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No matter what age, we will always remember the stories we read as children – and the adventures we wished we were on with them. On some days, when the kids clamor for a good bed time story, we’love to share the stories that are dear to our heart.
For the parents and grown-ups who just want to enjoy some down time, here are some classic story books from our childhood that you might want to share with your little ones; or read them yourself (if you haven’t already!):
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
There’s nothing like summer to bring out the explorers and adventurers in children. In this classic by Mark Twain, he makes readers everywhere reminisce their childhood frolicking as we follow Huck Finn on his playful times along the Mississippi River. Children everywhere will excite their imagination for their next big adventure, and parents and guardians will reawaken their free spirit in the unforgettable and beloved character of Huckleberry Finn.
Anne of the Green Gables
If little boys have the adventurous Huck Finn, girls have the equally spirited, red-haired, Anne Shirley! Anne of Green Gables is story of a funny and endearing little girl adopted into the Cuthbert family, and makes her home into Prince Edward Island. Her adventures, misadventures, daydreams and ‘growing up’ is beautifully told in this first book in the series of Anne books. Women, young and old alike, are sure to reminisce their childhood days in the pages of this classic story.
The Borrowers by Mary Norton
First published in England in 1952, Mary Norton wove an entertaining story of a family of tiny people who live beneath the floor boards of an English manor. Missing anything from your stuff? It must be that the Borrowers have them! Read with the kids as the hilarity ensues with the Clocks trying to stay hidden from the humans living above their home.
The BFG by Roald Dahl
Kids might be afraid of giants, but they are sure to think differently once they meet the BFG. Children will be relieved to find out that he is one nice giant, not the kind that would have them for breakfast! This classic story by Roald Dahl, soon out in theaters with a movie adaptation, teach kids (and adults) that past appearances, we can find very good friends in people.
The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
The Little Prince challenges adults of the futile pursuits of adult-life, as represented by several characters. For children, it is an innocent story of a little prince who travels planet to planet. For older people, it reminds us of the beauty of thinking and seeing things in a child’s perspective: simple and truthful.
Wonder by R.J. Palacio
Wonder is a story of a boy named Auggie, who we find out as we read on is a very ordinary boy with extraordinary facial features. Auggie is a lovable character, honest and down-to-earth and wants nothing more than to be treated just like his peers. His story teaches people of all ages on empathy, acceptance and compassion. It will surely help parents and guardians everywhere to teach children that kindness goes a very long way.
The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
Give and give? Take and take? The story of the Giving Tree might be one that never really explains what its moral is; nevertheless, this children’s tale illustrates one of the most poignant of sacrificial love. Children learn and reminds older people as well, from the perspective of the Giving Tree, the most important values in life: sincere generosity and gratitude.
A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett
Who would have thought — a princess in a dingy attic! Little girls will find Sarah Crewe to be one of the most magical and inspiring characters to ever grace the literary world – not to mention the women, too! A Little Princess gives us a motivating story of someone who has risen up to the challenges of coping up with new circumstances with kindness and consideration for others, in the face of people who wishes for one’s failure.
Oh, The Places You Will Go by Dr. Seuss
The perfect gift for people from all walks of life, typically in graduation ceremonies. The book contains the classic poem by Dr. Seuss on encouraging someone to step into their next season, or as he calls it, the ‘places you will go’. The poem is not only attractive to kids for the rhymes and witty sentences; it also teaches them to find success in their individual life journeys – something that rings very true with adults of any age!
The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
Before Harry Potter became the staple in children’s bookshelves, The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis had been the favorite alternate universe for kids. Set in a fictional world named Narnia, readers follow the adventures of the Pevensie family and other children as they explore the kingdom of magical talking beasts, animals, and wicked witches. This classic perfectly illustrates lessons on bravery, chivalry, and the more sobering values of humility and sacrifice. The timelessness of the themes draws readers back to the world beyond the wardrobe, no matter what age they find themselves in it.
The stories above resonate to people from all ages, no matter what the times are; simply because these are sincere stories that touch the heart and filled with life lessons and values we can take from our childhood until our adulthood. These are only some of the most brilliant, vibrant, and imaginative stories across the globe that are enjoyed by children everywhere – even children at heart!
