Classic Books for Kids

Certain books stand the test of time. True classics, they're enjoyed by each new generation of young readers. Some have been revamped with new covers or retooled for new platforms, such as ebooks or interactive book apps. Others have been made into movies or TV shows. From adventure tales to poignant dramas to funny bone-tickling comedies, this is an ultimate classic kids' library for every age. Parents (and even grandparents) will love sharing the books they read as a kid with the kids in their lives. For more great reads, check out our lists Books with Characters of Color and 50 Books All Kids Should Read Before They're 12.

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Corduroy Poster Image
BOOK

Corduroy

age 2+

Sweet, heartwarming picture-book classic.

By: Don Freeman (1968)
Make Way for Ducklings Poster Image
BOOK

Make Way for Ducklings

age 2+

Kids and parents enjoy this story about family.

By: Robert McCloskey (1969)
The Snowy Day Poster Image
BOOK

The Snowy Day

age 2+

Classic captures a kid's delight in freshly fallen snow.

By: Ezra Jack Keats (1962)
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Poster Image
BOOK

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

age 2+

Funny, colorful look at caterpillar's development.

By: Eric Carle (1970)
Curious George Poster Image
BOOK

Curious George

age 3+

Michievous monkey's antics will have kids laughing.

By: H. A. Rey (1973)
Go, Dog. Go! Poster Image
BOOK

Go, Dog. Go!

age 3+

Go, new readers. Go!

By: P. D. Eastman (1961)
Harold and the Purple Crayon Poster Image
BOOK

Harold and the Purple Crayon

age 2+

Imagination reigns in timeless classic about drawing boy.

By: Crockett Johnson (1955)
The Tale of Peter Rabbit Poster Image
BOOK

The Tale of Peter Rabbit

age 3+

Beatrix Potter's first and one of her best.

By: Beatrix Potter (1902)
The Cat in the Hat book cover: Cat with red and white striped hat stands on left side of cover with hands folded over stomach against a blue background
BOOK

The Cat in the Hat

age 4+

The kids' classic that put Dr. Seuss on the map.

By: Dr. Seuss (1957)
Eloise Poster Image
BOOK

Eloise

age 4+

Spirited Eloise delights her young readers.

By: Kay Thompson (1955)
Frog and Toad Are Friends Poster Image
BOOK

Frog and Toad Are Friends

age 4+

Engaging stories spotlight charming, relatable characters.

By: Arnold Lobel (1970)
The Three Billy Goats Gruff Poster Image
BOOK

The Three Billy Goats Gruff

age 4+

Classic tale given new, thoughtful ending and exquisite art.

By: Jerry Pinkney (2017)
The Complete Tales & Poems of Winnie-the-Pooh Poster Image
BOOK

The Complete Tales & Poems of Winnie-the-Pooh

age 5+

Beloved, classic stories and poems in one volume.

By: A. A. Milne (1996)
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Poster Image
BOOK

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

age 6+

Classic morality tale is wildly entertaining.

By: Roald Dahl (1964)
Charlotte's Web Poster Image
BOOK

Charlotte's Web

age 7+

Gentle, much-loved barnyard classic delights all ages.

By: E.B. White (1952)
Half Magic: Tales of Magic, Book 1 Poster Image
BOOK

Half Magic: Tales of Magic, Book 1

age 7+

Delightful, charming classic has adventure, humor, heart.

By: Edward Eager (1999)
Little House in the Big Woods Poster Image
BOOK

Little House in the Big Woods

age 7+

Beloved classic follows a frontier family for four seasons.

Pippi Longstocking Poster Image
BOOK

Pippi Longstocking

age 7+

Wild adventures with fun-loving, rule-breaking redhead.

By: Astrid Lindgren (1945)
James and the Giant Peach Poster Image
BOOK

James and the Giant Peach

age 8+

Lonely boy's magical adventure still satisfies.

By: Roald Dahl (1961)
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe: The Chronicles of Narnia, Book 1 Poster Image
BOOK

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe: The Chronicles of Narnia, Book 1

age 8+

Classic Narnia tale has exciting battles, Christian themes.

By: C.S. Lewis (1950)