Fall in love with these children’s classics all over again. Or better yet, share these classic children’s books with your children.
With Easter coming up next month, I’ve been thinking about Easter baskets. Generally, I don’t go all out for holidays, but there is something alluring about doing a small basket on Easter.
If, like me, you want to skip the candy this year, why not fill your child’s Easter basket with a book instead. At the top of my list right now – children’s classics.
There’s a reason children’s classics never really go out of style. Often they tell of thrilling adventures or imaginative places with are just as excited now as they were decades ago. Moreover, they teach children the timeless lessons of how to treat animals or how to handle emotions.
Just in time for Easter, today I wanted to share with you 33 of my favorite children’s classics.
Classic Children’s Novels Full of Adventure
Are you ready to sail away on a pirate ship? Or maybe fly off to Neverland or look for a magical land inside a wardrobe?
Every child loves to play pretend. As adults, we generally only get to dress up in our favorite costumes at Halloween and imagine ourselves as someone else. But as children, we used to play dress up and sail the seven seas in a cardboard box in the living room.
If you are looking to bring a little adventure into your child’s life, have them try out these children’s classics.

Children’s Classics that Spark Imagination
Adventures are not the only way to spark your child’s imagination. Some children’s classics are that perfect blend of make-believe to help your child think beyond what’s right in front of them. Imagine your stuffed animals living with you in the forest, a secret world down a rabbit hole, or a concealed garden. If you would like classic children’s novels to help spark creativity and imagination, here are a few that come to mind.
Coming of Age Children’s Classic Books
Another favorite topic of children’s classics – coming of age. Let’s be honest, it’s hard growing up. Sometimes we want to remain kids forever. But children all through time have had to face entry into the teenage years, so there are plenty of examples in classical literature to help them out. Plus, reading about these simpler times seems so enchanting.
Sad Children’s Classics about Animals
I expect if you ask any elementary class what they want to be when they grow up, you’ll probably get a least one child who wants to be a veterinarian. Plenty of children’s classics center on animals. And for good reason. Life used to revolve so much around animals – either on a farm or horses to pull your carriages. Even though most children in more urban environments, kids will always love animals.
Sadly, the facts of life are that most animals don’t live as long as us. Dealing with the death of a beloved pet is something children will face the world over. Thus, none of these classic children’s books will likely ever go out of style.

Classic Children’s Picture Books
We can’t forget about the youngest readers! Last, but not least, I wanted to highlight a few classic children’s picture books. While this is far from an exhaustive list, I wanted to share a few stories my family has loved.
What Children’s Classics Did You Love As a Child?
What do you think? Do you agree or disagree with my Children’s Classics list? What children’s classic books have I forgotten? Which overhyped classic books should I have left off my list? As always, let me know in the comments!
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