50 Best Classic Books For Kids

Best Classic Books For Kids is a comprehensive list of classic works presented for children and selected to have the best of the best works for one to browse from. Each one of these books offers a variety of themes and lessons that can both entertain and give young readers essential education.

So have a look at our list of best classic books for kids and get to know a comprehensive collection of books best for your kids.

40 Best Classic Books For Kids

Here is a list of the 40 best classic books for Kids, arranged in order of release date:

The Swiss Family Robinson by Johann David Wyss, 1812

A novel by Swiss author Johann David Wyss. This is a story about a Swiss family of immigrants whose ship en route to Port Jackson, Australia, went off course and was shipwrecked in the East Indies. The ship’s crew was lost but the family survived with several domestic animals in tow.

After they make their way to the shore of the uninhabited island, they start to build a settlement and undergo several adventures before they get to be reduced, some refuse to go while deciding to stay on the Island.

The story has stood the test of time and is still widely popular, it has gone through many versions, and episodes have been added and deleted or even changed. If you’re looking for one of the best classic books for kids, then this is certainly one of the best ones out there.

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland / Through the Looking-Glass by Lewis Carroll 1865

These two novels were written by Lewis Carroll. The novel Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland is about a young girl named Alice who falls through a rabbit hole into a fantasy world of anthropomorphic creatures. The story is an example of the literary nonsense genre. Throughout the novel, we see that Alice goes through several adventures and encounters that are often bizarre and illogical with strange creatures.

Through the Looking-Glass is the squeal of the former novel where Alice again enters a fantastical world and finds there that everything is in reverse like that of a reflection including logic, the novel includes verses as The Walrus and the Carpenter, Jabberwocky, and episodes that involve  Tweedledum and Tweedledee.

If you’re in for an adventuring tale to keep your kid’s curiosity at its peak, then this is one of the Best Classic Books For Kids out there

Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson, 1883

A classic adventure novel written by Robert Louis Stevenson. The story is about Buccaneers and buried gold. The novel is noted for its atmosphere, characters, and action.

It has had a significant effect on the pirates depicted in popular cultures which also includes elements such as treasure maps, marked with an “X” and one-legged seamen with parrots sitting on their shoulders. It has since become one of the most often dramatized and adapted novels of all time.

If you’re looking for a thrilling adventure of treasure and popular characters to know of, then for your kids, this is certainly one of the best classic books for kids.

The Wonderful Wizard of OZ by L. Frank Baum, 1900

One of the most popular children’s novels written by L. Frank Baum and illustrated by W. W. Denslow. The story was first published in the United States in 1900, it follows a Kansas Farm girl named Dorothy who along with her pet dog Toto is swept away from home by a cyclone and ends up in the magical Land of Oz.

The story is set as she learns that she can only return home if she destroys the Wicked Witch of the West. The novel was an instant success and had sold over 3 million copies by the time it entered the public domain.

It has since been adapted into many variations and has even been adapted into a classic live-action firm in 1939. If you’re looking for one of the best-known stories in American literature, then without a doubt this is one of the best classic books for kids that you will find.

Children’s Classic Books by L. Frank Baum

Children’s classic books are one many when you read L. Frank Baum’s work. There is no end to famous book collections as all these books are some of the best classic books for kids starting from The Wonderful Wizard of Oz released in 1900 to Marvellous Land of Oz released in 1904, Ozma of Oz released in 1907, and many many more.

There were eight books released in the series of Oz which ended in 1914. These books have been cherished by children for over a century and continue to be popular to this day. Not only that, the book’s stories have been adapted into many variations.

So if you looking for a collection of fantastical books out there, there is no other best book collection for your kids than Children’s Classic Books by L. Frank Baun.

The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter, 1901

This is a classic children’s book written and illustrated by Beatrix Potter. The story follows the mischievous and disobedient young Peter Rabbit as he gets into and chased around, the garden of Mr. Mcgregor.

Despite his mother’s warning to stay away from the garden he still enters to garden to eat some vegetables and then escapes home to his mother who puts him to bed after offering him chamomile tea.

The book is widely popular and has been translated into 36 languages with 45 million copies sold becoming of the best-selling books in history. The tale has remained popular and can be called one of the best classic books for kids without question.

Peter and Wendy by James Matthew Barrie, 1904

First released in the form of a play in 1904 known as Peter and Wendy, it later was released as a novel in 1911. The story tells the adventures of Peter Pan who is a mischievous little boy with the ability to fly.

The narrative tells of the adventures he experiences on the Island of Neverland inhabited by mermaids, fairies, Native Americans, and pirates. The story has been adapted into various formats like stage musicals, television specials life themes ice skating shows, and several films released on it too.

Despite the story’s age, it remains extremely popular and continues to be adapted to new book editions making this one of the best classic books for kids out there.
A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett, 1905

A famous children’s novel written by Frances Hodgson Burnett. It was first published in 1905 as an expanded version of the short story Sara Crewe which was serialized in St. Nicholas Magazine from December 1887 and published in book form in 1888.

The story is about an exceptionally intelligent and imaginative student named Sara Crewe at Miss Minchin’s Select Seminary for Young Ladies.

Her life though takes a turn for the worse as her adoring and indulgent father dies leaving her penniless and focused on working as a servant. But Sara despite the hardships remains to be kind and generous embodying the qualities of a true princess. If you’re looking for a story that has been cherished by readers for over a century and continues to be popular, undoubtedly this is one of the best classic books for kids you are looking for.

The Railway Children by Edith Nesbit, 1906

A storybook that is about a family who moves from London to The Tree Chimney’s house near a railway after the father, who was falsely accused of spying is imprisoned and formerly worked at the foreign office.

The children of the family make friends with an old gentleman who regularly takes the 9:15 train near their home. It turns out that the man helped these children’s father to eventually prove his innocence and the family is reunited.

The theme of an innocent man being falsely imprisoned and vindicated for espionage might have been influenced by the Dreyfus Affair that had just happened and was prominent worldwide as the book was written a few years after the event.

The book has long since stayed as a popular children’s literature making this one of the best classic books for kids to read.

Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery, 1908

The story is set in the late 19th century as it revolves around the adventures of an 11-year-old orphan girl named Anne Shirley who is spirited and imaginative. She was mistakenly sent to live with two middle-aged siblings, Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert. They had originally wanted to adopt a boy to help them on their farm in the fictional town of Avonlea in Prince Edward Island, Canada.

The story is widely popular and has been considered a classic children’s novel since the mid-20th Century and it has been translated into 36 languages. It is undoubtedly one of the best-selling books of all time, making it one of the best classic books for kids.

The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame, 1908

A classic children’s novel by Kenneth Grahame which was published in 1908. In the story, we see the adventures of several animal friends and neighbors in the English countryside.

The story begins when Mole decides to go to the riverbank one morning rather than do his spring cleaning.

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett, 1911

A children’s novel written by Frances Hodgson Burnett First published in book form in 1911. The story is set in England and is considered a classic of English children’s literature.

The novel is about Mary Lennox a neglected and unloved 10-year-old girl born in British India to wealthy British parents, who never wanted her. After cholera killed her parents, she was sent to England to live with her uncle, Archibald Craven at the Misselthwaite Manor.

Over time Mary who was illmannered, started to get more softened as she began to love the secret garden that belonged to her uncle’s deceased wife. Mary’s health begins to improve as did her attitude from exploring the estate gardens.

The novel is a cherished and popular children’s classic that has been loved by readers for over a century and has been adapted to many movies and stage adaptations making it one of the best classic books for kids.

Pollyanna by Eleanor H. Porter, 1913

This book was written by American author Eleaor H. Porter. The book is about an 11-year-old orphan named Pollyanna Whittier who leaves the town she grew up in to go east to Beldingsville, Vermont to live with her deceased mother’s sister, Polly Harrington.

The character of Pollyanna is known for her unfailingly optimistic outlook, and a subconscious bias towards the positive, and it has even been described as the Pollyanna Principle.

She is a loved and greatly cherished character as she was featured in not just the sequel of the book but there have been 11 more books written where she was the heroine even after Porter had died, most of them written by Ghostwriters Elizabeth Borton and Harriet Lummis Smith.

So if you looking for a classic book that has been widely popular and is so successful that it topped the adult best-seller list, then this is one of the best classic books for kids that you were searching for.

The Story of Doctor Dolittle by Hugh Lofting, 1920

This is a children’s novel written and illustrated by High Lofting, the book features the first book in the series Doctor Dolittle following the adventures of a man who learns to talk to animals and becomes the champion for them around the world.

The story begins where John Dolittle MD, a respected physician living with his spinster sister Sarah. They lived in the small English village of Puddleby-on-the Marsh. His love for animals starts to grow over the years eventually scaring off his clientele and leading to a financial loss.

But that wasn’t the end, after he learned to talk to animals from his pet parrot Polynesia, he took up veterinary practice. His fame rose in the animal kingdom and spread throughout the world.

The story starts from here leading to several adventures which has made this story one of the best children’s literature of all time. If you’re looking for an intriguing tale that will teach your kid to love animals and know more about them, then this certainly is one of the best classic books for kids.

The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams, 1922

The story chronicles the journey of a stuffed rabbit’s desire to become real through the love of his owner. The story is a fantastical tale about how the boy who played with the rabbit forgot about it as new toys grabbed his attention, the rabbit listens to the wisest and oldest of the toys in the nursery, the Skin horse who tells him that the toys being made real by the love of the children.

It is a deeply moving tale that is loved by children worldwide, as one of the best classic books for kids. It is filled with emotions and shows deep attachment to toys and kids that we all experience from our childhood days and lingers even to the point of our adult days.
Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder, 1932

This is an autobiographical children’s novel written by Laura Ingalls Wilder and published by Harper in 1932. It was her first book and it inaugurated her Little House series. It is based on memories from her childhood in the big woods near Pepin.

The novel describes many homesteading skills Laura observed and began to practice during her fifth year. The story does not contain the more mature themes that are shown in the later books of the series. The book was a hit with readers and over the century it still has been cherished and loved being one of the best classic books for kids.

It has been adapted into several film adaptations and stage performances making it still popular and being popularised with new book editions and television programmers.

Ballet Shoes by Noel Streatfeild, 1936

The book is about three adopted sisters, Pauline, Petrova, and Posy Fossil, Each of the girls was discovered as a baby by Matthew Brown an elderly, absentminded paleontologist and professor during his world travels and sent home to his practical great-niece, Sylvia, and her childhood nanny called Nana who lived in London.

The story begins as we see the girls grow up and take on responsibilities to support their family and household. Each finds what they are good at and starts on their journey. The book was a commended runner-up for the inaugural Carnegie medal from the Library Association, it was recognized as the year’s best British Children’s book by British Subject.

If you are looking for a greatly influencing and popular book, then this will certainly be one of the best classic books for kids.

The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, 1943

This story is about a young prince visiting various planets, including Earth and it addresses the themes of loneliness, friendship, love, and loss. Even though it is considered a children’s book, it still has observations about life, adults, and human nature.

The book is very popular and has been translated into 505 different languages and dialects worldwide, making it the second most translated work ever published, trailing only the Bible.

The plot is about a pilot who crashes land in a desert and encounters a small boy, the Little Prince, the prince then tells of his life to the narrator and about his travels and his life on his home planet.

The book has been adapted to several formats that show its continued popularity making it one of the best classic books for kids out there.

Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren, 1945

This book is a collection of stories that features Pippi Longstocking, a supremely independent and self-sufficient little girl, she was named after the author Astrid Lindgren’s daughter Karin, who had asked her mother for a get-well story when she was off school.

The book became immensely popular worldwide and remains a classic of children’s literature. It has been translated into many languages and has been listed as the top 100 works of world literature by the Norwegian Novel Institute.

If you looking for a popular Swedish novel that will entertain your kids, then certainly this is one of the best classic books for kids.

The Twenty-One Balloons by William Pène du Bois, 1947

This is a story about a retired schoolteacher, Professor William Waterman Sherman, His ill-fated balloon trip leads him to discover Krakatoa. It was an Island filled with great wealth and fantastic inventions.

The story is filled with events and ideas based on both scientific fact and imagination. This classic fantasy adventure is a joy for all ages, it is a fascinating exploration of the secret island civilization eccentric inhabitants, and incredible balloon inventions.

It is a largely popular children’s literature that was awarded the Newbery Medal for Excellence in American children’s literature in 1948 making it one of the best classic books for kids of all time.

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe by Clive Staples Lewis, 1950

The book is the first book in the Chronicles of Narnia series. It is widely popular making it one of the best classic books for kids. The story revolves around four siblings as they discover a magic called Narnia that goes through a wardrobe in a professor’s old house.

The story goes into more detail as the siblings get to encounter more fantastic creatures and face the evil white witch who has held Narnia in eternal winter for a hundred years. The lian Aslan Tath is the true king of Narnia and the guide that helped them on their journey.

The book is not just an adventure but also a tale that is of good versus evil with deep allegorical Christian themes running through it. It has been a beloved part of children’s literature for decades and continues to inspire readers of all ages. If you are looking for one of the best classic books for kids then this certainly is among them.

Charlotte’s Web by E. B. White, 1952

A classic children’s novel that is about a young pig named Wilbur who is facing the prospect of being slaughtered. He befriended a barn spider named Charlotte and discovered his fate, charlotte promised to save him.

The novel moves on as Charlotte in her mission to save Wilbur begins to weave words into her webs such as “Some Pig”, and “Humble”, which quickly spark the interest of people from far and wide making it seem as if it is a miracle and the barn becomes a tourist attraction.

The novel is not only an adventure but also a tale of friendship and sacrifice. It has continued to be a beloved part of children’s literature making this one of the best classic books for kids you can look for.

The Adventures of Robin Hood by Roger Lancelyn Green, 1956

This is a widely loved story that has been around for a long time among the best classic books for kids. It was written by Roger Lancylyn Green and first published on November 30, 1956. The book recounts the life of Robin Hood and tells us of his adventures of and his band of followers who lived as an outlaw in Sherwood Forest dedicated to fighting tyranny.

The story is a fabulous retelling of Robin Hood, that drew on old folk tales and ballads. The story was written with several disjointed pieces and sometimes they came together to create a single comprehensive narrative.

It is a rousing tale of chivalry, adventure, and courage, making it one of the best classic books for kids out there.

Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss 1960

A children’s book written by Dr. Seuss. It was first published in 1960. It has sold 8 million copies worldwide as of 2019. The story is about a character named Sam-I-Am who is persistent in convincing another character to try a dish of green eggs and ham.

The book is especially known for its simple vocabulary that consists of just 50 unique words. A bet was formed between the publisher and Dr. Seuss that he couldn’t complete the book using just 50 unique words, but in the end, it did happen.

The book has been adapted to several formats until now making it an all-time hit in many platforms and stages, if you looking for one of the best classic books for kids out there, then this certainly is one you can’t ignore.

Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls, 1961

This is a children’s novel written by Wilson Rawls. The book is a work of autobiographical fiction based on the author’s own childhood in the Ozarks. The story revolves around a boy named Billy Colman who buys and trains Redbone Coonhounds for hunting.

The story goes on as the dogs are named Old Dan and Little Ann later becoming the best hunting team in the valley. The book is known for a vivid depiction of rural life and the deep bond between a boy and his dogs as they go on adventures that are exciting and heartbreaking.

If you are looking for a book that has realistic portrayals that are among the best classics now, then undoubtedly this is one of the best classic books for kids out there.

The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, 1961

A children’s fantasy adventure novel written by Norton Juster and illustrated by Jules Feiffer. The story follows a bored young boy named Milo, He unexpectedly receives a magic tollbooth that transports him to the once prosperous but now troubled Kingdom of Wisdom.

With a dog named Tock and the Humbug, Milo starts his quest to the castle in the air looking for the two princesses, named Rhyme and Reason. Milo finds a love of learning in a story full of puns and wordplay.

The book has been adapted into a film, opera, and play and also has been translated into many languages. It has sold almost five million copies as of 2021 making it one of the best classic books for kids out there.

The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats, 1962

A children’s picture book written by author and illustrator Ezra Jack Keats which was first published in 1962. The story features an African-American boy who explores his neighborhood after the season’s first snowfall. the illustration of the story paves the way for a greatly inclusive and diverse children’s literature.

The book has won awards and medals for its story and illustration making it one of the best classic books for kids, if you want to know more about it, then reading this book isn’t gonna be a loss at all.

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle, 1962

This is a young adult science fantasy novel written by American author Madeleine L’Engle. The story follows Meg Murry, a young girl who embarks on a journey with her genius little brother Charles Wallace and their friend Calvin O’Keefe.

They go through space and time, from galaxy to galaxy as they endeavor to rescue Murry’s father and also to fight back the Black thing that has intruded upon multiple works.

The book shows a fight between light and darkness and good and evil as the young characters mature into adolescents on their journey. The book is widely renowned making it one of the best classic books for kids you could find.

Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak, 1963

The book is about a young boy named Max. He wreaks havoc all over his house wearing a wolf suit. As things happened he was sent back to back without his supper. Max’s bedroom undergoes a mysterious transformation as it turns into a jungle environment, he then winds up sailing to an island that is inhabited by monsters that are simply called wild things.

The monster tries to scare and intimidate Max, but things turn out to be not, as Max stops the wild things, he is hailed as the king and starts to enjoy his time with the wild things as his subjects.

Max before long starts to feel lonely and even to the wild things’ dismay he returns home to find a hot supper waiting for him.

The book was an instant hit and has been one of the most distinguished American picture books for children making it among some of the best classic books for kids out there.

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein, 1964

This is a children’s book written by Shel Silverstein. The story follows an Apple tree and a boy who develop a relationship with one another. The boy enjoyed playing with the tree in his childhood as he climbed her trunk and swung from its branches even carving their names into her.

As the boy grows up the time he spends with the tree gets lessened, he only comes around to get material things from the tree, but the tree still gives parts of herself to make the boy happy. Even as the boy grows older the tree only addresses him as a boy.

The story describes to us in its final pages that both the tree and the boy feel the sting of their respective giving and taking nature.

The book has been described as one of the most divisive books for children out there. the controversy stems from such an unclear relationship between the boy and the tree where sometimes it seems the tree is showing extremely selfless love for the boy and one another notes their relationship makes it seem as if the boy is truly abusive about the things he does to the tree.

Though it is still Silverstein’s best-known title to this day having been translated into many languages, if you are looking for one of the best classic books for kids out there then this certainly is undisputed among others.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl, 1964

A children’s novel written by British author Roald Dahl, it features the adventures of a young Charlie Bucket when he goes into the chocolate factory of the eccentric chocolatier Willy Wonka.

The story was originally inspired by Dahl’s own childhood experiences, back in his school days at Repton School in Derbyshire Cadbury would often send test packages to the schoolchildren in exchange for their opinions on the new products.

At the time Cadbury and Rowntree were England’s two largest chocolate makers and they each often stole tread secrets from one another by sending spies in disguise of factory workers or anything else possible.

The book has garnered a lot of reputation and fame since then and has been a beloved classic for kids out there for a long time making this one of the best classic books for kids out there.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle, 1969

A children’s picture book written by American author and illustrator Eric Carle. The plot follows a very hungry caterpillar that eats a variety of foods before pupating and emerging as a butterfly.

The story has the elements that contribute to juvenile education such as counting the day of the week, food, and a butterfly’s life cycle. It has been lauded as one of the greatest childhood classics of all time.

It also has been praised for its iconic art style fearing collage artwork and holes in the pages where the caterpillar ate through. It certainly is one of the best classic books for kids out there.

Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O’Brien, 1970

A children’s science fiction fantasy book by Robert C. O’Brien. The novel is about a colony of escaped lab rats of NIMH who live in a technologically sophisticated and literate society mimicking humans.

They come to aid the widowed field mouse who seeks their protection for her kids and home from being destroyed by a farmer’s plow.  The book was an instant success and won numerous awards and was even adapted for films making it one of the best classic books for kids out there.

Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume, 1972

This is the first book in the Fudge series. It follows the character named Peter Warren Hatcher who is a nine-year-old boy and his relationship with his two-and-a-half-year-old brother, Farley Drexel “Fudge” Hatcher.

The story goes as Peter is seen often being frustrated with Fudge’s antics which are disturbing for Peter. at times he throws temper tantrums, goes through a finicky phase of abstaining from waiting altogether, and even emulates Peter’s behavior.

But Fudge despite all this not only goes unpunished but Their parents Warren and Anne also dote on Fudge much to Peter’s anger. The book was an instant hit at the time making it one of the best classic books for kids out there.

Danny the Champion of the World by Roald Dahl, 1975

A children’s novel written by Roald Dahl, it was published in 1975. The story centers around a young English boy, and his father William. The story is about a boy who is the youngest car mechanic around and his best friend is his dad. They fix cars and live in their mechanic shop while partaking in poaching pheasants.

Danny loves his father who seems to never have an end to the supply of good stories to tell him, and when he finds out about his father’s secret, he is off to an adventure of a lifetime.

The novel was adapted into a made-for-TV movie and is one of the best young adult books of all time in Time magazine’s 100 best list. So I am sure this is certainly one of the best classic books for kids out there.

Goodnight Mister Tom by Michelle Magorian, 1981

This story is written by English author Michelle Magorian. It is set during World War II and is about a boy who was abused at home and is evacuated to the countryside at the outbreak of the war.

The boy William Beech was physically and emotionally abused by his mother who believed that the people are evil and must continually be punished for their sins. After he is sent to live with an elderly recluse, Mr. Tom, he is distant and bad-tempered at first but after knowing about William extent of the ordeal he has gone through, he starts to become kind to him and becomes more understanding.

The novel has won the annual once-or-lifetime Guardian children’s fiction prize judged by a panel of British children’s writers. This book is highly recommended as one of the best classic books of all time.

The BFG by Roald Dahl, 1982

A children’s novel by British author Roald Dahl. The book is an expansion of a short story from Dah’s 1975 novel Danny the Champion of the World. The book is dedicated to Dahl’s late daughter, Olivia, who died of measles encephalitis when she was seven years old in 1962.

The story starts with an eight-year-old orphan girl named Sophie who is lying in bed in an orphanage run by Mrs, Clonkers. Sophie saw a mysterious giant man in the streets carrying a suitcase and a trumpet.

She tries to hide in her bed but the giant sees her and picks her up later taking her to a desolate land. Sophie believes that the giant intends to eat her and she pleads for her life but the giant laughs and dismisses the idea.

He tells her that he is a Big Friendly Giant, BFG, unlike the other giants who eat humans. The book is highly popular as a classic and is certainly one of the best classic books for kids out there.

Sarah, Plain, and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan, 1985

The book written by Patricia Maclachlan explores the themes of loneliness, abandonment, and coping with change. The story is set in the midwestern United States during the late 19th century.

the story begins as Jacob Witting a widowed farmer finds the task of taking care of his farm and two children too much for him to handle alone. He writes an ad in the newspaper for a mail-order bride.

Sarah Whreaton of Maine answers it and decides to travel to Jacobe for a trial period of one month, in the hopes of marrying Jacob. The book has been followed by four sequels and explores the Witting Family after Sara’s arrival. This is one of the best classic books for kids out there and has been featured in several different types of literature since its release.

Matilda by Roald Dahl, 1988

A story about a precious child with an uncaring mother and father named Matilda Wormwood and her time in a school run by the tyrannical headmistress Miss Trunchbull.

The story goes as Matilda is seen as a very intelligent girl who was able to speak at the age of one and read at the age of three and a half, but her parents still don’t acknowledge her abilities, Matilda then finds solace in pulling pranks on them.

At the age of 5, she goes to school and is discovered by a compassionate teacher who later becomes her friend. The story is a great classic that has stood the test of time making this one of the best classic books for kids out there.

Aesop’s Fables by Aesop, 2002

The 2002 edition of the book is a translation that represents all the main fables collected that are in ancient Latin and Greek, these are arranged according to the fables contents and themes.

the book includes 600 fables, many of which haven’t even been translated into English before. The book’s fables cover a wide range of moral lessons and have been very popular from the time it was resealed. if you are looking for a classic read for your kid then this certainly is one of the best classic books for kids out there.

10 Best Classic Baby Books

Here is a list of the 10 best Classic baby books:

The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper,1930

This is an American children’s book written by Watty Piper, the pen name of Arnold Munk. The book was published in 1930 and it teaches children about the values of optimism and hard work.

the book tells the story of a train filled with toys and gifts for children that break down. After many passing trains refuse to help pull the train, a little blue train agrees to pull the stranded toys over the hill.

The book is very well known for its signature phrase “I think I can” and is listed as one of the teacher’s top 100 books for children by the National Education Association making it one of the best classic books for kids out there.

Pat the Bunny by Dorothy Kunhardt, 1940

This is an interactive children’s book written by Dorothy Kunhardt. Since its publication in 1940, it has been a perennial best-seller in the US.

The book was originally written for Kunhardt’s three-year-old daughter Edith, who later went on to become a children’s writer herself. the New York Times considered the book as the first interactive book ever written, so if you ever want to have one of the best classic books for kids, then this is a certain choice!

Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown, 1947

A highly acclaimed bedtime storybook that is considered a classic series and is certainly one of the best classic books for kids, that I would recommend. this is about a little bunny saying goodnight to everything around it, the quiet poetry of the words is gentle, and lulling illustrations combine to make a perfect book to end the day of your little kid.

The book had poor initial sales during the post world War II baby boob years but it slowly became a best-seller. it has sold over 48 million copies by 2017 making it one of the best classic books for kids out there.

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle, published in 1967

A children’s picture book published in 1967 was written and illustrated by Bill Marin Jr. and Eric Carle. The book is designed to help toddlers associate colors and meaning with objects.

The plot is about the narrator asking various animals and people what they see. Their responses are an observation of another animal or person which again promotes the initial question of what do you see?

the book has sold over 8 million hardcover copies by 2003 making it one of the best classic books for kids out there.

Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell, 1982

This classic book is a Lift the Flab book by Rod Campbell, it was first published in 1982. The story revolves around a child who writes to the zoo wanting a pet to send to his home.

Before long various animals are sent but none of them are quite right, the child keeps sending them back until finally the perfect pet is sent. The book has been an instant hit since it was released and has been for over 25 years and is considered one of the best classic books for kids out there.

Love You Forever by Robert Munsch, 1986

A children’s picture book written by Robert Munsch and illustrated by Sheila McGraw, published in 1986. The story centers around a mother who sings a lullaby to her son at each stage of his life.

despite the child’s rebellious nature during childhood, she still sings to him after he falls asleep, as they both grow older, the mother becomes sick and unable to sing lullaby. As that is the case, the son begins to sing for his mother and later his newborn daughter.

The book is a clear depiction of the love of parents and their children’s lifelong love that is free from any conditionality.

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault, 1989

A bestselling American children’s picture book that is written by  Mill Marin Jr. and John Archambault, illustrated by Lois Ehlert, and published by Simon and Schuster in 1989.

The plot is about the lowercase alphabet trying to climb up a coconut tree in order until its weight causes the coconut tree to lean over, which causes the letters to fall out one by one.

The uppercase alphabet comes to their rescue later. the book is very popular and is a well-received book making it one of the best classic books for kids out there.

The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister,1992

This is a picture book by Swiss author and illustrator Marcus Pfister, it was first published in 1992. The story is about a beautiful fish who learns to make friends by shaking his most prized possessions, his shiny multicolored scales.

The book is best known for its distinctive shiny foil scales. it is best known for an animated television series, the central themes of the book can be found in its logic of sharing with others and making others see how that could lead to happiness.

If you are looking for one of the best classic books for kids out there, then this certainly is one you can’t miss.

Baby’s Day Out By John Hughes, 1994

A famously renowned children’s book written by John Hughes. It was published in 1994. there also was a film based on the same name and also written by John Hughes. It is the story of a baby who escapes his kidnappers and explores the city.

The book is 24 pages long and was very well received all around, it has since been famous as being one of the best classic books for kids out there.

Madeline By Ludwig Bemelmans

A children’s book written and illustrated by Ludwig Bemelmans. It was first published in 1939. The story is set in a boarding school for girls in Paris, France. Madeline is the smallest and bravest girl there known especially for her daring personality.

The is greatly known for its rhyme and scheme also with its colorful images of Paris. It is the first of a six-book series that later extended to 17 which was inspired by the Madeline Media Franchise. the book is considered one of the best classic books for kids.

Finishing Words For Our Best Classic Books For Kids List

The books listed here have stood the test of time, and continue to be loved by children from across generations, they offer a variety of themes, that will give lessons to your growing kids and babies that are extremely important for the healthy growth of not just one’s mind but also one’s character.

Children’s literature books can have an extremely well-developed educational aspect for kids as well as an unmatched entertaining segment for your kids to read. I am sure this list of books selected from the finest there is will help you and your kids making this one of the best classic books for kids list a great one.