Classic children’s books written prior to 1975, particularly those which appear timeless, and not outdated due to language and culture.
Published 1972 Theme: WWII refugee Best for: 9 and up "Next morning before school Anna ran into Papa's room to see him. The desk was tidy. The bed was neatly made. Papa had gone." Neither overly melodramatic nor depressing, this is an excellent look at the life of a WWII Jewish refugee family...
Published: English: 2018 (original: 1945) Theme: Imaginative Tale Best for: 6 to 9 "At first Moominmamma was frightened too, but then she said soothingly: "It's really a very little creature. Wait, and I'll shine a light on it. Everything looks worse in the dark, you know." This is wonderful way to be introduced to the family of Moomintrolls, since it is the story where they first came to life...
Published in English: 2003 Theme: Courage and Loyalty Best for: 8 to 10 "Do the stars care if you play for them?" I wondered. I asked Nonno and he said he believed they did. So we sat around the fire, took out our flutes and played a little song for the stars." This is a classic fantasy children's book, one that easily transcends time and place.
Published: 1977 Theme: Creating Home Best for: 6 and up "The cave was full of chattering animals who'd been lucky enough to find this haven. There were several mice that Abel and Amanda knew, and a family of toads they had once met at a carnival." In this classic Steig children's book, we meet a mouse who learns the value of home while being stranded on an island, and surviving very well.
Published: 1960 Theme: Imaginative Play Best for: 5 to 7 "There was a sign on Rosie's door. It read, 'If you want to know a secret, knock three times.'" Pure delight is the best description for this classic, and not-well-known children's book by beloved writer and illustrator, Maurice Sendak.
Published: 1955, republished 1960 Theme: Fairy and Other Tales Best for: 7 to 12 "The Goldfish stopped jumping, because his joy had been damped by doubt. "How can the world be more than I can see?' he asked the Ship. 'If I am really in the world, I ought to be able to see it all...'" Each tale in this children's book is a literary work, complete with sometimes difficult language, almost always a moral, and something to think about...
Published: 1982 Theme: Overcoming Bullies Best for: 8 to 10 "Dreams," he said, "is very mysterious things. They is floating around in the air like little wispy bubbles. And all the time they is searching for sleeping people." If you are in need of a cheerful happy ending story, as a children's book BFG is perfect...
Published: 1939 Theme: Historical Fiction Biography Best for: 8 - 11 "All of these ill-informed scribblers seemed astonished at Ben's great fund of information, at his brilliant decisions, at his seeming knowledge of all that went on about him. I could have told them, It was ME." A biography like this is perhaps the best way to bring history to children without bringing tears of boredom..
Published: 2011 Theme: Graphic Novel- Ramayana Best for: 9 and up "War, in some ways, is merciful to men. It makes them heroes if they are the victors. If they are vanquished, they do not live to see their homes taken, their wives widowed. But if you are a woman, you must live through defeat..." No matter how you categorize this children's book, it is a wonderful addition to the re-telling of the Ramayana, from Sita's point of view.
Re-Published: 1993 Theme: Dealing with Obstacles Best for: 5 to 8 "Ming Lo and his wife lived in a house at the bottom of a large mountain. They loved their house, but they did not love the mountain." This story reads like a classic Chinese folktale. It's filled with lovely Asian artwork, and it offers a simple life lesson...
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