15 Endearing Classic Children’s Stories

We all have memories of a favorite story from our childhood; the one book that we begged to hear over and over again--often times as soon as the last page was turned. Have you ever stopped to consider what it was that made that book so special? Check out 15 top picks that we find most endearing...

15 endearing classic children’s stories

The fond memories your special book brings are something you need to pass on to your children. Giving your children the gift of story books takes them on adventures, comforts them, teaches morals and good character and stirs their imagination and creativity. Statistics also show that children who are read to have better reading skills than those who are not.

The following beloved children’s books are what I like to call the ‘gems of children’s literature’. Some are better known than others, but all have proven to be stories that captivate and mesmerize your children…causing them to beg, ‘Read it again, please!

’NOTE: The following list of children's books are in no particular order of popularity or literary honors.

A House is a House for me by Mary Ann Hoberman

Reading Level - Ages 4 and up

This genius book of matching dozens of items to their ‘house’ is engaging, entertaining and creative. The illustrations are whimsical and eye-catching.

Are You My Mother by P. D. Eastman

Reading Level - Ages 4 and up

Children and parents alike are rooting for the baby bird to find his mother with every turning of the page. This classic story is relational while subconsciously teaching memorization skills through its repetition.

Clifford the Big Red Dog by Norman Bridwell

Reading Level - Ages 4 and up

How did Clifford get so big? He was just a tiny puppy when Emily Elizabeth got him for her birthday. Clifford is gentle, sweet and always ready to lend a helping hand.

Corduroy by Don Freeman

Reading Level - Ages 4 and up

Another age-old story that chronicles the life of a shy, humble and somewhat disheveled teddy bear who longs for a real home. Passed over by many, Corduroy catches the eye and captures the heart of a little girl who sees something special in the little bear wearing green corduroy overalls. She sees friendship and is more than thrilled to take him home. Corduroy teaches the values of friendship, simplicity, humility and not ‘judging a book by its cover’.

Curious George by Margaret & H. A. Rey

Reading Level - Ages 4 and up

This series of books about the naughty little monkey and his friend who wears a yellow hat, takes children to the circus, outer space, on a bike ride, to a museum and can even soothe their fears about hospital stays. Like several others in this list, Curious George books are books you can tell your children you loved as a child.

Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown

Reading Level - Ages 4 and up

A gentle bedtime poem of a little rabbit procrastinating his bedtime by wishing everything he sees a ‘good night’. This book is priceless.

Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss

Reading Level - Ages 4 and up

A simple book consisting of only fifty words, "Green Eggs and Ham" will leave your children laughing. The rhyme and rhythm of the story enhances language skills, as well. And don’t be surprised when your children ask you for green eggs and ham for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Joffe Numeroff

Reading Level - Ages 4 and up

A delightful story of a little mouse who reasons his way from one activity to another…his ‘journey’ beginning and ending with a cookie and a glass of milk. The illustrations are fantastic and the reasoning skills your child inadvertently learns are valuable in teaching and encouraging your child to make sound decisions.

Love You Forever by Robert Munsch

Reading Level - Ages 4 and up

The story follows a mother and her baby boy from infancy to adulthood. The story captures the joys and frustrations of raising a child. And then at the end of each day there is love…always and forever love. You and your children will be laughing and sighing-maybe even shedding a few tears over this tender story.

Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey

Reading Level - Ages 5 and up

Timeless is the best word to describe this children’s story of a momma and daddy mallard who decide the safest place to raise their little family, consisting of Jack, Kack, Lack, Mack, Nack, Ouack, Pack, and Quack, is the public park in Boston. Thankfully the police officers help them navigate the city to their new home.

Max the Minnow by William Boniface

Reading Level - Ages 4 and up

A big, bold, brightly illustrated story of a tiny minnow named Max who wishes to be big and bold…anything but who he is. But after several exciting and even dangerous adventures, Max decides (and encourages your child) to be proud and happy to be just who he was made to be.

One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish by Dr. Seuss

Reading Level - Ages 4 and up

Another Seuss classic, "One Fish…" makes you laugh, smile and leaves you amazed at his gift of rhyme and whimsy. Children love the imaginary creatures and their antics. The book also teaches language and memorization skills.

The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss

Reading Level - Ages 4 and up

Rhyming, mischievous and comical-children love to gasp in disbelief that ‘those two things’ are so naughty. They root for the fish to be heard and breathe a huge sigh of relief when all is back in place when ‘mother’ walks through the door.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

Reading Level - Ages 3 and up

This classic story is short, sweet and educational. Children are so engrossed by the holes in the pages and the colorful, mouth-watering pictures that they don’t even realize they are learning to count and about the life cycle of a caterpillar/butterfly. "…he was a beautiful butterfly." –your little one can ‘read’ the last page while fluttering their little ‘wings’ around the room.

Whistle for Willie by Ezra Jack Keats

Reading Level - Ages 4 and up

Peter wants more than anything to be able to whistle for his dog, Willie. But no matter how hard he tries, he can’t whistle. Just when he is about to give up-when he really isn’t even trying-out comes a whistle! Mr. Keats’ heart-warming story teaches the ‘W’ sound as well as the power of persistence and perseverance.

Written by

Darla Noble

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