Classic Children’s Literature: A trip back to our own childhood’s

Many of us grew up reading the “classics” as kids. Whether it was at home, with a grandparent, in school or as a group with friends, there are some books that just stick with us! From Corduroy to Mary Poppins and Nancy Drew to the Boxcar Children the reminders of our childhoods are endless.

Reading classic books to your child is extremely beneficial for their development. According to Jim Trelease, author of The Read-Aloud Handbook, “Reading aloud to your child is the most important thing a parent can do.” The degree to which parents read to their children is highlighted by teachers and researchers as being the number one developmental factor for children to thrive and succeed in kindergarten. Classic books inspire children to greater heights, as well as foster their imagination, language skills, and social development. Overall, reading children’s literature can help children develop into compassionate, bright, and kind people.

Some benefits of reading classic children’s literature to your kids include:

1. Improved Ability to Analyze Text – Classic books have themes and other important elements that have been explored by generations. Through the process of exploring these elements, children can improve their reading comprehension and critical thinking skills.
2. Expanded Vocabulary – Children will be introduced to words or phrases that are new to them. This in turn will help them to become better writers and more proficient readers.
3. A Glimpse into the Past – By reading the classics, children will get the opportunity to see how the world has changed and developed through the years. They will be able to see the differences between their modern world and the ones they are reading about in classic novels.

Some suggested classic books for children:

• • Mr. Popper’s Penguins by Richard Atwater
  • Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie
  • A Bear called Paddington by Michael Bond
  • The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Corduroy by Don Freeman
  • The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf
  • Sarah Plain and Tall by Patricia Maclachlan
  • Winnie the Pooh by A.A. Milne
  • Tales of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter
  • Mary Poppins by P.L. Travers
  • The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner
  • Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White
  • Little House on the Prairie by Lauran Ingalls Wilder
  • The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams
  • Swiss Family Robinson by Johann David Wyss

At Citrus Libraries we strive to provide every opportunity to encourage reading aloud to our youngest readers. One of the best ways to continually work at reading aloud to children is by attending storytime programs, held daily at all five library branches. During these programs our Youth Librarians model the importance of reading aloud and asking questions while enjoying a book together.

If families are still looking for additional ways to encourage reading with their children, they can also participate in the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten Reading Challenge. Through this challenge families are encouraged to read a book a day with their child. As they log their reading, they will unlock prizes at big milestones. To date, there are more than 125 children in Citrus County participating, with 5 having already completed the challenge that launched in October 2023.

To learn about programs offered throughout the Citrus County Library System, check out the online calendar at attend.citruslibraries.org/events, or you can call or visit your nearest branch. If you’re looking to stay in-the-know about all things happening at a library near you, follow @CitrusLibraries on Facebook and Instagram or sign-up at citruslibraries.org/subscribe to receive our monthly Kids Events newsletter.