Reading opens doors to the universe, and beyond; the younger a reader is, the more doors it can open. You should never underestimate the power of falling in love with reading, especially when you are young. Through reading, the benefits on children’s education are incomparable and wide-ranging, such as, spark their imagination and stimulate curiosity, help develop their brain, ability to focus, social skills, and communication skills, develop confidence and independence, help them learn about the world, and so much more. For this reason, we compiled a full list of the best and timeless children’s books of all time.
1. Charlotte's Web
Charlotte's Web by E.B. White was published in the 1950s and is considered one of the all-time great classics of children's literature. This book centers around the life-changing friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a spider named Charlotte. Charlotte's Web continues to be enjoyed by generations to come for its kindly wisdom about friendship & love has survived and prospered even in the digital age. Such themes are universal and timeless: It will inspire readers to think about how we should make and keep friends, and how we should treat each other.
2. The Chronicles of Narnia
The Chronicles of Narnia is C. S. Lewis’s best-selling work which draws readers from all ages to the magical lands with unforgettable characters for over sixty years. With amazing characters and abundant magic, this series is impossible to forget. This collection contains seven books and is considered a classic of children's literature. Its clever fusion of good and evil, heroic deeds, Christian, and classical elements, with easy storytelling, magic and talking animals, make it easy to enjoy. We highly recommend you read this collection.
3. The Little Prince
The Little Prince will capture the hearts of readers of all ages. The little prince represents the open-mindedness of children. There’s something philosophical in the story because it touches upon childhood, imagination and the inevitability of growing up. There are three important lessons this book has bestowed to us: "One sees clearly only with the heart. Anything essential is invisible to the eyes." "It's the time you spent on your rose that makes your rose so important." "You become responsible for what you've tamed." The main reason makes this book so timeless is because it really speaks to your heart.
4. Harry Potter
Harry Potter is a series of seven fantasy novels written by the British brilliant author J.K. Rowling. It is one of the most successful book series ever as well as the best-selling series of all time which has collectively sold more than 500 million copies. The reason why Harry Potter is so popular is that it tells a story that millions of people fall in love with and can deeply relate to, and it introduces readers to a magical world that millions of people have dreamed of escaping into. Since Harry Potter is a children's series, it's a smooth read. And the writing is clear and entertaining, so it will be super exciting and relaxing for kids to read it.
5. Alice's Adventures in Wonderland
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland is definitely a classic novel of children’s literature. It is a story about Alice who falls down a rabbit hole and lands into a fantasy world that is full of weird, wonderful people and animals. As one of the best-known works of Victorian English fiction, its narrative, structure, and imagery have had a huge influence on literature. The style and tone of the text are very reminiscent of a child’s imagination. For children, they are mesmerized by the mysteries of Wonderland.
6. Where the Wild Things Are
Where The Wild Things Are was former president Obama’s choice of children’s book to read over the 2016 Easter Egg Roll at the White House. This book is inspired by the author’s youth, his background growing up in Brooklyn and his relationship with his parents. Where The Wild Things Are is a medal-winning picture book that has become one of the most highly acclaimed and best-loved children's books of all time. It is a must for every child's bookshelf. It tells the story of Max, a disobedient boy who, after being sent to his bedroom without dinner, travels to a land of fanged, hairy monsters.
7. Peter Pan
Peter Pan was written by Scottish novelist and playwright J. M. Barrie, inspired by his friendship with the Llewelyn-Davies family. Peter Pan is a mischievous little boy who never grows up. He can fly and go on many adventures on the island of Neverland with Wendy and her brothers. It is a wonderful book full of imagination, fantasy, and innocence. The childish tone and mood prevailing over the story really contribute to its freshness and lightness. The story of Peter Pan also encourages parents to allow children to enjoy their world of imagination without worry.
8. The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Due to its effortless fusion of story and educational concepts, The Very Hungry Caterpillar is an all-time classic picture book, from generation to generation. It is a great book for young children because it's short and colorful with lots of repetition and rhythmic language. The Very Hungry Caterpillar talks about a caterpillar who eats his way through a week of various foods and finally becomes a butterfly.
9. A Wizard of Earthsea
A Wizard of Earthsea is the first book of a series of 6 high fantasy Earthsea title books written by the American writer Ursula K. Le Guin. It is regarded as a classic of children's literature, and one of the best, and best-written fantasy books which easily grabs our attention and pulls us deeply into its imaginary world. Besides, Earthsea series is considered as a rival to Tolkien's Middle-earth or Lewis's Narnia. This book is definitely worth the read. It is short, concise and beautifully crafted prose with deep insight. If you're a fan of Harry Potter, you'll definitely love this book, too.
10. A Wrinkle In Time
A Wrinkle in Time is written by the 1963 Newbery Medal winner -- Madeleine L'Engle. It is the first book in The Time Quintet. It is one of the great works of literature for kids. It is a ground-breaking science fiction and fantasy classic. The book won many awards and has been adapted into television shows, movies, and plays since it was released. A Wrinkle in Time is the story of Meg Murry, a high-school-aged girl who is transported on an adventure through time and space with her younger brother and her friend to rescue her father, a gifted scientist, from the evil forces that hold him prisoner on another planet. It shows us everlasting moral responsibility, the power of love and the value of individuality, especially family love.
11. Little House on the Prairie
Little House on the Prairie is the third book in Laura Ingalls Wilder's treasured Little House series. The nine Little House books are inspired by Laura's own real-life experiences as a child on the American frontier. It considers one of the 100 best young adult books of all time. You will not stop reading it if you love history. You have a glimpse into America's heartwarming and unforgettable frontier stories. The themes of Little House on the Prairie are perseverance, taking risks, the importance of family, and family unity.
12. Winnie-the-Pooh
Winnie-the-Pooh is one of the world's most beloved icons of children's literature! It is a timeless collection of short adventurous stories about an anthropomorphic teddy bear, Winnie-the-Pooh, and his friends Piglet, Kanga, Roo, Owl, Rabbit, and Eeyore. Winnie-the-Pooh is such a household name that almost everyone has read it as children. It is definitely an escape into innocence for children. This simple story shows us the importance of forming solid, lasting friendships that you will always have someone there to lean on no matter when.
13. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a classic children's book which is written by Roald Dahl and beloved of generations of children. It talks about five kids who win a chance to tour Willy Wonka's mysterious and magical chocolate factory. The story was originally inspired by Roald Dahl's experience of chocolate companies during his schooldays. Roald tells the story with amusing, cartoon-like sketches that keep kids excited and laughing. The moral of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is that good child are rewarded and bad children are punished.
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Hillary Lopez works for Epubor and writes articles about eBooks and eReaders. She explores the best method to help you read eBooks more freely and wants to share all she has got with you.
