Classic Books Every Young Child Should Read

 Recently I was asked by a conscientious young mom what I would recommend for a “must read” list of children’s literature.  What are some classic books every child should read, and every family can enjoy reading aloud together?

I remember wanting a checklist  like that when I was a young mom. It is so frustrating to read something poorly written, boring, or questionable to my kids. Worse yet, it is gut-wrenching to read a book where you actually sense a message you don’t want your kids to absorb. 

Back in the pre-internet days, I primarily used three resources to choose good read alouds for my kids: The Read Aloud Handbook by Jim Trelease, the Rainbow Resource Catalog, and the Sonlight Curriculum read aloud lists. I also drew on my own favorites from childhood plus whatever my friends recommended. Libraries also had some lists I occasionally found helpful.

The internet has made the search more accessible, but also more overwhelming. My favorite resource besides Sonlight lists is the Read Aloud Revival website for really helpful suggestions on good, classic, well written and worthwhile books that will stand the test of time and help them form good character and expose them to good writing and good vocabulary.

How do you choose classic books every child should read, or have read to them? Where are the  books that you will enjoy reading as much as your kids will enjoy listening to? Which books have stood the test of time--at least a little time--proven great books to read over and over agin?

One library pamphlet I recently picked up gave some great advice: “Seek quality illustrations and text because children learn language and vocabulary skills best when they associate words with quality illustrations.” 

So, when picking out good read alouds, you want to look for:

1. Great illustrations
2. An interesting storyline that keeps you turning pages to see what happens next
3. A good resolution 
4. Words that go well together-no stilted rhyming-good vocabulary
5. If there is an underlying message, a message you agree with (not all books have to have a message!)

Given those guidelines, here are a few books/authors I recommend that have written great books for young children 0-5 and their parents to enjoy.  Some are board books and others are picture books; some are available in both formats, but all appeal to both children and the adults who read to them. Try some of these and see which ones are your favorites!

1. The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd Jones
2.  Found, (and the series of short board books based on various Psalms-)-by Sally Lloyd Jones
3. The Very Hungry Caterpillar (and many others) by Eric Carle
4. Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What do you See? by Bill Martin Jr
5. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault
6. Planting a Rainbow (and many others) by Lois Ehlert
7. Llama, Llama, Red Pajama and series by Anna Dewdney
8. Moo, Baa, La La La (and many others) by Sandra Boynton
9. Jamberry by Bruce Degan
10. Hand, Hand, Fingers, Thumb by Al Perkins
11. One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish by Dr. Seuss 
12. Little Blue Truck and series by Alice Schertle
13. Johnny Appleseed by Reeve Lindbergh
14. Rain Makes Applesauce by Julian Scheer
15. The Tale of Peter Rabbit and series by Beatrix Potter
16. The Tale of Three Trees by Angela Elwell Hunt
17. Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Pena
18. The Lion and the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney 
19. Noah’s Ark by Peter Spier (and many others by that author)
20. Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
21. The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
22. Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson
23. Animalia by Graeme Base
24. Frog and Toad are Friends and series by Arnold Lobel
25. Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus and the Elephant and Piggie series by Mo Willems 

This is not an exhaustive list, it is just a few of my favorites to get you started! I didn't include many books that I consider classics and that I personally love, just because I was trying to keep the list manageable. 
Reading to kids aloud is such a joy and will spark great conversations, great creativity, and empathy, too. Sarah Mackenzie, of The Read Aloud Revival podcast, says, "a book is like an art gallery in your lap"--and I agree. 

Enjoy a great book today with a child you love, and be sure to let me know your favorite children's classic read alouds!

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