There is no such thing as a child who does not enjoy reading; all you need to do is give them the right book to get them started. The following ten books have delighted generations of children, and no child should have the misfortune of growing up without having read them.
1. Goodnight Moon by Margaret Brown (1947)
Goodnight Moon is a simple but lovable children's picture book that has been well-appreciated by children as a bedtime story. It was named one of the 'Top 100 Picture Books' of all time by School Library Journal in 2012 and one of teachers' top 100 books for children by the National Education Association. In it, a personified bunny goes through a ritualistic process of saying goodnight to everything visible from his room. "Goodnight, Moon. Goodnight, Air." "There are goodnight noises everywhere."
2. The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle (1969)
The Very Hungry Caterpillar, one of the greatest children's classics of all time, depicts the evolution of a caterpillar eating its way through a variety of foods to eventually pupate into a beautiful butterfly. A copy of this children's book is sold every 30 seconds somewhere in the world, according to Amazon. Carle's book, which teaches children about the days of the week, different types of foods, and the lifecycle of a butterfly, has also been endorsed by the Royal Etymological Society.
3. Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak (1963)
Where the Wild Things Are, the most distinguished American picture book for children in 1963, won Sendak the Caldecott Medal and is a delight for both children and adults. The plot revolves around a young boy named John Max, who leaves his bedroom dressed as a wolf and sails away to an unknown island where he encounters 'wild things' or creatures.
4. The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss (1957)
Theodor Geisel wrote and illustrated The Cat in the Hat under the pen name Dr. Seuss, which became one of the best-selling children's books of all time and was adapted into animation and film. This children's story is about an anthropomorphic cat who visits Sally's house, makes a mess while entertaining her and her brother, and then cleans up with the help of his friends, Thing 1 and Thing 2, just before Sally's mother returns home.
5. Charlotte’s Web by E. B. White (1952)
E. B. White's Charlotte's Web has inspired animations, live-action films, direct-to-video sequels, and a video game, and it is considered a classic in children's English literature and one of the best-selling paperbacks of all time. When the farmer is about to slaughter Wilbur, Charlotte uses her web-making skills to create praise-worthy words for Wilbur, saving him from slaughter.
6. Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson (1955)
What a wonderful thing it would be if we could simply draw the world as we see it? Crockett Johnson investigates this possibility in Harold and the Purple Crayon, in which a curious four-year-old boy owns a purple crayon with which he draws the world. He goes on many adventures with this power, and when he gets tired, he simply draws a bed and falls asleep on it. This is Johnson's most popular book, and it has inspired numerous adaptations.
7. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl (1964)
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a two-part series written by famous British author Roald Dahl about a destitute but very selfless and caring boy named Charlie. His grandparents, parents, and he all live in a run-down house with few resources. Charlie secretly adores Willy Wonka's chocolate factory and wishes to see it from the inside one day...much to his surprise, Charlie ends up becoming the heir to Wonka's factory. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is considered one of those books that every child must read at least once during their childhood.
8. Little Women by Louis May Alcott (1880)
Little Women, an all-time classic that is suitable for both children and adults, is difficult to categorize. It has been described as a romance, an adventure, a family drama, and largely women-oriented, depicting themes such as domesticity, and love, and giving each character their own distinct female identity. It has been adapted into several films as well as a Japanese anime. The plot revolves around four sisters and their transition from children to women. Many people believe that the plot is loosely based on Alcott's own life and the lives of her sisters.
9. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J. K. Rowling (1997)
J. K. Rowling's first novel in a seven-part series is not only a novel but a legacy that will live on for many years to come. Harry Potter has been adapted into blockbuster films, won numerous British and American awards, and reached the best-seller list of the New York Times. The plot revolves around Harry Potter, a young boy who discovers he is a wizard and enrolls at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
10. The Chronicles of Narnia (1950)
Lewis's seven-part series about four children, the youngest of whom can visit Narnia through his wardrobe closet, is set in a fictional land called Narnia with talking animals and mythical creatures and their ruler, the White Witch, who has ruled for a hundred years. TIME magazine named it one of the "All-Time 100 Novels," and it ranks ninth on BBC's "The Big Read."