Making this list of classic 1990s children’s books was an unusual exercise for me because it is the first list in my classic book series in which there is not a single book that I read when I was a kid. In fact, all of these books I read after the age of 30. However, the fact that a 30-something can enjoy a bunch of kid books says a lot about their potential for enduring appeal.

The elephant in the virtual room for any list of 1990s children’s books is, of course, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (1997), which is not on this book list because... I'm guessing you've heard of it?

Although I can’t guarantee all of these books are going to be new to you, I can guarantee they are all less famous than Harry.

(Note: this post contains affiliate links that earn from qualifying purchases.)

1990s Children's Books

The Birchbark House (series) by Louise Erdrich (1999)

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I adore this series! Erdrich's writing is simply marvelous. This first book takes place on an island in Lake Superior in 1847 where 7-year-old Omakayas, "Little Frog" and her Ojibwa family live. Erdrich describes the daily life and experiences of the Ojibwa as well as their sorrows and joys. Excellent, and a must read for kids.

Clockwork by Philip Pullman (1995)

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Pullman is best known as the bestselling author of the His Dark Materials books (The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife, The Amber Spyglass), but try out this short, illustrated work. The strange, somewhat creepy and very suspenseful, twisted meta-narrative fairytale will be best appreciated by older children. I am finding it very difficult to sum up the plot in a sentence or two! When the clockmaker, Karl, admits he has yet to finish his current project, Fritz, tells a story and things in the town begin to wind up and wind down.

The Watsons Go to Birmingham--1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis (1995)

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Curtis' book is a tender and very funny portrait of a loving African-American family living in Flint, Michigan. Young Kenny’s parents decide to drive the family down to Birmingham where older brother Byron will spend the summer with grandma in an attempt to correct his delinquent behavior. Most of the action takes place before the family gets to Birmingham and despite the serious undercurrents of the story, there are many moments of this book which are laugh-out-loud funny. Highly recommended and very enjoyable.

A Long Way From Chicago (series) by Richard Peck (1998)

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In depression-era Illinois, Joey and his younger sister, Mary Alice, spend 9 summers with their formidable, yet lovable Grandma. Each chapter is a self-contained story of one hilarious summer-time adventure and are perfect for family read alouds. Even though this book was written in 1998, it reads like an old-fashioned children’s novel.

Letters to Anyone and Everyone by Toon Tellegen (1996)

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I first encountered Dutch author, Toon Tellegen, when I picked up a copy of The Squirrel's Birthday and Other Parties (1995). In Letters to Anyone and Everyone, various animals write letters to each other (and to the sun!) which the wind delivers. Delicately charming illustrations accompany the letters in which the animals discuss their dreams and plans. Simply lovely and perfect to read aloud to younger children. (Note: I am not entirely sure that these English translations of Tellegen’s work exactly correspond to the original Dutch editions. They may be collections of stories that were published separately. These publishing dates are based on the original Dutch editions. The English translations were published as late as 2010.)

Something Big Has Been Here by Jack Prelutsky (1990)

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My choice of this particular Jack Prelutsky book is rather arbitrary because you could pick up any of U.S. Children's Poet Laureate Prelutsky’s poetry collections (and there are many) and be immediately and totally charmed. Prelutsky has a real talent for creating irresistible, magically hilarious and sometimes outrageously ridiculous poems with terrific kid appeal. If your child resists poetry or needs something to memorize, introduce him or her to Prelutsky.

A Mouse Called Wolf by Dick King-Smith (1997)

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On this blog I have frequently recommended the books of prolific author Dick King-Smith. His books are excellent choices for kids reading and listening to chapter books for the first time. He is best known book is Babe: The Gallant Pig and The Water Horse but A Mouse Called Wolf is another book with enduring appeal. A young mouse named after Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart uses his talent for singing to entertain and help others.

Catherine Called Birdy by Karen Cushman (1994)

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In the 13th century, 14-year-old Catherine, the daughter of a landed knight, has a little more gumption than a girl in her times is supposed to have. Her father is trying to marry her off to enrich his coffers but she would rather run around with the peasants on the manor and thwart his efforts. This short novel is told in a diary format and is 100% hilarious.

Tashi by Anne and Barbara Fienberg (1995)

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This popular Australian series can be enjoyed as an early chapter book or read aloud. Young Jack tells his parents marvelous tales about his imaginary gnome-like friend, Tashi, who has impressive and fantastical adventures like outwitting a dragon and flying through the skies on a swan.

The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by Avi (1990)

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Set in 1832, this Newbery Honor book tells the absolutely riveting story of Charlotte, who sets out on a sea voyage from England to Rhode Island. Instead of being chaperoned by other families on the journey, she unexpectedly finds herself alone with the crew and becomes entangled in a nail-biting and dangerous adventure. Ages 10 and up.

Frankly, the 1990s feel like yesterday. This, my friends, is the last list in my 20th century classics series. Are you a little sad? I am. In the beginning I was unsure whether I would end with the 90s or the 2000s, but this seems like a good stopping point. Making these lists was a lot of work and involved a lot of reading. It was worth it, though, and I hope you enjoyed them.

Don't Forget! All my books lists are collected in one place on my Kids' Book List page.

The post Classic Children's Books By The Decade: 1990s appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.

I'm really happy with this list of 20th century classic children's books from the 1980s even though using the term "classic" is becoming more and more suspect as we close in on the 21st century. I included a mix of lesser known 1980s books plus a handful of classics you may have heard of, but may not yet have read.

I'm also pleased that I was able to curate a book list with a few classic books that are quite suitable for younger audiences, both in reading level and subject matter. I do think there is something for everyone on this list!

Note: this list contains Amazon and Bookshop affiliate links. Purchases made through these links may earn a commission for this blog. Bookshop also supports independent bookstores.

10 Classic Books from the 1980s:

The People Could Fly by Virginia Hamilton (1985)

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Folktales are universally loved and a collection of short stories is a nice way to switch up read aloud time. Celebrated children’s author, Virginia Hamilton, wrote this wonderful collection of Black American folktales. There are several categories of tales ranging from animal trickster legends, stories of the supernatural and tales of freedom. At the end of each short story, Hamilton includes her notes on the origin of the tale and its dialect.

Dear Mr. Henshaw by Beverly Cleary (1983)

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Through letters and diary entries addressed to his favorite author, Leigh Botts works through his feelings about his parents’ divorce, making friends at a new school and the mysterious lunch thief. One of the most appealing aspects of this book is that Cleary realistically conveys the complex and urgent voice of an 11-year-old boy.  Epistolary novels for children are rare and this one is eminently readable.

Wayside School Is Falling Down by Louis Sachar (1989)

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From the gifted author of Holes, this is a crowd pleasing, witty book that you should not pass over. There are 30 stories for the 30 floors of wacky Wayside School. Each chapter is a self-contained, clever joke. Both kids who love the silly and ridiculous, and parents who appreciate well-written, humorous books will find something to charm them. This is the second book in the series.

Number the Stars by Lois Lowry (1989)

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A compelling and moving novel by Lois Lowry, set during World War II.  Finding age appropriate books about tough subjects is a boon to parents and educators. In 1943 Denmark, 10 year old Annemarie and her family risk their lives to help their Jewish friends escape the Nazis.

Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones

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Jones wrote loads of fantasy novels and you might recognize the title of this one because it was made into a successful animated movie. However, it’s such a captivating book, don’t limit yourself to the film version. Young Sophie is transformed into an old woman by The Witch of Waste and the only way to break the spell is to seek out the Wizard Howl in his bizarre moving castle.

The Whipping Boy by Sid Fleishman (1987)

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In this amusing and fast-paced adventure, Jemmy serves as the palace whipping boy, receiving the punishments meant for a spoiled, bratty prince. When Prince Brat decides to run away, Jemmy follows and the two are captured by villains who are fooled into thinking Jemmy is the real prince. In their attempt to escape the villains, both both boys learn much about each other.

The Castle in the Attic (series) by Elizabeth Winthrop (1985)

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The idea of a miniature castle coming to life was irresistible to me as a kid. William’s housekeeper, Mrs. Phillips gives him a model castle set but things go awry when Mrs. Phillips is shrunk down to the size of the castle and William must shrink himself down to rescue her. Dragons, wizards, magic forests and knights make this a wonderful fantasy quest kids will love.

The Agony of Alice by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor (1985)

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This is the first book in the lengthy Alice series and is a wonderful book for tween girls (and boys, too!) learning to navigate the treacherous waters of adolescence. Motherless Alice is surrounded by males at home and wants a female role model. She hopes a glamorous teacher will fill the position. What she learns instead is that people are much more than their surface appearances. In this book, Alice is a sixth grader but she grows up during the course of the series (more than 20 books). You may recognize Naylor as the author of Shiloh.

Bill's New Frock by Anne Fine (1989)

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I confess I am a sucker for books that get kids thinking about gender roles. This 1980s book by British Children’s Laureate, Anne Fine, does just that. Bill wakes up one morning to find he has turned into a girl. Being a young boy, he is naturally horrified! But Bill learns a thing or two about the way others treat him differently when they see a girl instead of a boy in front of them. This early chapter book will get kids thinking as well as make them laugh out loud.

War Horse by Michael Morpurgo (1982)

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For kids ages 8 and up who like historical fiction this is a really interesting and moving book about a boy named Albert whose horse, Joey, is taken into service during World War I. While Joey experiences the horrors of war, Albert enlists in order to find his beloved horse. In case you haven’t figured it out, this book has a strong anti-war message. I think it would make a great family read aloud.

The post Classic Children's Books By The Decade: 1980s appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.

I think I’ve come up with a pretty selection of 1970s books, though. It includes some well known and some lesser known titles. Most of these authors have dozens of well-respected books under their belts and many are still writing today. That is great news for those of you looking to add even more books to your child’s reading lists.

Note: this list contains Amazon and Bookshop affiliate links. Purchases made through these links may earn a commission for this blog. Bookshop also supports independent bookstores.

What do you think? What 1970s children's books from the decade of disco balls and bell bottoms would you consider classics?

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry (series) by Mildred D. Taylor (1976)

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I remember being profoundly affected by this book when I was a kid. It won the Newbery and is the sequel to Song of the Trees, but it is not essential to read the books in order. Told from the perspective of a nine year old girl, this is an incredibly powerful book about an African-American family who struggles against racism in the South in their fight to keep their land and their dignity.

Ordinary Jack by Helen Cresswell (1977)

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Helen Cresswell’s amusing story is about an ordinary middle child with an ordinary dog (appropriately named “Zero”) stuck in a brilliant and extraordinary family. Of course this is the perfect set up for comedy of all sorts! There are several more books about the Bagthorpe family.

Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson (1977)

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I read the beautiful Bridge to Terabithiaas a kid and I still list it as one of the books that has stayed with me. Two 5th grade friends, Jess and Leslie, create an imaginary world they call Terabithia. One day a tragedy leaves Jess alone and he must rely on all he learned through his friendship with Leslie to work through his grief over her death. Patterson's The Great Gilly Hopkins is another 1970s book which is worth a read.

The Summer of the Swans by Betsy Byers (1970)

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I almost chose Byers' The Night Swimmers but instead picked Newbery winner, The Summer of the Swans. The action takes place over the course of a day when Sara’s mentally challenge brother, Charlie, goes missing. During the search, the previously self-absorbed Sara learns what it means to love and care for another person.

Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret by Judy Blume (1970)

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I know you’ve heard of this one, but every girl–and boys too!–aged 9 and older should read this book. It’s not just about the changes that come with puberty, Margaret explores what it means to have a private relationship with God. And parents: please, this is not a read aloud. The male counterpart of this book is Then Again, Maybe I Won't, a book I read as a kid and from which I learned a lot about boys! Also, I thought the movie version was wonderful!

The Turbulent Term of Tyke Tiler by Gene Kemp (1977)

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This is an English classic that, sadly, you might have difficulty finding at your library the U.S. School friends Tyke and Danny spend a lot of their time trying to extricate themselves from sticky situations. There is a surprising twist at the end which was probably more thought-provoking in the 70s than it is today, but will still make you contemplate how we create expectations for others.

Anastasia Krupnik by Lois Lowry (1979)

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I so enjoy recommending books that other people have tried to get banned from their libraries. I wish I had known about Anastasia when I was a girl! Ten year old Anastasia makes lists, writes poetry that goes unappreciated by her teacher, deals with a new baby brother, and has an ailing grandmother. It’s sad and funny all at the same time. There are 9 Anastasia books in all, the last one published in 1995.

Hoboken Chicken Emergency by Daniel Pinkwater (1977)

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With a knowing nod to my neighbors in New Jersey, you have to admit that any book which couples "Hoboken" with "Chicken" in the title must be hilarious. When there are no turkeys to be found anywhere in Hoboken for Thanksgiving dinner, Arthur returns home with a chicken. The problem? The chicken is 266 pounds. Hijinks ensue. I read this aloud to my sons and they loved it.

Child of the Owl by Laurence Yep (1977)

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Yep has written 10 books in the Golden Mountain Chronicles. The books follow the Young family over time (starting in the 19th C.) from their early immigration to California (The Land of the Golden Mountain) from China. In Child of the Owl, set in 1965, 12-year-old Casey, an intelligent, funny and street-smart girl must leave her gambler father to go live with her grandmother, Paw-Paw, in Chinatown. Casey encounters prejudice and feels lost in this new world but Paw-Paw helps helps her strengthen her sense of self by sharing her Chinese heritage with her. Yep has a wonderful gift for writing compelling stories which teach us about the Chinese culture without coming across as preachy and didactic. He received a Newbery Honor for two other books in the Golden Mountain Chronicles. Yep is a new-to-me author and I look forward to reading more of his books.

The Grey King by Susan Cooper (1975)

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Inspired by Arthurian mythology, The Grey King is the fourth book in Cooper's The Dark is Rising series. After enduring an illness which has robbed him of some of the knowledge he needs to complete his quest, Will sets out to find a hidden magical harp which will wake the "Sleepers" who will provide essential aid in the impending battle between the forces of Light and Dark.  Cooper won the Newbery Gold for this book, an award which is not often bestowed on fantasy novels.

The post Classic Children's Books By The Decade: 1970s appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.

These 1960s classics also make great read alouds. Of course there are many classics published in the 1960s that I could have put on the list but I hope you will find some new-to-you books! (Note: book covers and titles are affiliate links that earn commission from qualifying purchases.)

And once you've read these 1960s chapter books you can peruse this list of 1960s picture books!

The Wolves of Willoughby Chase by Joan Aiken (1962)

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I remember loving this book as a child, and as an adult I love the alliterative title. It takes an ultra talented author like Joan Aiken to turn what could easily be a predictable, gothic plot into an exciting, suspenseful tale. Two cousins persevere against all odds when they are thrown under the protection of rather sinister guardian with the Dickensian name of Mrs. Slighcarp.

MORE: Gothic novels for tweens

A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K Le Guin (1968)

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Award-winning author Ursula K. Le Guin will be familiar to fans of children’s fantasy literature. This is the first book in her Earthsea series and introduces us to the young man, Ged, who discovers that he is full of magic. This one is for fans of Tolkein.

The Egypt Game by Zilpha Keatley Snyder (1967)

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The Egypt Game is a well known title and on most "top kid novels of all time" lists, but I am including it on this list because for some reason I never heard of it until very recently! A group of friends hang out near an old curio shop and engage in some imaginary world building. Mysterious and suspenseful, it will be especially loved by kids who like all things Egyptian.

MORE: Classic children's books for tweens, ages 8-12

Charlotte Sometimes by Penelope Farmer (1969)

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In her English boarding school, Charlotte wakes up to find that she has been transported back to 1918 and into the body of another girl. Interesting tidbit: Penelope Farmer’s book was the inspiration for The Cure’s rock song of the same name;  you can listen and watch the video here and read Farmer’s account of her connection to The Cure’s song on her blog.

Owls in the Family by Farley Mowat (1962)

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A couple of young boys have hilarious adventures in rural Saskatchewan when they try to adopt wild baby owls. My boys laughed out loud throughout this book when I read it aloud. Talk to your kids about the racial stereotyping in this book.

Terrible, Horrible Edie by E.C. Spykman (1960)

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Rebellious, spirited, creative and utterly lovable 10-year old Edie gets into all kinds of scrapes but will charm you every time she draws upon her own resilience to solve her problems.

Ribsy by Beverly Cleary (1964)

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I love this stand alone book about Henry Huggins' dog. Poor Ribsy gets lost, but has amusing adventures before he finally finds his way back to Henry.

MORE: Books for kids who like Beverly Cleary books

Zlateh the Goat and Other Stories by Isaac Bashevis Singer, illustrated by Maurice Sendak (1966)

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This is a long time favorite book of mine. If you are not familiar with Chelm, there is no time like the present.  Chelm is a village of fools and the seven Elders are the most foolish of all. There are seven stories in all, each with a little lesson to be gleaned, but read them for the light-hearted humor and a few giggles.

The Animal Family by Randall Jarrell (1965)

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A quirky book we nonetheless enjoyed as a read aloud. A hunter who lives alone cobbles together an unusual family with a "mermaid", bear, wild cat and a boy.

MORE: Classic children's audiobooks the whole family will love

The White Stone by Gunnel Linds (1964)

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I can’t help but add the Swedish classic The White Stone to the list. Fia and her only friend Hampus engage in competition  over a magical white stone. An intriguing tale of friendship.

The post Classic Children's Books By The Decade: 1960s appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.

As with my other 20th century classic children's book lists,  I bumped a few famous titles (Charlotte's Web, anyone?) off the list to make room for a few new classic 1950s books that may be less well known, but just as worthy of a space on your bookshelf. After all, why populate the web with yet another repetitive "best books list" (useful as they are)? (Note: book covers and titles are affiliate links that earn commission from qualifying purchases.)

MORE: I also have a list of 1950s children's picture books!

1950s Children's Chapter Books and Novels

The Family Under the Bridge by Natalie Savage Carlson (1958)

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At Christmas time in Paris, Armand, a self-proclaimed hobo who loves his responsibility-free life, takes a homeless family under his protection. The children wish for a home for Christmas. Armand makes their wish come true, and in doing so he decides it might not be so bad to have permanent ties after all. Read this sensitive, touching story with your children during the holiday season. This is a short novel, and a Newbery Honor recipient.

The Children of Green Knowe by L.M. Boston (1954)

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Tolly goes to live with his grandparents in their ancient but magical English manor house. He meets a few new playmates to keep him company. He discovers, however, they are not quite of this world. There are six Green Knowe books. Read them all.

Half Magic (series) by Edward Eager (1954)

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In this classic, magical adventure, a group of siblings discover a coin that grants only half a wish. The children must work together to make complete wishes and then navigate the unexpected outcomes. Delightful.

The Wonderful O by James Thurber (1957)

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If you are an island with the name Ooroo, you'd better hope that a nasty pirate doesn't land on you and banish the letter "O" because when he d_es, y_u w_n't be able t_ st_p the hilari_us cha_s. This book will be thoroughly appreciated by grown-ups, so put it on your read aloud list.

Tom's Midnight Garden by Phillipa Pearce (1958)

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In the 1950s, Tom goes to live with his uncle and aunt where a clock strikes 13, there is a gorgeous but mysterious garden and his playmate is from the 19th Century. Beautiful, eerie, moving and wondrous. There is also a wonderful graphic novel version of this classic book.

Clever Polly and the Stupid Wolf by Catherine Storr (1955)

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I 100% LOVE this classic book. We've read it aloud multiple times, and my son still reads it on his own! As you might guess from the title, Polly readily outwits a not-so-shrewd wolf who would like nothing better than to eat her for dinner. Storr's storytelling ability is just as clever and witty as her heroine. A great read aloud for younger listeners.

MORE: Favorite classic books to read aloud

Karlsson on the Roof by Astrid Lindgren (1955)

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The author of Pippi Longstocking also wrote several amusing and charming books about a little man who flies around with a propeller attached to his back. Karlson is a little bit of a trouble-maker, but he is lots of fun.

MORE: Books like Pippi Longstocking

The Wheel on the School by Meindert DeJong (1954)

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In Holland, Lina and her friends wonder why there are no longer any storks in their village. They work together to build a nest for the birds on the school, and in doing so discover their individual and collective strengths. I remember loving this book as a kid. When I picked it up as a read aloud, I expected my kids to find it boring. Au contraire! Newbery Award Winner.

Carbonel: The King of Cats (series) by Barbara Sleigh (1955)

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Young Rosemary buys a second-hand broom and a cat at the market. At first it seems like it was a foolish purchase, but things are not always as they seem! The new cat turns out to be royalty! Rosemary and her friend, John, get caught up in an adventure and mystery in their quest to break the witch's spell. I discovered this book as an adult, thanks to the New York Review Children's Collection, which republishes lesser known classic gems. I would have adored it as a kid.

The Hundred and One Dalmatians by Dodie Smith (1956)

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Yes, it's true! It was a book! And it's much better than the movie! And, if you can believe it, it was written by the same author as the beautiful I Capture the Castle, which is a favorite of mine. Beware of abridged versions, you'll want to appreciate this charming book in full. The sequel, Starlight Barking, has a strange science fiction element!

The post Classic Children's Books By The Decade: 1950s appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.

If you have been following my 20th century classic children's books by the decades lists then you know I have been bumping off the big name titles in order to introduce you to books which you might otherwise have passed by.

Today we're looking at 1940s children's books and of course I wanted to include My Father's Dragon, Homer Price and Betsy-Tacy, but they are already so popular and I've included them on several other lists (see my book list index for over 300 book lists!). So today, I know you will find some new favorites (Note: book covers and titles are affiliate links that earn from qualifying purchases)

1940s Children's Books

Wolf Story by William McCleery (1947)

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Five year old Michael wants his dad to tell him a story about a wolf and a hen named Rainbow, but as five year old will do, he keeps interrupting to instruct his dad on the story details. A humorous short novel great reading aloud to younger kids. This is the first book on my list because it only recently came back into print and I don't want you to miss it!

The Dolls' House by Rumer Godden (1947)

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Not to be confused with a certain Norwegian play, Rumer Godden's story, written from the dolls' point of view, was one of my childhood favorites. A much loved doll family finally gets to move out of their shoebox house into an elegant Victorian manor. Only the manor comes with the beautiful but haughty doll, Marchpane. Tasha Tudor's illustrations are the perfect accompaniment.

Twig by Elizabeth Orton Jones (1942)

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This was a favorite of mine when I was a girl. With a few found objects, Twig transforms her corner of Chicago into an imaginary, fairytale world. A little Elf who comes out of a book, shrinks her down to size so she can join the fairies... for a while. So sweet and charming it's hard not to love this book. A great read aloud for fairy-loving kids.

The Swish of the Curtain by Pamela Brown (1941) 

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I'm including this 1940s children's book as a bit of an in-house favorite since the plot revolves around the theater and I adore children's novels about theater. Written when the author was only 14 (!), the book follows the adventures of seven children as they produce and perform in their own stage company. If your children have read and enjoyed Noel Streatfield's Shoes books, this book should be next on the list.

Comet in Moominland by Tove Jansson (1947)

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This is the first of Finnish author Tove Jansson's Moomin books. All the Moominbooks are gentle, quirky fantasy stories about a group of charming creatures. In this book Sniff and Moomintroll learn a comet is heading towards Moominvalley. Only the greatest of curmudgeons will not love Jansson's creations.

The Little White Horse by Elizabeth Goudge (1946)

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Goudge was a favorite author of the young J.K. Rowling for those of you who enjoy facts like that (as I do!). Orphan Maria Merryweather goes to live with her cousin in his beautiful home, Moonacre Manor. A secret and magical past surrounds the house and Maria find herself smack dab in the midst of an intriguing mystery in which she is the heroine.

The Twenty-One Balloons by William Pène du Bois (1947)

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This Newbery Medal book follows the journey of Professor William Waterman Sherman who crossed the Pacific in his hot air balloon only to land on the isolated island of Krakatoa. He finds a strange society centered on the wealth of the local diamond mine and escapes with them when the volcano erupts. There is much in this book to interest kids who love adventure and fantastical inventions.

The School for Cats (series) by Ester Averill (1947)

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There are many sweet and funny books from Ester Averill about black cat Jenny Linksy and her urban feline friends. In this one Jenny goes off to cat boarding school where she encounters Pickles, the fire cat (the subject of a fun, classic easy reader book!). Perfect for kids just delving into chapter books.

Rabbit Hill by Robert Lawson (1944)

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Anthropomorphized animals in rural Connecticut hope the "New Folks coming" to their farm will will bring positive changes to the land. Things don't go quite as expected, however. A lovely read for those who love animal stories.

Mistress Masham's Repose by T. H. White (1946)

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Parent-less but spirited, Maria, discovers Gulliver's kingdom of Lilliput. Humorous adventures, decaying English manors, odious guardians and a resourceful heroine are always hallmarks of a classic children's book. Great for older kids or as a read aloud. Fun Fact: T.H. White also wrote The Sword in the Stone, and excellent classic book for kids who love the knightly tales of King Arthur.

The post Classic Children's Books By The Decade: 1940s appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.

If you've been following my series, Classic Children's Books by the Decade, you know that I try to include lesser-known titles, which is why Little House on the Prairie is not on this list. If you've never heard of Little House, I don't really know what to do.  Several of these books are by British authors and it's interesting to think about how the American books were written during the Great Depression. You can certainly see its influence on the subject matter.

(Note: this post contains affiliate links that earn from qualifying purchases.)

1930s Children's Books

The Incredible Adventures of Professor Branestawm by Norman Hunter (1934)

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I read this out loud to my son and he loved it! An English absentminded professor provides lots of entertainment and laughs with his misguided inventions like pancake-making machines and burglar-catchers. A 1930s classic that will make modern readers giggle!

Family from One End Street by Eve Garnett (1937)

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10 delightful stories about a happy, working class, poor family living in a small English town. Makes a lovely read aloud for younger children. Fans of books like The Penderwicks, The Saturdays, and All-Of-A-Kind Family will enjoy this one.

The Box of Delights by John Masefield (1935)

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Kay Harkin meets a strange man on a train. The man gives him a mysterious, magical box which has the ability to shrink people, allow them to time travel and even make them fly. Kay and his friends must protect the box from the villains who want to do away with Christmas. Be sure to get an unabridged version like this one from New York Children's Book Review. A delightful adventure.

Bright Island by Mable L. Robinson. (1937)

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Thankful is a girl who loves the sea. However, her parents send her away to school on the mainland so she can learn "what a girl is good for." The beautiful writing details Thankful's experience at the school, her attachment to boating and the coast of Maine. It is a lovely coming of age story and is perfect for fans of books like Anne of Green Gables.

The Cat Who Went to Heaven by Elizabeth Coatsworth (1930)

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In Japan tradition says that cats are to be denied Buddha's blessing for rejecting his teachings. But a poor artist makes friends with a patient cat and against the warnings of the priests paints him into a portrait of Buddha. There are lovely illustrations and the story includes details about Buddha's life. This Newbery recipient is a wonderful story about compassion and goodness.

Wee Gillis by Munro Leaf (1938)

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This is a long picture book, rather than a novel and was thankfully brought back into print by the good folks at NYRB. The author wrote another famous book, The Story of Ferdinand, but this one about a young bagpiper caught between highland and lowland Scottish cultures is graced with a silver Caldecott.

Swallows and Amazons (series) by Arthur Ransome (1930)

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Be prepared to Google a lot of boating terms when you begin to read this book with your kids! However, once you get over the hump you will no doubt love this English classic about a group of siblings who set out on an independent camping adventure.

The Good Master by Kate Seredy (1935)

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Jancsi expects his city cousin, Kate, to be a delicate flower but when she arrives at his family's farm he finds the headstrong girl anything but demure. Set in rural Hungary, this novel will satisfy those of you who think all the best life lessons happen in a rural setting.

Thimble Summer by Elizabeth Enright (1938)

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A lovely classic book from the 1930s about a strong, independent girl. Nine year old Garnet's family farm has been suffering from lack of rain but when she finds a silver thimble and the rains come, Garnet's wonderful summer begins. Enright's writing is superb and the descriptions of Garnet's everyday farm life are enchanting. It's also a great book for readers who love Little House on the Prairie.

The Sword in the Stone by T. H. White. (1938)

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Enchantments, magic and adventure abound in this tale in which Merlyn tutors the young Arthur before he was king. A certain band of Merry Men make an extended cameo, which makes it a great book for kids who love King Arthur, and a great read for kids who love Robin Hood.

The post Classic Children's Books By The Decade: 1930s appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.

As with my previous classic book posts, this list is not meant to be a "top 10" book list -- otherwise you might see heavy-hitters like Winnie-the-Pooh. But since you already know about Winnie, here are 10 books from the 1920s which are less likely to be on your radar and still worth reading.

Don't forget, that while reading classics is still worthwhile, books can contain problematic representations and stereotypes. Please discuss these openly with your children! We want kids to be informed readers and recognize where we've gone wrong as well as what we've done right!

(Note: this post contains affiliate links that earn from qualifying purchases.)

The Milly-Molly-Mandy Storybook by Joyce Lankester Brisley (1928)

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Thank goodness fellow bloggers introduced me to these stories. The storybook contains 21 stories of old-fashioned fun perfectly formulated to make you smile. Unlike a lot of books on my Classic Children's Books lists, this one is terrific for even the youngest children.

Just William by Richmal Crompton (1922)

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William and his ragtag group of friends create hilarious mayhem wherever they go, usually at the expense of self-serving adults. This is the first book in a well-know British series of William stories.

Emil and the Detectives by Erich Kästner (1929)

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Written in 1929, Emil and the Detectives is generally considered to be the first novel to feature a juvenile detective. When Emil is sedated with laced chocolate and robbed on a train of his grandmother’s money he doesn’t want to let his family down so he sets out to solve the crime himself. Fast-paced and suspenseful, this story will keep young readers eager for the resolution.

MORE: Our favorite classic children's novels to read aloud

The Story of Doctor Dolittle by Hugh Lofting (1920)

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This seems to be one of those books that everyone has heard of but few have read. In it, you'll meet a host of interesting characters including the intriguing pushmi-pullyu. There are twelve Dolittle books, this is the first and the second, The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle, won the Newbery in 1922.

The Trumpeter of Krakow by Eric P. Kelly. (1929)

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Don't let the awful cover above put you off this book. The combination of 15th century Poland, alchemy, the Philosopher's Stone (sound familiar?), intrigue and a villain named "Peter the Button Face" won a Newbery for author Eric P. Kelly.

MORE: Classic audiobooks the whole family will love

Emily of New Moon by Lucy Maude Montgomery (1923)

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This is the first in a trilogy about the sensitive Emily, an orphan who now lives with her less-than-sensitive relatives. She grows to love her new home, however, thanks to the companionship of some special friends. The second book, Emily Climbs is particularly good.

Hitty, Her First Hundred Years by Rachel Field (1929)

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This charming novel is told entirely from a doll's point of view. Hitty travels the globe, getting lost and found in unusual places. A Newbery Medal book.

The Children of Odin: The Book of Northern Myths by Padraic Colum (1920)

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Myths and legends of all cultures should be part of every child's literary heritage. Although Padriac Column did win two Newbery medals for other works, I chose to include this book since I love all things Nordic.

MORE: Graphic novel adaptations of classic books

The Midnight Folk by John Masefield (1927)

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UK Poet Laureate penned this intriguing tale. Young Kay Harker embarks on a hunt to find his grandfather's treasure in this suspenseful and fantastical story. On his journey, which begins every night at midnight he encounters magical, imaginative beings like witches, mermaids and talking toys. Be sure to read the companion book, The Box of Delights, one of our favorite Christmas chapter books.

The Magical Land of Noom by Johnny Gruelle (1922)

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Best known for his Raggedy Ann and Andy stories, Johnny Gruelle also wrote this magical story of siblings, Johnny and Janey, who build a flying machine and explore a magical world with... (wait for it..) their grandparents. Fans of the Raggedy books will recognize a lot of Gruelle's trademark magical food plants and quirky imps. This book is no longer under copyright, but I could not locate a free online edition.

The post Classic Children's Books By The Decade: 1920s appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.

Remember, just because a book is a "classic" doesn't mean it is free of problematic content. It is hard to find books that are completely free from gender, racial and cultural stereotypes. That doesn't mean we have to abandon the books. But be sure to discuss problematic or offensive representations with your children. For tips on reading classic books, see my first post in the series: Classic Children's Books:19th Century.

(Note: this post contains affiliate links that earn from qualifying purchases.)

Pollyanna by Eleanor H. Porter (1913)

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When I was a kid I considered the Haley Mills Pollyanna movie to be a masterpiece and the movie was the reason I picked up the book. Even a cranky old curmudgeon can't resist a girl who is genetically programed to be unrelentingly, illogically and unreasonably optimistic every single day.

The Magic Pudding by Norman Lindsey (1918)

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I think this quirky Australian classic works best as a read aloud. A penguin and a koala join forces with a sailor and a walking, talking pudding-in-a-bowl who never disappears no matter how much of him you eat. As you might expect, crazy, laugh-out-loud adventures follow.

Sea Fairies (1911) and Sky Island (1912) by L. Frank Baum

Find it: Sea Fairies | Sky Island

I'm going to cheat a bit and include two titles under one heading. The author of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz wrote these engaging fantasy stories. Trot and Cap'n Bill, a sailor with a wooden leg, have magical adventures, first underwater and later among the clouds. Trot and Cap'n make appearances in later Oz books.

Old Mother West Wind by Thornton Burgess (1910)

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Gentle and humorous tales about anthropomorphized animals. I loved Burgess's animal stories when I was a kid. I remember the long library shelf of red-spined Burgess stories I adored checking them out and finding new ones I hadn't read yet. Your family will get addicted to his books.

Tales of Snugglepot and Cuddlepie by May Gibbs (1918)

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I must admit I find this Australian brand of children's books fun, but in a very weird sort of way. Tiny gumnut brothers live in the Australian bush and have strange adventures. Unfortunately, this title is hard to find in America, but check your local library or search out a used copy.

Understood Betsy by Dorothy Canfield Fisher (1916)

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Eleanor Roosevelt named author Dorothy Canfield Fisher as one of America's ten most influential women. Educators will recognize her as the woman who introduced the Montessori method to American classrooms. That philosophy is recognizable in Understood Betsy. Until she goes to live on a rural homestead with her cousins, nine-year-old Elizabeth has "never found out a single thing for herself alone." In the country, she takes joy and pride in learning and becomes a very capable and happy Betsy.

The Dutch Twins by Lucy Fitch Perkins (1911)

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Six sweet stories about 5 year old twins, Kit and Kat, who live in rural Holland. Adventures range from digging their own worms for fishing, taking the milk to market and meeting Saint Nicolas. There are a lot of dated gender attitudes in this book, though! If you enjoy this book Lucy Fitch Perkins wrote a slew of Twins stories, from The Cave Twins to The Belgian Twins.

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett (1911)

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It's kind of interesting all the classic books about orphans who make the world around them shiny-happy, no? Orphan Mary Lennox tends a secret garden and in doing so the dispirited personalities of her uncle and cousin start to bloom as well.

The Adventures of Maya the Bee by Waldemar Bonsels (1912)

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Told in naturalistic detail, this German story about a young bee who leaves her hive in search of adventure explores the ideas of individual versus collective identity, loyalty, loss and courage. Maya is a well known character in her native Germany and not nearly well-known enough over here.

Rainbow Valley by L. Maud Montgomery (1919)

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Technically, Rainbow Valley is the seventh Anne of Green Gables book, but it feels like a stand alone novel. Anne is all grown up and the focus is on her children and the Meredith children, whose father is a minister. Delightful.

The post Classic Children's Books By The Decade: 1910s appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.

A note on my book selections: It is not my intention to create a "Top Ten" or "Best Books of the Century" list. If that were so, these lists might have different books on them. You can find a million of those lists all over the internet. My objective is to bring to your attention 10 books in each decade that I think are worth reading even if they are not "a top book of all time."  In each list I try to highlight books that may be less familiar to the general public (this was the most difficult with the period 1900-1910, see my note below).

Note on my 1900s List: Of all the decades I will be covering, I found 1900-09 to be the trickiest. Primarily because books that do not stand the test of time are not exactly books I want to recommend. Of course limiting my lists to 10 books also leaves off some worthy books and maybe even your favorites, so be sure to leave a comment and get your favorite title heard.

Reading classics is fun, but sometimes they have dated language and include offensive stereotypes. You don't have to read these books, but if you do I recommend being upfront with your kids about their problems. Don't try to "sweep it under the rug", because all that does is make history invisible.

If you want to read contemporary, diverse books that are inspired by classic book lists check out this post: If you liked this classic book, you'll love these diverse books!

For tips on reading classic books with your kids see my first post in the series: Classic Children's Books: 19th Century.  (Note: book titles and covers are affiliate links that earn commission from qualifying purchases.)

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum

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L. Frank Baum's classic is considered by many to be the Great American Fairy Tale. Do not confine yourself to the movie version! After Dorothy reached the Emerald City she didn't go home right away, she had another fantastic journey to meet Glinda in the Land of the Quadlings. This book has been re-illustrated many times over the years, but I highly recommend seeking out a text with the original illustrations by W.W. Denslow.

The House of Arden by E. Nesbit (1908)

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Edred and Elfrida Arden are the heirs to Arden Castle, and just before he turns 10, Edred becomes Lord Arden. However, he won't inherit the missing fortune unless he finds it before his birthday. The siblings set off on a time traveling adventure to find the treasure. Edred and Elfreda squabble like normal siblings and a grouchy magical creature, Mouldiwarp, adds a quirky touch to this fun tale.

MORE: Time Travel Novels for Kids

Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm by Kate Douglas Wiggin (1903)

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Rebecca can be a bit cloying, but fans of Anne of Green Gables will most likely enjoy this story of an imaginative young girl who leaves her beloved farm to live with her two unmarried aunts.

The Wonderful Adventures Of Nils and The Further Adventures Of Nils Holgersson by Selma Lagerlöf (1907)

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Lagerlöf is a household name in her native Sweden, as famous as Astrid Lindgren. She was also the first woman to win the Nobel Prize for literature (1909). Nils is a naughty little boy who takes off on an aerial journey around Sweden when he climbs on the back of a goose. On his voyage Nils learns about the geography and natural landscape of Sweden and his encounters with wildlife and people teach him a few valuable lessons about humanity.  If you want an abridged version, I love this edition with cut paper illustrations.

Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery (1908)

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It's impossible to find fault with Anne, she is charming, imaginative and utterly beguiling. I probably don't need to introduce her to you, but make sure you introduce her to your child. I also wholeheartedly recommend the wonderful 1985 screen adaptation.

MORE: Books for Kids Who Like Anne of Green Gables

The Story of King Arthur and His Knights by Howard Pyle (1902)

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I read Howard Pyle for the first time just recently to make sure I wanted to include him on this list. (See how dedicated I am?) He wrote four books about the adventures of popular figures from the King Arthur Legend, all titles beginning with "The Story of...": King Arthur and His Knights, Sir Lancelot and His Companions, The Champions of the Round Table The Holy Grail and the Passing of Arthur. While there are a lot of "methoughts" and "beseeches" and "hitherwards" when the characters speak to each other, I think kids who are enchanted by stories of knights and "olden times" will like these stories. There are abridged versions available, but they lack Pyle's use of rich descriptive language.

MORE: King Arthur Books for Kids

Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens by J.M. Barrie (1906)

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This is the story of how Peter Pan became the "boy who never grows up." It is not the story you find in the Disney movie (which was based on the later Peter and Wendy). The story originally appeared in Barrie's The Little White Bird (1902) for adult readers, but after the runaway success of his stage play about Peter (1904), the chapters were excerpted and published as a book for children. Read it with Arthur Rackham's gorgeous color illustrations.

The Call of the Wild by Jack London (1903)

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Jack London's book was not written as a children's book but is often considered to be so since his work has become part of the high school curricula. The Call of the Wild is a novella, and is the story of Buck, a dog living a comfortable life in California who is uprooted and must learn to survive in the brutal landscape of Alaska. Told from the dog's point of view, The Call of the Wild is exciting and suspenseful and may be better for older children, but it's certainly no less violent than many movies they see. Follow it up with White Fang (1906).

The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame (1908)

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I love Grahame's book about the adventures of Mole, Rat and their loopy friend, Toad, but I also think it is too often recommended for very young children. The content is appropriate, of course, but Grahame's syntax and vocabulary is quite sophisticated. Although many parents start out reading this classic first, I suggest starting with something easier, like The Wonderful Wizard of Oz or even Just So Stories.

MORE: Favorite Classics to Read Aloud - that you haven't read, yet!

Just So Stories by Rudyard Kipling (1902)

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Kipling followed up The Jungle Book with a wonderful collection of short stories for children. Similar to folk tales about the creation of various natural phenomenon, the fables have titles like "How the Leopard Got His Spots" or "How the Alphabet Was Made". NOTE: I don't think all of the stories have stood the test of time. It's a good book to weed through and pick out the more appropriate tales to read aloud.

As I said, I left off several well-known books from this list to make way for a few others. Have you heard of all of these? Did I leave off your favorites? Leave a comment below and let me know.

The post Classic Children's Books By The Decade: 1900s appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.