What defines a piece of children’s literature as a classic? Based on my research the answer seems to depend on an individual's personal viewpoint. I am expressing only my personal perception and opinion of classic children’s books in this post.
During my childhood and continuous education process through my adulthood I have defined many read children's books as classics. This includes all the books which I treasured and loved then and do so now. Beloved books witch were always around to comfort me throughout the years like good friends who never fail to be with you when you need them.
I am referring to all the wonderful, imaginative, enchanting, engaging and magical timeless pieces of children’s literature which filled my heart with joy and my mind with wisdom at an early age. With years passing by these beloved and unique books also became timeless treasures and guiding lights in my life.
I define classic children’s books as any authentic books of creative, valuable and memorable work of art-in words, writing and illustrations. Many of my favourite children’s book classics have withstood the true test of time in popularity and are still in print. These brilliant books also left a lasting impression on me. I learned something important from the story and character(s), the ending or even of all aspects of the book combined.
These creative books made me memorize something unique, like a valuable lesson about the essence of life, family, friendship,love, forgiveness, courage, creativity or anything else encouraging in regards to the human spirit. In this aspect I always will consider my favourite children’s classics as inspiring and also educational for my life.
Here is a list of my beloved classic children’s books (and some young adult fiction) which I treasure until today and highly recommend for children and young people to read. All of the listed books on here will enhance a child’s creativity and imagination. Please kindly note that I have not listed the books in in any age groups.
The Little Prince written and illustrated by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
This is my all time most favourite! This classic book is listed as a children’s story but it is also a big favourite among adults today and I am sure it will continue to be so in future. The unique and wonderful thing about this magical novel is that it never gets old. Every time I read it I discover a new and valuable lesson and meaning from this enchanting novel.
The Little Prince- book cover illustration by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, publication date: 1943 in French language
The Little Prince drawn by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
The Little Prince drawn by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
The Little Prince drawn by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
I will be writing in detail about The Little Price by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry in an upcoming post.
Alan Alexander Milne
- Winnie-the-Pooh
- The House at Pooh Corner
- Now We Are Six
- When We Were Very Young
The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame
Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter
Madeline series by Ludwig Bemelmans
The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams
The Moomins by Tove Jansson
The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling
Doctor Doolittle series by Hugh Lofting
Pinocchio by Carlo Collodi
One Thousand and One Nights -various unknown authors over many centuries
Pippi Longstocking series by Astrid Lindgren
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift
Mark Twain
- The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
- The Adventures of Tom Sawyer
Here are also some great children’s book treasures which I discovered as an adult (I still love to read children’s books!) I believe some of them will be considered as children’s classics in future.
E.B. White
- Stuart Little
- Charlotte's Web
Kate DiCamillo
The Tale of Despereaux
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane
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