5 Classic Books to Read With Your Children This Summer

By Lisa Holliman

Summer is upon us, and that means long, lazy days in the garden, by a pool, in a park or on the beach. While the main focus of summer for children is to play, it is also a great time to encourage some reading. 

With children, reading should never be treated like homework. Instead, make it just another form of play. For example, sometimes reward them for good behaviour with ’10 minutes more of reading.’ Reading should always be regarded as something fun, on par with playing with their favourite toys such as LEGO or doing a craft, so that your children will always enjoy it. 

Image courtesy of Istock

Some children see reading as a chore, so use the summertime to change that; make reading into a special event. Choose a special cosy spot, grab some snacks, and snuggle up together with a good book. Your child will love having your undivided attention and start to associate reading with happy times. 

If your child has not yet discovered the top classics of children’s literature, this summer could be the perfect time to delve into the wonderful world of classic books and worlds of the past within the list below. 

This list is a starting point of five fantastic novels to get your child interested in reading the classics.

1. The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling

If your child has seen either of the Disney films, they may think they are familiar with the story of The Jungle Book…so, they will be in for quite a shock when they learn the book is actually a set of short exciting stories. Your child will enjoy getting a new perspective on the story of Mowgli in the first three stories of the book and will be delighted even further by the other four stories. Of particular note is “Rikki Tikki Tavi,” the story of a mongoose who protects his family from a cobra.

2. Anne of Green Gables by LM Montgomery

Although it was written over 100 years ago, Anne of Green Gables still feels fresh and current. Readers of all ages can’t help falling in love with the plucky heroine who, despite the time difference, faces issues and themes that children of today can relate to. Your child will eagerly devour Anne’s many trials and mishaps and cheer as she comes out triumphant in the end.

The story aligns well with the Netflix series Anne with an E, which takes a modern approach to Anne’s story (all while keeping it set in the early 1900s). 

3. Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson

If your child doesn’t mind a little emotional wreckage, Bridge to Terabithia is a solid choice for discerning children. The story takes its readers through the ups and downs of childhood, from the joy of making your first true best friend to the gut-wrenching grief of a first loss. The story is beautifully and gently told and has such a timeless feel that your child likely won’t even realize it was written in the 1970s.
This story can lead to some in-depth conversations between you and your child and can serve as a wonderful companion read to The Chronicles of Narnia series by CS Lewis.

4. Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes

Even if your child is not a fan of historical fiction, the story of Johnny Tremain is irresistible. Packed with adventure and a powerful message about taking a stand for what you believe, the story will resonate with children and adults alike. Johnny is a strong protagonist, and readers will captively follow his daring experiences through Revolutionary America.

To make the story even more powerful, put the book in the context of when it was written: 1941. In fact, Forbes began work on the book the day after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. You and your child can make connections between the theme and the World War II sentiments.

5. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by JK Rowling

Harry Potter may seem like an unlikely choice on a list of children’s ‘classics,’ but it has become a classic in its own right now.

Although published in 1997, the books read like the classic British school story, from which Rowling borrowed many storytelling elements. Rowling also follows many literary and mythological traditions that give the stories a classic atmosphere. 

The books’ film adaptations have risen to such popularity that many current generation of children are sadly neglecting the books. Whether your child has seen the Harry Potter films or not, summer is a great time to introduce the book series as they will likely spend many nights up way past their bedtime!

All of the above listed books are perfect for encouraging your child to start upon their journey through the classics while helping them develop a love for literature and reading.

Imagine, you may even hear them utter the words “can I read just one more chapter please!”