Anything is possible if you have a favorite book to transport you! I firmly believe that you are never too old to enjoy a classic children’s story. To be considered for this list, each story had to prove itself with multiple generations and continue to possess some of that same magic when I read them again as an adult.
Many of these books can be found in different forms including audiobooks and movie adaptations. And because they are classics, you can probably find most of them at your local library for free. But if you’re in the market to purchase these books for your own collection or for the children in your life, check out the links below. Whether you read them with a child, or by yourself, I hope they bring a little of that special magic that a good book can bring!
*This post contains affiliate links meaning that I may receive a commission if you purchase them using the links provided at no additional cost to you.
The Lion, the Witch, & the Wardrobe
Chronicles of Narnia Series Box Set
by C.S. Lewis 1950
The first in the Chronicles of Narnia series, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, features the Pevensie children and their adventures in the land of Narnia. It was magical when I first read it and every couple of years, I reread the series. There’s quite a bit in there to think about if you are willing to look. Lewis was a big fan of fairy tales and is quoted as saying, “Some day you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again.” I couldn’t agree more.
Where the Sidewalk Ends
by Shel Silverstein 1974
Where the Sidewalk Ends was my first exposure to poetry and the beauty and fun of words. It has that special quality of being true, ridiculous and fun all at the same time. Sarah Cynthia Sylvia Stout Would Not Take the Garbage Out is probably one of my favorite poems. I loved it as a child because it was so disgusting (what more could a kid ask for?!) And there’s a nice little moral in there for the adults. I admire his creative talent and enjoy his books as much now as I did when I was a child.
The Secret Garden
by Frances Burnett 1911
Orphaned Mary comes to live in a lonely house on the Yorkshire moors and discovers an invalid cousin and the mysteries of a locked garden. Though I have always enjoyed this book, my daughter (now a teenager), contributed this title to the list. She felt that the themes of discovering who one is and who one can become combined with having a mysterious and private place to figure it all out makes this story continually relevant. There is beauty in being able to change–whether it be a neglected garden or a sad and lonely person.
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
by Lewis Carroll 1865
Alice falls down a rabbit hole into a fantasy world filled with peculiar creatures. Full of strange happenings and even stranger characters, reading this book as a child feels a bit like falling down the rabbit hole yourself (in the best way of course). Rereading as an adult adds wonderful flavor as you can enjoy all of the imagery, puns and wordplay that you may not have picked up on as a child. Curiouser and curiouser!
On the Banks of Plum Creek
Little House on the Prairie Box Set
by Laura Ingalls Wilder 1937
The fourth book in the Little House series, On the Banks of Plum Creek, continues the story of the Ingalls family as they move from their little house in Kansas to Minnesota. This was always my favorite book from the series though I loved them all. I enjoyed reading about every day life for Laura and her family. It gave me plenty scope for imaginative play as a child–all those details about how they lived and what they did made pretending to live in that time seem so real. Now as an adult, I appreciate the simplicity and wholesomeness of their lives.
Treasure Island
by Robert Louis Stevenson 1883
Pirates, treasure, a tropical island, tons of adventure–what’s not to love? The iconic Long John Silver and young Jim Hawkins share plenty of adventures in this swashbuckling tale. It’s an exciting read but not too over the top for young readers. I remember my dad reading us this story when I was little and the characters came alive as he did the different voices. Remember, X marks the spot.
These last 2 books might come as a bit of a surprise since some might argue about whether they are truly classics or not. I included them because both are stories that had a mesmerizing affect on me when I first read them as a kid. Even reading them now, though they are clearly for young readers, there’s still something so intriguing about the idea of surviving by yourself–island or mountain, it doesn’t much matter. These books have been required reading in schools for decades and I think teachers and school librarians are on to something.
Island of the Blue Dolphins
by Scott O’Dell 1960
Based on a true story, Island of the Blue Dolphins tells the story of a 12 year old girl who is stranded alone for years on an island off the California coast during the 19th century. She hunts, fishes, tames wild dogs, and makes a life for herself on the island before eventually being rescued.
My Side of the Mountain
by Jean Craighead George 1959
Unhappy with city living, 12 year old Sam survives in the woods by himself in the Catskill mountains. He makes his home in a hollowed out tree and learns to hunt, forage, and appreciate the beauty of the wilderness. He also learns about himself and grows up a bit in the process.
The Magic of Reading Aloud
I was lucky enough to have parents that read aloud to me as a kid and I was introduced to most of these stories before I was old enough to read them myself. This added to the magic of the stories and my desire to reread books again and again. I was able to see stories fresh with new eyes when I read it again by myself. Mom introduced me to Narnia and the world of Laura Ingalls Wilder and Dad made Long John Silver come alive from his favorite book. And he taught us to appreciate a beautiful turn of phrase while we laughed and read Shel Silverstein. I encourage you to read aloud to the children in your life–I promise you, it matters. And if you can, read aloud with your partner or a friend. Try an audiobook. Reading aloud and being read to is a completely different way to enjoy a story, I highly recommend it!
One last note~ these books were all written in the past (the youngest is almost 50 and the oldest more than 150 years old!) Times were different then and that is one of the beautiful things about classic stories whether they are meant for children or adults. Trying to shape everything from the past into the lens we see through now is not only ridiculous but also foolish. If we choose to view things only from our current perspective, we become incredibly myopic and miss out on the truths and lessons we can and should take from history. The very best books, just like the very best people, make you think–about the world around you, about yourself, and about who you want to be.
Reader Suggestions
I’ll put suggestions from you here! Feel free to recommend your favorites and I’ll put links below.
Anne of Green Gables Boxed Set
by L.M. Montgomery 1908
4 Comments
Kathleen
Thinking about childens’ classics – I read the Anne of Green Gables series when I was an adult. Now I am considering rereading them…
angela_stephens
Yes! That series belongs on the list too!
Patti
Thanks for the suggestions. I’m going to buy the Chronicles of Narnia boxed set you suggested. The cover art will appeal to my teen-age grandkids.
Selah
OMG, I should have seen this before Christmas! These are all wonderful suggestions, I used to read the Chronicles of Narnia on repeat as a child as well as the Island of the Blue Dolphins, I totally forgot about that one 😉 Love it when you post!