Classic children’s books written prior to 1975, particularly those which appear timeless, and not outdated due to language and culture.
Published: 1994 Theme: Epic Poetry Best for: 5-8 "By the shores of Gitche-Gumee, By the shining Big-Sea-Water, Stood the Wigwam of Nokomis, Daughter of the moon, Nokomis" It is so important for children to read and hear stories that have rhythm, repetition, and unusual words. Hiawatha is a great example of this...
Published: 1938 Theme: Compassion for all creation Best for: good readers over age 10 "The Wart did not know what Merlyn was talking about but he liked him to talk. He did not like the grown-ups who talk to him like a baby, but the ones who just went on talking in their usual way, leaving him to leap along in their wake, jumping at meanings, guessing, clutching at known words, and chuckling at complicated jokes as they suddenly dawned."
Published: 1908 Theme: Growing up Best for: Girls 9-12 "There's such a lot of different Annes in me. I sometimes think that is why I'm such a troublesome person. If I was just the one Anne, it would be ever so much more comfortable, but then it wouldn't be half so interesting." It is a cliche to say things are timeless, but books like this really are. There's nothing awkward reading it today. The emphasis on character development, and the growing pains of a young girl...
Published: 1968 Theme: Fairy Tales Best for: 5- 8 "The cat sat on the mat. Lots of cats do that, everybody knows. And nothing strange comes of it. But once a cay sat on a mat and something strange did come of it." What a delight to find a contemporary writer who is able to create wonderful fairy tales. For that's what this children's book is: a collection of truly magical fairy tales.
Published: 1962 Theme: Fantasy & Mystery Best for: ages 11 and up "The sky grew blue-black, and they left the shadowy earth behind. There were stars above them and below them. Their wagon floated gently among them as though it had been a rowboat floating in the Concord river." How delightful to find a children's book with so many of my favorite people: the transcendentalists, Krishna, and children who love adventures.
Published: 1971 Theme: Getting along with others Best for: ages 7 and up "When Toft got outside in the darkness he stood and waited on the steps. The sky was a little lighter than the mountains, whose undulating contours rose above Moominvalley." This little book from Finland is a wonder in character studies, and has delightful language.
Published: 2003 Theme: The Odyssey Best for: 10 and older "As rude laughter came from the courtyard, Penelope closed the shutters of her windows. She returned to her loom and began weaving. Desperate for help, she prayed for her true husband to come home soon, before it was too late." A very accessible series of children's books with the best of the Odyssey, in clear language.
Published: 1904 Theme: Magical Adventures Best for: ages 10 and up The carpet was sailing over rocks and rivers and trees and towns and farms and fields. It reminded all of them of a certain time they all had had wings... Another great imaginative classic by master storyteller E. Nesbit, this one has a real Phoenix in it!
Published: 1958 Theme: Coping with Circumstances Best for: age 5 and up "You know, Henry," said Mrs. Brown as they watched Paddington go up the stairs to bed, looking rather sticky and more than a little sleepy, "it's nice having a bear about the house." This is a real chapter book, perfect for young readers who have just learned to read, with a few choice illustrations to keep it moving.
Published: 1865 (est.) Theme: Fairies, Bravery, Kindness Best for: everyone Five Stars "What will people say?" is the name of this formidable ghost; and it does much harm, for few of us have the courage to live up to what we know to be right in all things." What young person does not need to be reminded about being true to themselves? Or being brave, or being compassionate, or being fearless?
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