Recommend a classic children's book > Likes and Comments

Maybe they were among your favourites, maybe you just liked them a little.

Either way, tell us about the classic children's books you recommend to anyone who hasn't read them yet.

You can't have a thread to recommend a classic children's book without mentioning the books by Beatrix Potter.

Her books have been favourites of mine since childhood.

Are you a fan of The Tale of Peter Rabbit, The Tale of Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle, and all Beatrix Potter's other books too?

The tales and poems of Winnie the Pooh by A. A. Milne.

Good call! The Winnie The Pooh stories are fantastic.

Do you have a favourite of all the stories? How about a favourite character?

For middle grade readers, I would definitely recommend The Secret Garden. It is a very well written fantasy novel with a tight plot and structure. This is a must read :)

Madeline wrote: "For middle grade readers, I would definitely recommend The Secret Garden. It is a very well written fantasy novel with a tight plot and structure. This is a must read :)"

I completely agree; it's an excellent book, and a great choice for a recommendation!

Victoria wrote: "Madeline wrote: "For middle grade readers, I would definitely recommend The Secret Garden. It is a very well written fantasy novel with a tight plot and structure. This is a must read :)"

I comple..."
Thank you!

I also think that every child should read The Mixed up Files of Ms. Basil E. Frankwhiler.

Anne of Green Gables

Good call, Jen!

I read Anne Of Green Gables a year or so ago, and really loved it.

I also recently read the Emily Of New Moon trilogy, by the same author, which was excellent as well... At least, I thought so.

Wind in the willows

Wind in the willows

Sarah wrote: "Wind in the willows"

Oh, yes! An excellent read!

I would recommend Peter Pan for children and adults. At any age it's a good reminder to be brave and imaginative!

Great recommendations!

LaughingLeopardPress wrote: "I would recommend Peter Pan for children and adults. At any age it's a good reminder to be brave and imaginative!"

Absolutely! Great recommendation!

We love Beatrix Potter's series - especially the Tale of Samuel Whiskers!

Little wrote: "We love Beatrix Potter's series - especially the Tale of Samuel Whiskers!"

Good choice!

Jen wrote: "Anne of Green Gables"
This is such a good book!

I also really enjoyed The Mixed up Files of Ms. Basil E. Frankwhiler.

The Little House Collection
I still love to read these!

I've never forgotten the Paul Gallico books. As a cat person,I especially loved "Jenny".

Wow! So very many decisions, choices, and opinions. How do you all 'do' life?

Shepherd wrote: "Wow! So very many decisions, choices, and opinions. How do you all 'do' life?"

It's always possible to make time for the things you love to do - like reading - if you try hard enough.

I never finished reading Anne of Green Gables as a child. Don't know why. When I saw it listed on here, I started it again. Really enjoying it! I'm taking a bit longer to read it... lots going on, but wanted to thank you guys for listing it and reminding me about it. :) Will give it to my daughter when I'm done!

Ali wrote: "I never finished reading Anne of Green Gables as a child. Don't know why. When I saw it listed on here, I started it again. Really enjoying it! I'm taking a bit longer to read it... lots going on, ..."

Glad to hear it! :)

A picture book I always recommend is Six Crows by Leo Lionni. Six Crows

It's a peace story about a sort of whimsical "arms race" that happens as a farmer and scavenging crows struggle with each other. An owl (of course!) calms things down. Lionni was better known, I think, for some other books, such as Swimmy, but this one is also beautiful and has a great message.

One of my most favorite children's books is The Hobbit, or There and Back Again. I must have read my copy like six or eight times by now.

It's a delightful adventure story, perfect for children nine or ten years-old (and for adults who enjoy a good fantasy tale).

- j.

Oh, yes, "The Hobbit" is an excellent read.... Great recommendation!

"A Toad for Tuesday" is a great fantasy read-aloud for youngsters or a wonderful chapter book for middle to late elementary readers. It's a good choice for "reluctant readers" to enjoy.

I love Beatrix Potter's stories! Her stories are so sweet.

I’ve also read The Secret Garden, and it’s a very special book for me because, even though it’s not a fantasy story, the way it’s written and the mystery make it feel almost magical.

I also read the entire Anne of Green Gables series a few years ago. I like how it shows each stage of Anne’s life. And The Hobbit. I think they are good books for older children and adults.

Peter Pan was okay, but when I read it, I didn’t like the differences in how girls and boys are portrayed…
Wendy is always cooking, cleaning, sewing, etc., while the Lost Boys are just making mischief.

Still, it was written a long time ago, and I think it’s interesting to see how society was in the past through books.
I think it’s important to preserve them as they were originally written.

I can’t think of any other classic children’s books right now.
Roald Dahl comes to mind—he’s one of my favorite authors, although he’s more recent.