Sweet Inspirationals

Top Ten Favorite Children’s Classics

To commemorate kids everywhere going back to school, I thought I’d blog on my favorite children’s classic books, and why they are my favorites. It wasn’t easy narrowing it down to ten. I could have easily listed twenty.

Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White: I think this story illustrates what it means to be a true friend, which is a great lesson for kids and adults alike. I still get teary-eyed when I see the movie.

Encyclopedia Brown by Donald J. Sobel: I can remember being a kid and having these books read to me. I always enjoyed trying to solve the mysteries of this young and amateur, yet highly intelligent sleuth.

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein: I didn’t discover this heartwarming classic until someone gave it to me when my oldest son was born. I can’t count the number of times I’ve read it to my kids. A story of sacrificial love that still makes me cry when I read it.

Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss: I remember reading this when I was a small child, and then reading it to my kids years later. I love the whole underlying message of being brave enough to try something new, even if it’s scary.

Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown: This is another classic I didn’t discover until adulthood when I read it to my kids. A sweet simple story for young children, my kids never got tired of hearing it.

Heidi by Joanna Johanna Spyri: I read this as a kid and loved it. Then I saw the movie with Shirley Temple and read it again. Like Heidi, this country girl would prefer the outdoor mountain air to the big city living, any day.

Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O’Dell: I skimmed through this one as a kid, but appreciated it more when I reread it as an adult. It’s a great story of adventure and survival that I really enjoyed.

Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder: I can’t say enough good things about this series. They are some of my all time favorite children’s classics. I can’t count the number of times I read them as a kid and as an adult. They’re historically educational, and teach good morals, too.

Thumbelina by Hans Christian Andersen: I really like fairy tales by this author, and Thumbelina is no exception. I love the free-spirited, sense of adventure this character has.

Winnie the Pooh by A.A. Milne: My kids had both books and movies of Winnie the Pooh. It was one of their favorites, and mine. The characters are adorable.

I could have easily listed additional books; there are so many great ones out there. I think it’s important to read to your kids and instill in them the love of good books. I believe reading is a positive attribute that will take them far in life.