Recently updated on October 4th, 2022 at 09:28 am
With the kids out of school, home life is a little more hectic. Plus, how do you find the time for home schooling? From The Very Hungry Caterpillar to Harry Potter, keep the kids (and grand kids) busy with this list of best loved children’s book classics.
13. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – Roald Dahl
One of the all time children’s book classics, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory follows the adventures of young Charlie Bucket inside the chocolate factory of chocolatier extraordinaire, Willy Wonka. The story teaches children the importance of being a good person and is bursting with delicious descriptions of sweets!
12. Charlotte’s Web – E.B. White
Charlotte’s Web is the heart-warming tale of a pig named Wilbur, and his friendship with a spider called Charlotte. When Wilbur is in danger of being slaughtered by his farmer, Charlotte writes messages in her web to persuade the farmer to let the pig live. Beautifully illustrated by Garth Ward, it’s a classic story all kids need to hear.
11. Goodnight Moon – Margaret Wise Brown
Goodnight Moon is an adorable rhyming poem by Margaret Wise Brown. The poem is about a bunny rabbit saying goodnight to all of the objects in its room. This is the perfect bedtime read to get your little ones off to sleep.
10. Green Eggs and Ham – Dr. Seuss
Green Eggs and Ham by Dr.Seuss is one of the all time children’s book classics. Selling nearly 8 million copies worldwide, Green Eggs and Ham is an excellent book for beginner readers. The text consists of just 50 words and was the result of a bet between Seuss and his publisher. See if your kids can name all 50!
9. The Tale of Peter Rabbit – Beatrix Potter
Written and illustrated by Beatrix Potter, The Tale of Peter Rabbit follows a mischievous young rabbit as he is chased around Mr. McGregor’s garden. Selling 45 million copies worldwide and translated into 36 languages, this is one of the best-selling children’s books in history.
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8. The Gruffalo – Julia Donaldson
Based on a Chinese folk tale about a fox that borrows the terror of a tiger, The Gruffalo is a rhyming story about a mouse taking a walk through a wood and encountering dangerous animals along the way. Author Julia Donaldson, struggled to rhyme words with tiger, so she invented a word that easily rhymes with “know”. Perfect for readers aged 3-7, this lovable story has been adapted into films, theatre productions and even a ride.
7. Where the Wild Things Are – Maurice Sendak
A beautifully illustrated picture book, that tells the story of a young boy named Max who is sent to bed without any supper. His bedroom transform into a tropical island inhabited by malicious beasts known as the “Wild Things”. After becoming king of the “Wild Things”, Max decides to return back to his bedroom, where he finds a hot dinner waiting for him.
6. The Very Hungry Caterpillar – Eric Carle
Described as having the equivalent of a copy sold every minute since its publication, The Very Hungry Caterpillar is thought to be “one of the greatest children’s classics of all time”. The distinctive illustrations, simple text, “eaten” holes in the pages and educational themes have made this story timeless.
5.The Hobbit – J.R.R. Tolkien
In at number five, is the story of a young Hobbit named Bilbo Baggins. Set in Tolkein’s fictional universe of Middle Earth, the story has themes of personal growth and heroism. It’s an epic tale that has never been out of print. If they love the film, they’ll love the book more!
4. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe – C.S. Lewis
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is a children’s fantasy novel. It’s the first and best known book from The Chronicles of Narnia. The story depicts four siblings adventure in a mythical land called Narnia, accessed only via a magic wardrobe. A magical tale that has stood the test of time.
3. Winnie the Pooh – A.A. Milne
Taking third place is a classic children’s book, the lovable stories of Pooh Bear. The book focuses on the adventures of a teddy bear called Winnie-the-Pooh and his friends Piglet, Eeyore, Owl, and Rabbit. Nostalgic, heart-warming and timeless.
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2. Matilda – Roald Dahl
Just missing the top spot, Matilda tells the story of an extraordinary girl as she takes revenge on her neglectful parents and evil Headmistress. It teaches young children that they can achieve anything if they put their mind to it. The 17 million copies sold outsells all of Dahl’s other works put together.
1. The Harry Potter series – J.K. Rowling
Hitting the number one spot is, of course, Harry Potter. This seven part series depicts the lives of a young wizard, Harry Potter, and his friends Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley, students at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The main plot is Harry’s battle with Lord Voldemort, an evil wizard who intends to rule the wizarding world. The Harry Potter series has sold 500 million copies worldwide, making it the best-selling book series in history.
Have we missed any off? Send us your all time favourite children’s book classics and we’ll add them to the list.