Timeless children’s books to read with your kids

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Timeless children’s books to read with your kids

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Posted: 2 May 2023 | Last updated: 22 October 2023

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Timeless children's books to read with your kids

As adults, we all fondly look back on the tales of adventure, the wacky characters, and the magical worlds of our favorite childhood books. The only thing better than that feeling is getting to share those wondrous experiences with the next generation.

We don’t need to convince you of the benefits of reading with your children, but as reading is an essential part of a developing child’s intellectual growth and quality of life, making it a daily habit can do wonders. Plus, there are so many classic and timeless tales that both children and parents alike will enjoy, laden with lessons about love, courage, friendship, honesty, loyalty, and more.

Ready for a walk down memory lane? Click through to get your reading list started.

<p>With valuable lessons about friendship and death, 'Charlotte's Web’ remains a timeless read. It follows a little girl who lives on a farm and befriends the runt of a local pig litter who, after growing up, is at threat of slaughter.</p><p><a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/community/channel/vid-7xx8mnucu55yw63we9va2gwr7uihbxwc68fxqp25x6tg4ftibpra?cvid=94631541bc0f4f89bfd59158d696ad7e">Follow us and access great exclusive content everyday</a></p>

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'Charlotte's Web' by E.B. White

With valuable lessons about friendship and death, 'Charlotte's Web’ remains a timeless read. It follows a little girl who lives on a farm and befriends the runt of a local pig litter who, after growing up, is at threat of slaughter.

<p>Anna Sewell sought to teach young readers about respect for animals with this autobiographical memoir set in England during the 1800s and told by the horse Black Beauty himself. He shares how he was passed from person to person, and teaches important lessons about work ethic, responsibility, the power of kindness, and hope.</p><p>You may also like:<a href="https://www.starsinsider.com/n/194675?utm_source=msn.com&utm_medium=display&utm_campaign=referral_description&utm_content=523477en-au"> Ant and Dec's rise to fame and fall from grace</a></p>

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'Black Beauty' by Anna Sewell

Anna Sewell sought to teach young readers about respect for animals with this autobiographical memoir set in England during the 1800s and told by the horse Black Beauty himself. He shares how he was passed from person to person, and teaches important lessons about work ethic, responsibility, the power of kindness, and hope.

<p>Priming your kids to enjoy 'The Lord of the Rings' is just one of the many perks of reading this classic, which is wonderfully imaginative in scope and style.</p><p><a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/community/channel/vid-7xx8mnucu55yw63we9va2gwr7uihbxwc68fxqp25x6tg4ftibpra?cvid=94631541bc0f4f89bfd59158d696ad7e">Follow us and access great exclusive content everyday</a></p>

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'The Hobbit' by J.R.R. Tolkien

Priming your kids to enjoy 'The Lord of the Rings' is just one of the many perks of reading this classic, which is wonderfully imaginative in scope and style.

The library trip can also become a yearly pre-vacation ritual that will get them excited and encourage an interest in reading.

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'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' by Roald Dahl

You could put so many of Roald Dahl's incredible books here, but the everlasting magic of 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,' which teaches kids great lessons about greed, morality, and the true meaning of happiness, is one you don't want to skip.

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Eric Carle’s colorful tale about a very hungry caterpillar who eats and eats until they pupate and emerge as a butterfly has won various literature and graphic design awards since its publication in 1969.<p><a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/community/channel/vid-7xx8mnucu55yw63we9va2gwr7uihbxwc68fxqp25x6tg4ftibpra?cvid=94631541bc0f4f89bfd59158d696ad7e">Follow us and access great exclusive content everyday</a></p>

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'The Very Hungry Caterpillar' by Eric Carle

Eric Carle’s colorful tale about a very hungry caterpillar who eats and eats until they pupate and emerge as a butterfly has won various literature and graphic design awards since its publication in 1969.

<p>Judy Blume has so many great books to choose from, but 'Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing' is certainly timeless. Published in 1972, the book is about a fourth-grade boy named Peter whose younger brother Fudge makes life difficult for him in every way possible. The siblings have drastically different personalities, but learn to stick together when things get—often hilariously—rough.</p><p>You may also like:<a href="https://www.starsinsider.com/n/223930?utm_source=msn.com&utm_medium=display&utm_campaign=referral_description&utm_content=523477en-au"> 80s divas: then and now</a></p>

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'Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing' by Judy Blume

Judy Blume has so many great books to choose from, but 'Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing' is certainly timeless. Published in 1972, the book is about a fourth-grade boy named Peter whose younger brother Fudge makes life difficult for him in every way possible. The siblings have drastically different personalities, but learn to stick together when things get—often hilariously—rough.

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A. A. Milne's legendary story about a silly, honey-loving bear and his loyal friends has been retold so many times and still remains relevant almost 100 years later.<p><a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/community/channel/vid-7xx8mnucu55yw63we9va2gwr7uihbxwc68fxqp25x6tg4ftibpra?cvid=94631541bc0f4f89bfd59158d696ad7e">Follow us and access great exclusive content everyday</a></p>

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'Winnie-the-Pooh' by A. A. Milne

A. A. Milne's legendary story about a silly, honey-loving bear and his loyal friends has been retold so many times and still remains relevant almost 100 years later.

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'The Chronicles of Narnia' by C.S. Lewis

This fantasy series has won the hearts and minds of children, adults, and scholars—and for good reason. The series of five books includes ‘The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe,’ ‘Prince Caspian,’ ‘The Voyage of the Dawn Treader,’ ‘The Silver Chair,’ and ‘The Horse and His Boy and The Last Battle,’ and introduces you to an enchanted world where four kids learn about courage, friendship, loyalty, and bravery.

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<p>An essential read that appeals to audiences both young and old, 'The Secret Garden,’ written in 1911, follows 10-year-old Mary Lennox who lives in India with her wealthy but neglectful British family. When she's orphaned due to a cholera outbreak, the story centers on Mary's self-healing journey.</p><p><a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/community/channel/vid-7xx8mnucu55yw63we9va2gwr7uihbxwc68fxqp25x6tg4ftibpra?cvid=94631541bc0f4f89bfd59158d696ad7e">Follow us and access great exclusive content everyday</a></p>

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'The Secret Garden' by Frances Hodgson Burnett

An essential read that appeals to audiences both young and old, 'The Secret Garden,’ written in 1911, follows 10-year-old Mary Lennox who lives in India with her wealthy but neglectful British family. When she's orphaned due to a cholera outbreak, the story centers on Mary's self-healing journey.

<p>Madeleine L'Engle’s sci-fi fantasy will expand your children’s minds while teaching them about concepts like good and evil, and how to use their intuition. It follows three children traveling through time and space to rescue one kid’s father.</p><p>You may also like:<a href="https://www.starsinsider.com/n/262525?utm_source=msn.com&utm_medium=display&utm_campaign=referral_description&utm_content=523477en-au"> The most beautiful sunsets in the UK</a></p>

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'A Wrinkle in Time' by Madeleine L'Engle

Madeleine L'Engle’s sci-fi fantasy will expand your children’s minds while teaching them about concepts like good and evil, and how to use their intuition. It follows three children traveling through time and space to rescue one kid’s father.

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<p>A great book for kids who complain about being bored, this story follows young Max who imagines up wild creatures and expresses his creativity while also learning about friendship. The illustrations of this book also never leave you!</p><p><a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/community/channel/vid-7xx8mnucu55yw63we9va2gwr7uihbxwc68fxqp25x6tg4ftibpra?cvid=94631541bc0f4f89bfd59158d696ad7e">Follow us and access great exclusive content everyday</a></p>

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'Where the Wild Things Are' by Maurice Sendak

A great book for kids who complain about being bored, this story follows young Max who imagines up wild creatures and expresses his creativity while also learning about friendship. The illustrations of this book also never leave you!

<p>First published in 1992, ‘The Magic Treehouse’ series is one of America’s most popular, with currently over 50 novels to delve into. Jack and Annie go on all sorts of adventures from their backyard, taking readers to various countries around the world, as well as from the deep sea to outer space. It holds many good lessons about being a good friend and not judging people who are different from you.</p><p>You may also like:<a href="https://www.starsinsider.com/n/274926?utm_source=msn.com&utm_medium=display&utm_campaign=referral_description&utm_content=523477en-au"> Feng shui: tips for a more harmonious home</a></p>

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'The Magic Treehouse' by Mary Pope Osborne

First published in 1992, ‘The Magic Treehouse’ series is one of America’s most popular, with currently over 50 novels to delve into. Jack and Annie go on all sorts of adventures from their backyard, taking readers to various countries around the world, as well as from the deep sea to outer space. It holds many good lessons about being a good friend and not judging people who are different from you.

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<p>One of the best ways to set young readers onto a bright literary path is with this classic tale that features strong female characters who deal with weighty problems during the American Civil War while also trying to find their own identities outside of society’s expectations.</p><p><a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/community/channel/vid-7xx8mnucu55yw63we9va2gwr7uihbxwc68fxqp25x6tg4ftibpra?cvid=94631541bc0f4f89bfd59158d696ad7e">Follow us and access great exclusive content everyday</a></p>

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'Little Women' by Louisa May Alcott

One of the best ways to set young readers onto a bright literary path is with this classic tale that features strong female characters who deal with weighty problems during the American Civil War while also trying to find their own identities outside of society’s expectations.

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'The Adventures of Tom Sawyer' by Mark Twain

A book that has already been passed down through many families, ‘The Adventures of Tom Sawyer’ details an assortment of escapades in Petersburg, Missouri, and has many lessons about friendship, loyalty, and honesty baked into the emotional and hilarious tales.

<p>This famed Dr. Seuss tale is not only a joy to read but also has an important message about the plight of the environment bundled into its colorful illustrations and rhyming words—a message which most people know is only ever more relevant, what with business magnates like the story’s Once-ler causing environmental destruction in the real world.</p><p><a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/community/channel/vid-7xx8mnucu55yw63we9va2gwr7uihbxwc68fxqp25x6tg4ftibpra?cvid=94631541bc0f4f89bfd59158d696ad7e">Follow us and access great exclusive content everyday</a></p>

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'The Lorax' by Dr. Seuss

This famed Dr. Seuss tale is not only a joy to read but also has an important message about the plight of the environment bundled into its colorful illustrations and rhyming words—a message which most people know is only ever more relevant, what with business magnates like the story’s Once-ler causing environmental destruction in the real world.

<p>Beatrix Potter's classic tale of mischievous little Peter Rabbit has been in print since 1902 and has delighted generations of children around the world. Peter Rabbit gets into all sorts of trouble, but the story is sure to teach your child the importance of taking responsibility for their actions and dealing with difficult people such as Mr. McGregor and Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle.</p><p>You may also like:<a href="https://www.starsinsider.com/n/324582?utm_source=msn.com&utm_medium=display&utm_campaign=referral_description&utm_content=523477en-au"> In pictures: polar vortex freezes America</a></p>

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'The Tale of Peter Rabbit' by Beatrix Potter

Beatrix Potter's classic tale of mischievous little Peter Rabbit has been in print since 1902 and has delighted generations of children around the world. Peter Rabbit gets into all sorts of trouble, but the story is sure to teach your child the importance of taking responsibility for their actions and dealing with difficult people such as Mr. McGregor and Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle.

'The Little Prince' by Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Originally in French, ‘The Little Prince’ is a tale that many adults still resonate with today. It tells the story of a little prince who leaves his home to explore the world, where he meets people from different planets with different lifestyles, though he can’t find someone who understands him as much as he understands them—teaching an important lesson about empathy and connection.

<p>Published in 1964, ‘The Giving Tree’ has remained a beloved children’s picture book that pulls on the heartstrings of even grown adults as it holds valuable lessons about love and sharing.</p><p>You may also like:<a href="https://www.starsinsider.com/n/338274?utm_source=msn.com&utm_medium=display&utm_campaign=referral_description&utm_content=523477en-au"> The most mysterious and intriguing disappearances in history</a></p>

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'The Giving Tree' by Shel Silverstein

Published in 1964, ‘The Giving Tree’ has remained a beloved children’s picture book that pulls on the heartstrings of even grown adults as it holds valuable lessons about love and sharing.

<p>'Harry Potter & The Sorcerer's Stone' was published in 1997, and the world hasn’t been the same since. The series quickly became a hit for kids, even before the films, because it has magic, suspense, and fantastic characters that every kid can relate to in some way or another—plus they’ll love getting to compare the books to the movies.</p><p><a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/community/channel/vid-7xx8mnucu55yw63we9va2gwr7uihbxwc68fxqp25x6tg4ftibpra?cvid=94631541bc0f4f89bfd59158d696ad7e">Follow us and access great exclusive content everyday</a></p>

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The 'Harry Potter' series by J.K. Rowling

'Harry Potter & The Sorcerer's Stone' was published in 1997, and the world hasn’t been the same since. The series quickly became a hit for kids, even before the films, because it has magic, suspense, and fantastic characters that every kid can relate to in some way or another—plus they’ll love getting to compare the books to the movies.

<p>This classic tale follows a toy rabbit who gets worn out but is loved so much by his owner that he becomes real. But the two must still eventually part, which teaches children an important lesson about the power of love and the inevitable moments of letting go.</p><p>You may also like:<a href="https://www.starsinsider.com/n/339909?utm_source=msn.com&utm_medium=display&utm_campaign=referral_description&utm_content=523477en-au"> Too cool for school: celebs who never smile on the red carpet</a></p>

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'The Velveteen Rabbit' by Margery Williams

This classic tale follows a toy rabbit who gets worn out but is loved so much by his owner that he becomes real. But the two must still eventually part, which teaches children an important lesson about the power of love and the inevitable moments of letting go.

<p>Broaden the scope of the whole family's imaginations with this wacky story about a poor orphan who escapes his evil aunts when he meets some insect friends living on a magical giant peach.</p><p><a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/community/channel/vid-7xx8mnucu55yw63we9va2gwr7uihbxwc68fxqp25x6tg4ftibpra?cvid=94631541bc0f4f89bfd59158d696ad7e">Follow us and access great exclusive content everyday</a></p>

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'James and the Giant Peach' by Roald Dahl

Broaden the scope of the whole family's imaginations with this wacky story about a poor orphan who escapes his evil aunts when he meets some insect friends living on a magical giant peach.

<p>The heartwarming 1908 novel set in an old-fashioned farm in a town called Avonlea follows 11-year-old Anne Shirley, who is accidentally sent to two middle-aged siblings who had originally intended to adopt a boy to help them on their farm.</p><p>You may also like:<a href="https://www.starsinsider.com/n/339909?utm_source=msn.com&utm_medium=display&utm_campaign=referral_description&utm_content=523477en-au"> Too cool for school: celebs who never smile on the red carpet</a></p>

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'Anne of Green Gables' by Lucy Maud Montgomery

The heartwarming 1908 novel set in an old-fashioned farm in a town called Avonlea follows 11-year-old Anne Shirley, who is accidentally sent to two middle-aged siblings who had originally intended to adopt a boy to help them on their farm.

<p>This children's novel about a young girl named Alice who falls through a rabbit hole and into a whimsical fantasy world has been around since 1865, and will surely be around for years to come.</p><p><a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/community/channel/vid-7xx8mnucu55yw63we9va2gwr7uihbxwc68fxqp25x6tg4ftibpra?cvid=94631541bc0f4f89bfd59158d696ad7e">Follow us and access great exclusive content everyday</a></p>

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'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' by Lewis Carroll

This children's novel about a young girl named Alice who falls through a rabbit hole and into a whimsical fantasy world has been around since 1865, and will surely be around for years to come.

<p>This beloved series, which became one of most successful children's book series in publishing history, follows a group of friends as they run their homegrown babysitting business.</p><p>You may also like:<a href="https://www.starsinsider.com/n/342686?utm_source=msn.com&utm_medium=display&utm_campaign=referral_description&utm_content=523477en-au"> Fascinating ice discoveries frozen in time</a></p>

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'The Babysitter's Club' by Ann M. Martin

This beloved series, which became one of most successful children's book series in publishing history, follows a group of friends as they run their homegrown babysitting business.

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<p>Nancy Drew is a timeless character who has been adapted and readapted many times. This classic master series, which kicked off in 1930, follows a 16-year-old high school graduate on a series of sleuthing adventures. The books are actually ghostwritten by a number of different authors but published under the collective pseudonym Carolyn Keene.</p><p><a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/community/channel/vid-7xx8mnucu55yw63we9va2gwr7uihbxwc68fxqp25x6tg4ftibpra?cvid=94631541bc0f4f89bfd59158d696ad7e">Follow us and access great exclusive content everyday</a></p>

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'Nancy Drew Mystery Stories' series by Carolyn Keene

Nancy Drew is a timeless character who has been adapted and readapted many times. This classic master series, which kicked off in 1930, follows a 16-year-old high school graduate on a series of sleuthing adventures. The books are actually ghostwritten by a number of different authors but published under the collective pseudonym Carolyn Keene.

<p>This series of 13 novels, published from 1999 to 2006, takes readers on a turbulent ride following Violet, Klaus, and Sunny Baudelaire, three recently orphaned siblings.</p><p>You may also like:<a href="https://www.starsinsider.com/n/343774?utm_source=msn.com&utm_medium=display&utm_campaign=referral_description&utm_content=523477en-au"> Air-time legends: the longest-running TV series ever</a></p>

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The 'A Series of Unfortunate Events' series by Lemony Snicket

This series of 13 novels, published from 1999 to 2006, takes readers on a turbulent ride following Violet, Klaus, and Sunny Baudelaire, three recently orphaned siblings.

<p>This timeless book of animal tales takes place in the English countryside and centers Mole, Rat, Badger, and the rich and generous Toad, who work together through adventures and obstacles to save Toad Hall from weasels.</p><p><a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/community/channel/vid-7xx8mnucu55yw63we9va2gwr7uihbxwc68fxqp25x6tg4ftibpra?cvid=94631541bc0f4f89bfd59158d696ad7e">Follow us and access great exclusive content everyday</a></p>

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'The Wind in the Willows' by Kenneth Grahame

This timeless book of animal tales takes place in the English countryside and centers Mole, Rat, Badger, and the rich and generous Toad, who work together through adventures and obstacles to save Toad Hall from weasels.

<p>The 'Madeline' franchise is very popular and has 17 books in its series, the first of which dates back to 1939. Set in an all-girls boarding school in Paris, the iconic first book follows the daring Madeline as her appendix bursts. It’s considered one of the major classics of children's literature, and it was adapted into a 1998 film which featured Frances McDormand.</p><p>You may also like:<a href="https://www.starsinsider.com/n/345149?utm_source=msn.com&utm_medium=display&utm_campaign=referral_description&utm_content=523477en-au"> Weird things that happen to your body when you die</a></p>

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'Madeline' by Ludwig Bemelmans

The 'Madeline' franchise is very popular and has 17 books in its series, the first of which dates back to 1939. Set in an all-girls boarding school in Paris, the iconic first book follows the daring Madeline as her appendix bursts. It’s considered one of the major classics of children's literature, and it was adapted into a 1998 film which featured Frances McDormand.

<p>This children's book written by Margaret Wise Brown and illustrated by Clement Hurd was published in 1947, and has since become well known and acclaimed worldwide as the ultimate bedtime story.</p><p>Sources: (<a href="https://www.mkewithkids.com/post/top-25-classic-novels-your-kids-will-love/" rel="noopener">MKE with Kids</a>) (<a href="https://time.com/100-best-childrens-books/" rel="noopener">Time</a>)</p><p>See also: <a href="https://www.starsinsider.com/celebrity/183090/celebrities-who-have-published-childrens-books">Celebrities who have published children's books</a></p><p><a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/community/channel/vid-7xx8mnucu55yw63we9va2gwr7uihbxwc68fxqp25x6tg4ftibpra?cvid=94631541bc0f4f89bfd59158d696ad7e">Follow us and access great exclusive content everyday</a></p>

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'Goodnight Moon' by Margaret Wise Brown

This children's book written by Margaret Wise Brown and illustrated by Clement Hurd was published in 1947, and has since become well known and acclaimed worldwide as the ultimate bedtime story.

Sources: (MKE with Kids) (Time)