A family is made up of many different people. Parents, children, grandparents, uncles and aunts, cousins. As long as there are at least two generations in the family, there will always be something to connect them—a name or an event or a piece of history that ties them together. One way to bring your family closer is through reading. Reading time can be the perfect opportunity to talk about what you’ve read and share stories with one another. If you’re looking for some good reads for your family, these classic books should keep everyone happy.
The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
You can’t go wrong with this classic book about a tree who has been caring for a little boy his whole life, even though he treats it poorly. Over the course of the story, the tree comes to realize that its life has little meaning without the boy.
A book that must be read every once in a while is The Giving Tree, about a tree who gives up her leaves to provide food for a boy who does not appreciate or love her.
Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White
Charlotte’s Web is an important story for families because it teaches families about acceptance. While the story is more of a moral lesson than an adventure story, it’s still a great read. The characters in this book teach that they can be better than who they were before. One of my favorites things that you’ll learn in this story is how to be kind and how important family is.
Love You Forever by Robert Munsch
This is a beautiful story of a family and their baby. The parents take turns telling their child how much they love him or her. The ending is heartwarming.
The Cat In The Hat by Dr. Seuss
One of Dr. Seuss’ most famous children’s books, The Cat in the Hat is a whimsical tale about how to deal with a little boy’s imaginary cat. (For an alternative version to The Cat in the Hat, check out Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.
The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams
It’s the story of a stuffed toy rabbit, who becomes real. His life changes when he meets and loves a real rabbit—but his new life isn’t perfect. There’s heartbreak and triumph, but mostly, there’s a lot of love. It’s a beautiful story that everyone should read.
The Adventures of Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson
Harold, his older brother and his mom move into an apartment in a big city, where they soon meet a boy named Dash. The adventures of this brother and his purple crayon continue in this delightful story about a young boy who takes a ride with a stranger on a shiny purple cloud that makes him imagine a world with purple clouds and purple crayons. With a lot of rhyming and charming illustrations, this is a perfect book to read with children.
Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume
Puberty is a strange and scary time for any young person. This poignant, powerful book by Judy Blume addresses what it means to grow up and the changes that go along with that.
The Big Orange Splot by D. Manus Pinkwater
A down-on-his-luck traveling circus artist shares the circus with three feisty little girls who need him to pull off a tight juggling act. There’s more at play here than just comedy, though. Pinkwater describes the far-reaching consequences of a major world disaster and the showman’s attempt to find a way to keep the circus together in the aftermath of a new disaster.
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle
It’s impossible to talk about great children’s classics without including this title, which was first published in 1962. The book follows a group of children as they try to locate their father after his journey to another world takes a mysterious turn.
Peter Pan by J. M. Barrie
When you think of a classic, you think of words and language. A simple phrase from this classic, “You are not the son of anyone.” is as powerful as it is lyrical. Peter Pan is a story about a boy who has no parents. He is captured by pirates and lived with them for a time. When he is returned home, he makes a pact with the Lost Boys to help him find his mother. This classic book was later made into a movie starring Jim Henson and eventually a Broadway play. (You might have even heard about the actor who played the role of Peter Pan, Peter Gallagher.) The play still exists today and is coming to a theater near you!
