories of your own childhood come whirling back as you read these classic children’s books with your children.
Classic Books for Kids
Oldies but goodies, these classic books for kids are still relevant, must-reads today.
Which classic tale was your favorite growing up?
The Giving Tree
A picture book about love and acceptance that’s been a favorite for over 50 years. It’s a classic that’s perfect for young readers.
A Wrinkle in Time
Meg, her brother Charles, and their mother head to the kitchen to get a midnight snack when a disturbing stranger greets them. In search of Meg’s father, they pledge to find him in A Wrinkle of Time.
The Three Little Pigs
The story we all know and love, The Three Little Pigs is a classic book for kids that tells the story of what happens when a wolf shows up to stir trouble.
Clifford’s Good Deeds
Clifford, the big red dog, has a huge heart but when he tries to be responsible and do great deeds for others, they always seem to backfire. However, he does help save two children and becomes a hero. Young children will love Clifford’s heroism and efforts as they read through this story.
Little Women
Little Women is a classic novel that’s set during the Civil War and follows four sisters who experience the joys, tragedies, and triumphs growing up.
I Just Forgot
One of the most well-known Critter books, I Just Forgot is a funny and heartwarming book about how Little Critter forgets to do many things. This book is a useful tool in teaching responsibility.
The Dr. Seuss Collection
We had to throw in the collection of Dr. Seuss books because there are too many classics to list one by one. This beginner book collection has all the important classics.
Charlotte’s Web
One of America’s most beloved novels, this classic children’s literature book has a great plot. In the story, Charlotte’s spiderweb tells of her feelings for a pig named Wilbur and the rest of their friends who mean so much to her. Charlotte’s goal is to make the town fall in love with Wilbur in order to save his life. Full of sweet moments and fun, this classic novel is a must read!
Where the Sidewalk Ends
A book full of memorable poems, Where the Sidewalk Ends is a collection of poetry that has become a popular book of poetry for young kids over the years. With funny and profound poems, this is a classic book for kids that never goes out of style.
Brown Bear, Brown Bear
Brown Bear sees many friends of different colors as we travel through this adorable book. It’s been a beloved children’s story over the years and is full of rhyming, repetition, and color recognition.
The Odyssey
Follow the epic journey of Odysseus, the hero of Ancient Greece, as he sets sail for home after a long battle at war. Although the war is done, he must face many dangers to get home to his family.
Goodnight Moon
The perfect bedtime story that we’ve loved throughout the years, Goodnight Moon is a classic book for kids and a great addition to any bedtime routine. With rhymes and beautiful illustrations, this is a must read!
Just Go to Bed
Just Go to Bed is another popular Little Critter book that’s perfect to read aloud to young children. Little Critter is not looking forward to bedtime, so he tries to do everything he can to stay awake.
The Rainbow Fish
The most beautiful fish in the whole ocean, the Rainbow Fish, is also so vein and proud. Eventually his vanity causes him to become quite lonely. This is a great book that teaches children what’s on the inside is more important than what’s on the outside.
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie
What happens when you give a mouse a cookie? He comes back and wants a glass a milk. That’s not enough though! The little mouse keeps coming back to ask for even more things. Follow Mouse on his adventure in this great book!
The Busy Little Squirrel
As the leaves start to fall and the air gets colder, Squirrel knows that he needs to get ready for winter. Go on the journey with him as he gets everything in order before the cold weather hits.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
A classic picture book, The Very Hungry Caterpillar is a beautiful book that features die cut pages. The book can be read to young kids and can help teach them to count and about the days of the week.
Anne of Green Gables
This fabulous book by Lucy Maud Montgomery will have you smiling as you follow the endearing adventures of Anne Shirley. Her flair for the dramatic and her wild imagination is highly entertaining making this a great read for all children and young adults.
Black Beauty
Follow the life of Black Beauty, a young colt who grows up under the care of several different owners. As he is ages, he learns many lessons about friendship, loss, and human nature. This beloved book would be great for young readers interested in horses.
The Velveteen Rabbit
The story is about a rabbit who wants to be loved by his owner so he may become real. This sweet story has been around for a long time.
Where the Wild Things Are
This Caldecott Medal-winning picture by Maurice Sendak has been delighting children since it first was published. Young Max gets sent to his room for throwing a tantrum. He learns over the course of the book that all the wild fun is great, but in the end, the love and care from his mother warms his heart. This classic picture book is loved by younger children–and mothers alike.
The Secret Garden
This timeless classic of a little girl who goes to live with her mysterious uncle in Yorkshire has delighted young readers for over 100 years.
Tale of Peter Rabbit
This delightful story of a very mischievous young rabbit is a timeless classic! Written by Beatrix Potter and loved by many for more than a century, this wonderful book should be in every young child’s library.
Winnie-the-Pooh
Enter the hundred acre wood where you will meet the classic teddy bear, Winnie the Pooh, and all of his wonderful friends. These classic characters brought to life by AA Milne has been a childhood favorite for many years. Grab this beautiful book for a loved one.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Take a journey through Willy Wonka’s famous chocolate factory with the five lucky winners who are all very different when it comes to their personalities and the troubles they get into over the course of this book. Written by the author who gave us The BFG, Matilda, James and the Giant Peach, and many others, Roald Dahl has been a kid favorite for many years. His books are great chapter books for advancing readers.
Phantom Tollbooth
This very smart and witty tale of Milo, a young boy who finds life very dull until the day a tollbooth mysteriously appears in his bedroom, is great choice for your next classic book selection.
Grimms Fairy Tales
These classic tales are sure to entertain readers of all ages. Having inspired many film adaptations, theatre productions, operas, and the like, these fairy tales by the Brothers Grimm contain enchantment for all readers.
A Bear Called Paddington
For great adventure and accidental mishaps, follow along with this special bear who arrives at Paddington Station with a suitcase, a few jars of marmalade and a sign reading, “Please take care of this bear.” This book is wonderful for family read-alouds and is easy enough to use as an early reader. Loved by many, these books are sure to be a hit with young readers.
The Chronicles of Narnia
Often thought of as some of the best books of all time by adults, children and scholars, C.S. Lewis’s book series, The Chronicles of Narnia, is full of adventure, life lessons, and talking animals. Whether this is your first time reading through the series or you are revisiting with your own kids, you will not be disappointed as you enter the world of Narnia. The series includes seven books: The Magician’s Nephew; The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe; The Horse and His Boy; Prince Caspian; The Voyage of the Dawn Treader; The Silver Chair; and The Last Battle.
Mary Poppins
Mary Poppins is quite possibly my favorite character. Her magical and direct way of loving the children she cares for as a nanny has a way of making you want to be a better person. You will never be disappointed going on an adventure with Mary Poppins! Dive right into this book any day of the week!
Raggedy Ann
These timeless stories are sure to make you smile as you follow along with this famous rag doll and all her nursery friends!
Peter Pan
Fly away to Neverland with Peter and his new friends, Wendy, Michael, and John, to a land where kids never grow up in this J.M. Barrie classic novel! Full of adventure and the evil Captain Hook, kids will love this book!
The Wizard of Oz
“There’s no place like home!” This timeless classic about a young girl and her dog, Toto, who are swept up in a tornado and arrive in the land of Oz has touched the lives of so many. We are enchanted time and time again as we follow Dorothy and her friends as they make their way to the Emerald City to speak with the wonderful wizard of Oz.
Jungle Book
The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling is a fantastic story about a young boy named Mowgli who is adopted by a family of wolves. Mowgli learns many things in the jungle with his friends and protectors Bagheera, the black panther, and Baloo, the brown bear. Little kids will enjoy using their imagination as they read and wonder about being raised by wolves.
The Complete Hans Christian Anderson Fairy Tales
Curl up with a cozy blanket, grab some yummy hot chocolate, your children, and snuggle in with the magic and marvel of these delightful fairy tales by Hans Christian Anderson. With such classics as “The Little Mermaid”, “The Snow Queen”, “The Ugly Duckling”, and so many more, you and your children will be able to spend many hours reading and spending time together.
Enjoying Classic Books with Your Kids
Reading these classic stories with your children is a perfect way to spend some quality time together. Both younger and older kids are often eager to take trips down memory lane with their parents and what better way to do that than while sharing your favorite titles with your kids! These stories often carry with them great morals and life lessons, making them useful in starting great discussions while snuggling as a family on the couch!
One tradition we have in our family is to give a book on Christmas Eve to each of our kids. Maybe grab one or two of these magical stories and begin a new tradition of reading classic children’s books each December as a family! What a beautiful way to make new memories with timeless classics!
I’d love to hear from you in the comments: which is your favorite from the list? Are there any I missed that you would add? Let me know!
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