Reading with children has been a positive practice for many years, and the vast selection of classic books for children guarantees that this tradition will carry on for many generations to come.

We’ve reviewed many children’s books in the past, now we’re counting down 20 of our favorite classics. So without further delay…

Here’s part one of our 20 classic books for children countdown:

20. A Wrinkle in Time

At #20, “A Wrinkle In Time” by Madeleine L’Engle is a classic tale of good vs. evil.

This intricate story of “A Wrinkle in Time” follows main characters Meg and Charles as they venture through the depths of space to find their missing father, a physicist who is believed to have run off. They must rely on their individual and collective strengths as they delve deep within themselves to find answers.

This timeless tale is full of warmth and love that also offers a phenomenal experience in challenging concepts of time and space.

19. The Snowy Day

Waking up to freshly fallen snow is enough to kindle the childhood spirit in us all.  Read along with your children as “The Snowy Day” follows a boy who celebrates the snowy day, experimenting with footprints, knocking snow from a tree, creating snow angels, and trying to save a snowball for the next day.

This Caldecott Medal winner by Ezra Jack Keats is one that you and your child can enjoy again and again.

18. Ben and Me: An Astonishing Life of Benjamin Franklin by his Good Mouse Amos

Find out who the “real” originator of Franklin’s most important contributions is when you and your children read “Ben and Me: An Astonishing Life of Benjamin Franklin by His Good Mouse Amos” by Robert Lawson

This light-hearted biography of Benjamin Franklin as told by his mouse, Amos is perfect for kids ages 7 and older.

17. The Cricket in Times Square
The Cricket in Times Square changes the lives of a host of New Yorkers. Little Chester from Connecticut unwittingly ends up in the Big Apple after jumping into the picnic basket of some unsuspecting New Yorkers.

This story by Garth Williams is a surprisingly suspenseful tale that your children will remember for years.

16. Rosie’s Walk

“Rosie’s Walk” by Pat Hutchins is a book that relies on pictures and offers few words. In it, a rather clueless chicken, Rosie, goes out for a walk. Unbeknownst to Rosie, a fox is following her every move. However, every attempt he makes to capture her fails because she unwittingly does something to put him out of commission.

This delightful book is appropriate for children in the preschool age and for beginning readers.

15. Richard Scarry’s Best Storybook Ever

Children are magically attracted to “Richard Scarry’s Best Storybook Ever” as they’ll surely return to it again and again.  From home, to school, to the neighborhood, to the zoo and on and on, this amazing author and illustrator brings the world to a child’s fingertips.

This book also serves as a great aid for adults, including relevant illustrations that can be referenced whenever a child requests an explanation of an unfamiliar name (such as locomotive, shutter, or appliance).  Along with being a great book, it is also wonderful for building vocabulary!

14. The Wind in the Willows

“The Wind in the Willows” by Kenneth Grahame is a wonderful story about friendship and life.

This wonderful story also dives deeper into our lives, including key insights via an enormously rich language that also does wonders for children’s verbal skills.

13. My Father’s Dragon

“My Father’s Dragon” by Ruth Stiles Gannet is an incredible fantasy-filled adventure.  This exciting read-aloud for younger readers will also keep adults entertained as it is read again and again.

12.  Little House in the Big Woods

“Little House in the Big Woods” by Laura Ingalls Wilder makes history come alive. This classic book for children conveys powerful messages of overcoming adversity through the struggles and accomplishments of a family who works together to overcome difficult conditions.

11. Island of the Blue Dolphins

This children’s book is a perfect example of the ability of a book to take us to places far beyond the ones we know.

Based on a true story, “Island of the Blue Dolphins” by Scott O’Dell follows a teenage girl and her 7-year-old brother in an adventurous tale of survival and mystery on a deserted island after being left behind by their tribe.

Have your kids read any or all of these classic books for children?  Share which ones they love most in the comments below!

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