Ten Children’s Books You Must Read

Children’s books continue to thrive and be passed from generation to generation. At their best, they inspire and instruct us all about life. Here are 10 not to miss:

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst

People of any age, even a kindergartener, can have bad days. Alexander lets us know days like that are bound to happen and we can get over them just as he did.

Charlotte’s Web by E. B. White

This is the story of Charlotte, the spider, who saves a pig named Wilbur. Through these simple characters, White shows the power of loyalty and a loving friendship to transform lives.

Lily’s Purple Plastic Purse by Kevin Henkes

After slipping a mean drawing in her favorite teacher’s book bag, Lily learns about anger, forgiveness, and the importance of patience.

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

The March family struggles against poverty while the father is away during the Civil War. As the four sisters move from girlhood to becoming young women, universal truths about loss, leaving, and finding your place in the world are taught. It is an epic story about a family where, despite the title, men’s roles are just as important as women’s.

Oh, the Places You’ll Go! by Dr. Seuss

Vintage Dr. Seuss as he reminds us of the potential we all have to fulfill even our wildest dreams. It is the perfect book for children of all ages setting out on a new adventure.

Shiloh by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor

Marty finds a mistreated beagle puppy, Shiloh, while walking. He must take stock of his rigid values and measure them against moral dilemmas involving justice, truth, and deciding what is right or wrong.

The Giver by Lois Lowry

Jonas lives in a seemingly utopian community. There is no pain, hunger, disease or war. Jonas, though, learns this perfection is an illusion. Lowry points out the dangers of opting for unexamined security over freedom and choosing conformity over individuality.

The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf

Ferdinand is a gentle little bull who doesn’t want to fight; he’d rather sit and smell flowers. This funny and endearing tale of the courage to be different has stuck a chord with both young and old for over 50 years. In the history of happy endings, it has one of the happiest.

Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson

A very valuable map falls into the possession of young Jim Hawkins and he embarks upon a perilous treasure hunt. Jim comes to understand that strong moral values like honor, duty and truthfulness will bring you through the dangers life holds.

Winnie-the-Pooh by A. A. Milne

A series of stories set in Ashdown forest which feature Milne’s son Christopher as a character along with talking animals and animated versions of his toys. The characters are flawed. Pooh is greedy; Eeyore gloomy; Piglet timid; and, Tigger rushes into things. However, all occasionally transcend their natures as both adults and children must learn to do.