There are some things that just get better with age- a cast iron pan, a pair of jeans, and balsamic vinegar. Then, there are the things that can stand the test of time. A great children’s book falls into this category. It’s just as good (if not better) as it was when it was published 25, 45, or 75 years ago. Today we are sharing the oldies but goodies, the star releases that still shine years later. It’s our list of classic books for kids!
Classic Books for Kids
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Here is a list of classic books full of life lessons.
You can’t help but love the two hippos in George and Martha by James Marshall. They are best friends and remind me a lot of the modern day friends Elephant & Piggie.
The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf reminds us to be who we are even if it doesn’t match the expectations of others.
Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey is celebrating 75 years in print. The Mallards welcome their eight ducklings, Jack, Kack, Lack, Nack, Ouack, Pack, and Quack into the world.
We recently discovered the rereleased, The Brownstone by Paula Scher. It’s a fun book and encourages problem-solving as we try to figure out where each animal should live in the brownstone so that all the occupants are happy.
“Caps for sale. Caps for sale. Fifty cents a cap.” The classic Caps for Sale by Esphyr Slobodkina is the story of a peddler who encounters a group of mischievous monkeys.
I picked Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel by Virginia Lee Burton, but Katy and the Big Snow or The Little House by the same author would be great classic picks too. Mike Mulligan and his trusty steam shovel prove that hard work and a little creativity can solve a problem.
Harry the Dirty Dog by Gene Zion has been a bedtime read in our house on many nights. Harry does a little exploring and becomes very filthy on his adventures. When he returns home, his human family doesn’t even recognize him. Listen to Betty White read the story on Storyline Online.
I have vivid memories of enjoying Bedtime for Frances by Russell Hoban when I was a child.
Here is another blast from my past. The Sweet Smells of Christmaswas another childhood favorite of mine. What little one from the 70’s and 80’s didn’t like scratch-and-sniff stickers? The hot chocolate scratch-and-sniff page was my favorite!
Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson is full of imagination. A little boy creates his adventure with the help of a big purple crayon.
The Big Orange Splot by D. Manus Pinkwater is one of my son’s favorites. I love that it encourages individuality.
This list could go on and on with Curious George, Brown Bear, Brown Bear, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, The Very Hungry Caterpillar… What classic book do you think needs to be shared with future generations? Share your favorites #ReadKidsClassics.
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Tina at Mommynificent says
We love so many of these! Thank you for being a part of Booknificent Thursday this week.
Tina
Crystal Marcos says
You have my husband’s favorite book as a child on the list, “The Story of Ferdinand” and one of my favorites, “Bedtime for Francis”. Although, I really loved “Bread and Jam” more because it had food in it. =) We had to them for our kids.
Renee Wilson says
Great list! I would add Blueberries for Sal, Billly & Blaze series, James Herriot’s Treasury for Children, and The Ox-Cart Man.
Sandy says
I would add to your list .the giving tree…
Anna says
I absolutely LOVE George and Martha and most of these books. I see a couple we’ve never seen (The Brown Stone and The Big Orange Splot). Thanks – we’ll have to check those out!