Many fine chapter books are being published for children these days, but please don’t forget the classics! Many of these books have stood the test of time in that the characters are so appealing and their thoughts and actions so universal that 21st century kids (savvy though they are) will excuse the “old-fashioned” details because they want to enjoy the fantastic story or characters within. For parents who are trying to steer away from books that are violent or may contain language or concepts that are offensive to them, the titles listed below are sure to please!
Mr. Popper’s Penguins by Richard Atwater
The unexpected delivery of a large crate containing an Antarctic penguin changes the life and fortunes of Mr. Popper, a house painter obsessed by dreams of the Polar regions.
Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt
Doomed to–or blessed with–eternal life after drinking from a magic spring, the Tuck family wanders about trying to live as inconspicuously and comfortably as they can.
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum
As Dorothy journeys down the yellow brick road, she shares adventures with the famous trio of characters, and learns about the power of friendship, loyalty, and self-confidence.
A Bear Called Paddington by Michael Bond
A very small bear found by Mr. and Mrs. Brown at Paddington station becomes one of the family.
The Enormous Egg by Oliver Butterworth
When Nate looks in the henhouse, he discovers the biggest egg he’s ever seen, and he’s not prepared for what hatches out of that egg!
Half Magic by Edward Eager
Faced with a dull summer in the city, 4 friends suddenly find themselves involved in a series of adventures after one discovers an ordinary-looking coin that seems to grant wishes.
The Moffats (and other books in the series) by Eleanor Estes
The misadventures of the 4 Moffat children, as they live with their widowed mother in a yellow house on New Dollar Street.
Understood Betsy by Dorothy Canfield Fisher
Nine-year-old Elizabeth Ann discovers her own abilities and gains a new perception of the world when she goes to live on a Vermont farm with relatives.
Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh
Harriet M. Welsch is a spy; she writes down everything she knows about everyone in her notebook, even her classmates and friends.
My Father’s Dragon by Ruth Stile Gannett
A young boy determines to rescue a poor baby dragon who is being used by a group of lazy wild animals to ferry them across the river.
The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster
A journey through a land where Milo learns the importance of words and numbers.
Rabbit Hill by Robert Lawson
The animals of Rabbit Hill wonder if they will plant a garden and thus be good providers for the new humans moving into the big house.
Doctor Doolittle by Hugh Lofting
Doctor Dolittle doesn’t understand people, but he can talk to animals.
Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle by Betsy MacDonald
Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle lives in an upside-down house and smells of cookies; she also knows all there is to know about children.
The Borrowers by Mary Norton
Miniature people who live in an old country house by borrowing things from the humans are forced to emigrate from their home under the clock.
The Cricket in Times Square by George Selden
The adventures of a country cricket who unintentionally arrives in New York and is befriended by Tucker Mouse and Harry Cat.
