I’m sure you’ve all heard this …. It’s been used quite a bit in reference to reading books, in ad campaigns for libraries, to promote popular children’s books, in televisions shows, and more. Despite its overuse, it remains true. When you inspire a child to read they can explore our world, places of imagination, and learn how to dream.
Most children who discover reading at an early age, grow into avid readers, and it’s important to direct their attention to not only what their personal interests might be, not only to the modern award winning children’s books, but to the classics as well.
Reading to your children can have the same effect. Classic titles such as Island of the Blue Dolphins, Misty of Chincoteague, The Wizard of Oz, and Treasure Island can whisk a child into new adventures and inspire them to a lifetime of reading.
What captures your child’s imagination? Is it sharks? Dinosaurs? Flowers? Unicorns? Whatever their interests, get them some books that will inspire them to read more.
Here’s a list of six of our reviewers favorites in classic literature:
- Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls: A powerful book about the bonds between a boy and man’s best friend.
- Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White: A little girl’s love for a small pig named Wilbur, it’s a story of friendship and love, life and death. A book nearly perfect in every way.
- Mr. Popper’s Penguins by Richard and Florence Atwater: Mr. Popper is a painter by day and an avid Arctic explorer at night – a least in his imagination! One day a strange package arrives and soon the Popper’s house is filled with penguins and there’s an ice rink in the basement!
- Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery: Due to a mix-up at the orphanage Anne was sent to live with the Cuthbert’s at Green Gables. Though she was supposed to have been a boy, she soon became the heart of both the family and the community.
- The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner: Henry, Jessie, Violet and Benny are orphans on their own when they find an old boxcar and move in. They discover a life of freedom and adventure that comes with the price of self-reliance and hard work!
- Encyclopedia Brown by Donald J. Sobol: Encyclopedia Brown is a ten-year old star detective. Not only does he solve mysteries in his own neighborhood but he also helps his father, Chief of Police, solve his mysterious crimes. These books are interactive giving the reader clues to help them solve the crime as well!
What makes a book a classic and why is it important to read them? Stay tuned for our next blog!