You’re never too young, or too old, for a good book. We all remember our favourite stories from when we were younger, and many of them remain hugely popular with today’s children!
Here at our independent school in Devon, we love encouraging children to pick up books and discover stories that will help develop their curiosity and stay with them as they grow up.
Whether you’re looking for a new story to introduce to your child or just want to revisit your childhood, here are some of our favourite classic children’s tales that are still popular today.
Note that the recommended reading ages provided are just a rough guide. Some kids may be comfortable reading books earlier, whereas others might want to wait a little longer.
The Tiger Who Came to Tea
Recommended for Ages 3-5
The Tiger Who Came to Tea has been part of growing up for generations. First published in 1968, the story remains hugely popular, with a TV adaptation released during Christmas 2019.
Judith Kerr’s famous picture book is short, easy to read and filled with gorgeous illustrations, making it a great early read, or something you can enjoy together.
The Gruffalo
Recommended for Ages 3-5
First published in 1999, The Gruffalo is a bonafide children’s classic. The story of the mouse and the Gruffalo is full of rhyming fun and beautiful illustrations to ignite curiosity in young minds.
Many adults continue to enjoy the humour of Julia Donaldson’s book and the gorgeous designs by Axel Scheffler. Even if you didn’t grow up with the stories as a child, take this as an excuse to buy a copy for yourself and your little ones!
Peter Pan
Recommended for Ages 6-8
The story of Peter Pan is one that is known by children and adults across the world. While popularised by Disney, the story dates to the early 20th century and originally started as a play by J. M. Barrie.
To this day, the story of Neverland, Tinkerbell and the Lost Boys continues to enchant children. With tales full of magic, it’s a great book to get young minds excited by the endless adventures that reading can provide.
Charlotte’s Web
Recommended for Ages 6-8
One of the best-selling children’s books of all time, there are few houses that haven’t had Charlotte’s Web on their bookshelves. First published in 1952, its story of life and friendship remains a hugely emotional memory for many now-adult readers.
Charlotte’s Web is the perfect novel for children to own and read and fall in love with themselves as they grow up. However, many adults also enjoy reading it, such is the quality of the story.
Winnie-the-Pooh
Recommended for Ages 7-9
One of the most iconic children’s characters of all time, Winnie-the-Pooh is an absolute treat for young children. The fun-filled adventures of Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore and more have enchanted kids and adults alike ever since they were first published in the 1920s.
Many Winnie-the-Pooh books have been produced by author A. A. Milne, which means there are plenty of books for excited kids and playful adults to enjoy.
Grimm’s Fairy Tales
Recommended for Ages 7-9
If you don’t remember The Brothers Grimm, you’ll certainly remember their fairy tales. Based on oral folk tales and first published in 1812, the stories contain some of the most iconic tales of all time, such as Hansel and Gretel, Little Red Riding Hood, and Cinderella.
Some of Grimm’s Fairy Tales are quite dark, but many of them have a wonderful sense of adventure and positive moral lessons that mean they’ve remained popular with children for over 200 years.
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Recommended for Ages 9-12
The first and most popular book of C. S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia series, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is an iconic fantasy story. While aimed at children, it’s also incredibly popular with adults who enjoy tales of other worlds and mystical beings.
While The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is now marked as volume 2 of the Chronicles of Narnia, it is a stand-alone story that can be read by itself. Or, maybe it will start a lifetime of reading fun for your little one and you’ll want to buy the whole seven-book set!
Swallows and Amazons
Recommended for Ages 9-12
One of the great children’s adventure stories, Swallows and Amazons is a wonderful story filled with sailing, camping, mysterious islands and friends that last a lifetime.
Originally published in 1930, the Swallows and Amazons series remains one of the most popular children’s books of all time. It’s comparable to Treasure Island and was inspired by the adventurous spirit of the school summer holidays, making it a perfect world for young children to escape into during the break.
Anne of Green Gables
Recommended for Ages 9-12
One of the best-selling books of all time, Anne of Green Gables is a classic for all ages but is particularly popular with young girls. The vibrant and warm story of orphan girl Anne (with an ‘e’) growing up in Avonlea is a wonderful read that teaches us about curiosity, family and friendships.
While the book is long, it is broken into small chapters, making it great for young children eager to move from picture books to more traditional stories.
Black Beauty
Recommended for Ages 9-12
Inspired by disabled author Anna Sewell’s reliance on horses in the 19th century, this story has become one of the most popular novels of all time. Told by the titular horse, it tracks his life with various owners, recounting hardships and moments of joy in small chapters.
While not initially designed for children, Black Beauty has become a favourite thanks to its positive messages on animal welfare and human kindness, making it a great choice for older children looking to move towards reading adult books.
Hopefully, these books can inspire both you and your child to find more reading time in your lives! If you’re looking for more inspiration, check out our blog on fun ways to help your child with reading.
