10 Classic Books to Make Your Children Fall in Love With Reading
Encouraging your child to develop a love of reading isn’t always easy! Often associated with homework and school, books aren’t every child’s go to for entertainment. So, when it comes to engaging your children in literature it is important to introduce them to books you know they will enjoy, they may even be the same books that you loved as a child.
The right story can give your child the inspiration to garner their own independent love of reading. In this article we have collated some of the most loved classics that have captured young minds for generations.
The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
Introducing your child to the world of Narnia is a magical experience. After all, who didn’t hide inside their closet, eyes closed, hoping they would magically end up in Narnia. C. S. Lewis’ classic novel follows the adventures of four siblings - Lucy, Peter, Susan and Edmund - who have been evacuated to the country during the London air raids of the Second World War.
The real story, however, begins when the youngest sibling, Lucy, during a game of hide and seek finds the magical wardrobe that leads to the alternate universe of Narnia. Talking lions, powerful witches and charming beavers populate the fantastical world of Narnia. Eternally blanketed in snow, the world inside the wardrobe teaches the children the important and moralistic lessons about deception, loyalty and the importance of friendship.
The Secret Diary of Adrain Mole, Aged 13 3/4 by Sue Townsend
His first love, Pandora, has dumped him; Mr. Lucas, his neighbour, may or may not be seducing his mother; the BBC refuses to publish his poetry; and nobody seems able to recognise his intellectual brilliance. Life, for the young Adrain Mole, is frustrating to say the least.
In the form of a young boy's diary, Sue Townsend brilliantly captured the inner thoughts of a young teenager in the midst of finding out his intellectual and political identity. Set during tumultuous Thatcher years, the diary of Adrain Mole is an honest look at the hardships of a working class family during the early 1980s.
Interspersed with the universal concerns of teenagers such as appearance and first love, The Secret Diary of Adrain Mole is a hilarious coming of age classic. And may even inspire your young ones to start writing a diary of their own!
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carrol
On a beautiful summer’s day, the young Alice starts to dream of a far off place. Bored of the books and conversations around her when, suddenly, a mysterious white rabbit runs by. Full of curiosity, Alice decides to follow the creature into a rabbit hole. When all of a sudden she finds herself falling down a deep well into Wonderland.
On her adventures she meets a myriad of strange and absurd characters, spouting confusing riddles and strange moral tales attempting to derail her return home. However, it is Alice’s good sense and fair mind that lead to her success through Wonderland.
Dracula by Bram Stoker
This dark twisted tale follows Johnathan Harker, a young english lawyer, who travels to Castle Dracula to conclude a real estate transaction with a nobleman named Count Dracula. Upon arrival Harker realises things are not what they seem at the castle. Comprising of letters, journal entries and telegrams, the reader quickly learns of the bloodthirsty past that surrounds the castle and its inhabitants.
The Hound of the Baskervilles by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
When diving into the world of famous London detectives, it’s hard to know where to start. With countless short stories following Holmes and Watson through their adventures. However, the case of the ‘hound’ on the Devonshire moors is a classic ‘who done it’. With mysteries arising in rapid succession the reader, along with Watson, is kept on the edge of their seat!
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J. K. Rowling
It's hard to imagine a world without Harry Potter, the boy who lived is a story practically universally known. The Hogwarts trio of Harry, Ron and Hermione has captured the imagination of children and young adults across the globe. The eight books follow the life of a young wizard growing up, the life lessons he learns throughout his adventures and importance of love, bravery and friendship.
Each book follows a different year at Hogwarts, the first book ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone’ is a great place to start. We meet Harry as he learns about his magical powers, follow his journey through Diagon Alley, as well as learning the challenges of being a first year at Hogwarts. The books also introduce children to the sad realities of life, the unpredictability of death and the trails of grief. Rowling crafts an honest world, and teaches life lessons in a candid and warm way.
Black Beauty by Anna Sewell
Narrated by a horse, the story of Black Beauty illustrates the mistreatment of animals by humans. Following the horse's life as he experiences incidents of kindness and cruelty. During the time in which the novel is set, the late 19th century, horses were not thought of as animals with feelings but rather machines or a mode of transportation.
Sewell triggered a change from this mindset when she wrote Black Beauty, as it allowed the 19th century audience to empathise with the horse, making people question and change how they treated animals.
Passed from owner to owner, deemed unfit to be a gentleman’s horse, the reader sees the harsh living conditions and terrible mistreatments of Black Beauty and other horses and teaches the attentive reader the importance of kindness not only towards humans but towards animals, especially helpless ones.
The Famous Five by Enid Blyton
The Famous Five go on adventures most kids only dream about. Taking place in the summer holidays, three boys: Dick, Julian and Timothy and two girls: Anne and Georgina go to Treasure Island in one instalment of the classic books and travel to the Mystery Moors in another.
Constantly seeking excitement at every turn. The short stories are a great way to get your kids excited about reading, from the suspicious caretaker, to the puzzling clues, it’s no wonder the Famous Five remain a mainstay in the canon of thrilling children stories.
James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl
Described as one of the greatest storytellers for children of the 20th century, it’s no wonder the world of Roald Dahl is adored by almost every child who reads him. From friendly giants to the edible world of Willy Wonka, Dahl captures the essence and spontaneity of children’s imaginations.
It’s important to introduce them to books they love at an early age, ones that make them laugh out loud and inspire them to concoct elaborate and playful stories of their own. Roald Dahl’s creations are a brilliant entry point, as they encourage children to be individual and curious.
James and the Giant Peach is one of Dahl’s most celebrated stories as it follows a young boy’s adventures as he overcomes the loss of his parents and develops the courage to stand up for what he believes in. The inclusion of comic poetry and colourful characters also makes this a terrific real-aloud book.
Frankenstein by Mary Shelly
A classic on any list, Mary Shelly’s first novel captures the importance of compassion and the anxieties of modern life. Still relevant today, the story follows Dr. Frankenstein and his creation, the monster. The archetypal character of the ‘mad scientist’ questions the morals and power of his abilities. If he is able to create a living creature should he not be responsible for teaching his creation how to act and behave in society?
Dr. Frankenstein's failure to control his creation leads to the monster feeling isolated and afraid. The classic gothic novel questions what it is to be human as well as medical ethics, introducing young readers to the moral dilemmas at play in the world.
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