5 Best Classic Books for Children

Shares 0

If you love to read as much as I am, you’re probably reading to your children every day hoping they become bookworms just like you, right? Reading to them is the best way to encourage a love of books. As the years go on I plan to read bigger and bigger books to Mason and Kyla. I want them to love books both old and new. They need the classics in their lives.

What classics should you start with? This list will help you get started with the best books for children aged 8-12. Mason isn’t quite there yet but he will be in a blink of an eye. If you’re kids aren’t quite there yet either you can read a chapter a night to them. We’re planning to do that soon since Mason seems to be interested in reading more “grown up” books. You can find many of these books at Overstock. Especially right now then there are a ton of online coupons for Overstock from ChameleonJohn.com. It’ll make buying all of them much easier on your wallet. Here are some of the best classic books for children in no particular order.

The Little Prince
Antoine de Saint-Exupéry (1943)

Have you read The Little Prince by French author A. de Saint-Exupéry? If you haven’t you need too. It’s about a small boy living on a miniature planet and how he takes care of it. It leads into wonderful discussions about taking care of yourself and others. It helps to teach friendship and love for others. Prince’s quizzical, wise stories of other planets (most of which are inhabited by solitary monomaniacs) lead to the journey of self-discovery as well.

Pippi Longstocking
Astrid Lindgren (1945)

Growing up I loved Pippi Longstocking! The movie was awesome but like most things, the book is where you need to begin. While some may think this is a book for girls, it’s for both! Pippi is a daredevil little girl with bright red hair and huge personality. She’s an orphan living on her own with just a horse and a monkey as a family! Pippi helps to teach you how you should always be positive and showcases an amazing love for life. Once you finish the book, watch the movie!

Charlotte’s Web
E. B. White (1952)

It’s been years since I’ve read or watched Charlotte’s Web. It’s clear that needs to change. Charlotte’s Web is all about a spider, Charlotte who is a wonderful, giving friend with excellent manners. Her best buddy is a pig. This book teaches your little one about love, friendship and even death. If you’re child is sensitive you may want to keep that in mind. Like the previous book it’s a great book to follow up with a showing of the movie adaptation.

Winnie the Pooh
A. A. Milne (1926)

Winnie the Pooh is another amazing book about friendship and dealing with differences. Characters in this book begin their days by visiting one another. Usually ending up shifting houses, learning to fly or surviving floods or having other adventures that will keep your little book reader interested for long. It helps your child to learn about different personalities and how to deal with those differences. We may all be different but that doesn’t mean we can’t all be friends.

A Journey to the Centre of the Earth
Jules Verne (1864)

Have a little explorer and adventurer on your hands? Journey to the Centre of the Earth is a must then. Let your kids discover and fight monsters all while learning about the earth. This book is great for helping to spark their imagination. I can easily see how you can make a game out of it and let them tell their own stories of their journey to the center of the earth!