Cambridge International School and Cambridge Early Years Centre

Top 20 Must Read Classic Books for Kids

Top 20 Must Read Classic Books for Kids

Reading is the best way to see the world without moving an inch. We must guide our kids to the path of reading by giving them the best books to read. Reading has a proven effect on a child’s growth and development. It will:

  • Nourish the brain and enhance the development
  • Create inquisitiveness
  • Improve memory power phenomenally
  • Help children grasp academic lessons quickly
  • Initiate creative thoughts
  • Present the kids with imaginative powers
  • Identify his or her destination and strengthen their mind to embark on their dream journey

Here we are introducing the top 20 classic books every child should read. Gift them books to them to present them with a new world.

1.     Adventures of Tom Sawyer

The novel by Mark Twain published in 1976 continues to be one of the top classics of all time. It narrates the story of a young boy growing up along the Mississippi River.  Buy the book for your kid or rent one from the library (yes, every children section will have at least a couple of copies of this book).

2.     Panchatantra Tales

Panchatantra consists of moral stories that are believed to be written between 200 BCE and 300 BCE. The stories from the prehistoric era, it may seem, however, are still relevant.

3.     Aesop’s Fables

Aesop’s Fables is similar to Panchatantra stories. The tales are believed to be from a slave who lived in Greece circa 564 BC.

4.     Winnie the Pooh

Winnie the Pooh written by A.A. Milne and illustrated by E.H. Shepard narrates the story of a fictional teddy bear. It has been a hit with children across the globe. The collection of stories would entertain the kids and would help in introducing them to the fictional world.

5.     The Velveteen Rabbit

The book by British author Margery Williams, illustrated by William Nicholson was first published in 1922. It narrates the story of a stuffed rabbit.   

6.     The Complete Hans Christian Andersen Fairy Tales

The fairy tales written in 1952 still attract kids and children alike. You may buy the book for the kids to improve their reading habits.

7.     The Giving Tree

The Giving Tree written by Shel Silverstein has been one of the most preferred classics for decades. The book still holds the novelty to capture the attention of young readers.

8.     Where The Wild Things Are

Published in 1963, Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak, the American writer is a must include in children book collections.

9.     Chronicles of Narnia

Chronicles of Narnia takes children to the world of fantasy quite brilliantly. The book by C.S. Lewis has a wonderful narrative to pull the kids into the imaginary world.

10.   Charlotte’s Web

E.B. White introduces the children to the world of Wilbur, the pig, in the book Charlotte’s Web.

11.    Black Beauty

Anna Sewell tries out a horse’s autobiography in the book Black Beauty. Delve into the book to know about the life of a horse. It will instill love towards animals and compassion in children.

12.   Phantom Tollbooth

Norton Juster’s Phantom Tollbooth is a fascinating classic that lives beyond generations.

13.   Magic Treehouse

Published in 1992, the book won the proud crown of a classic quickly. Venture the world of siblings, Jack and Annie in this book.

14.   The Tale of Peter Rabbit

The funny tale of a troublesome rabbit, Peter, lies at the center of this book published in 1902.

15.   A Wrinkle in Time

Madeleine L’Engle transports you to space and another world in this magical book. Full of adventure, courage, and mysticism, A Wrinkle in Time creates a world of imagination.

16.   Stuart Little

What will happen if human parents are blessed with a mouse? This weird, yet funny, imagination is the root of the story Stuart Little.

17.   Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing

Written by Judy Blame, Tales of Fourth Grade Nothing is the story of two mischievous siblings.

18.   Harry Potter Series

Who can miss the Harry Potter series from J.K. Rowling! The brilliantly narrated magical fantasy is loved by both kids and adults. Winning the hearts of readers of all ages, the Harry Potter series has been selling like hotcakes.

19.   Matilda

Matilda is a child with some unique traits and characteristics. You may love her or hate her. However, you cannot miss the sheer elegance with which the character has been woven.

20.  Little Women

Louisa May Alcott has written the book Little Women in the mid-nineteenth century. The book had been a trendsetter during that time. It initiated the surge of family stories for children.

The list doesn’t end here! Several more books are must-reads for children. Don’t forget to give your kids the best books to read. Reading will shape their character and impart the qualities that make them successful adults. In our school we offer a library and digital library facility which has a huge collection of ebooks, journals, story books, etc. The library is updated on a yearly basis which ensures the resources are available for our students. 

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