Now that your child has entered grade 1, he or she is becoming a more competent reader.
Some 6-year-olds even want to venture out on their own and read by themselves. The vast majority, though, still love to read with you. So, why not snuggle up with a classic?
Here are our top 10 classic books we think every first grader should read.
1. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
You can’t get much more imaginative than Roald Dahl, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is one of his best books. Willy Wonka, the reclusive and eccentric chocolate maker is opening his doors to five lucky winners of a golden ticket that they’ll have to find in one of his chocolate bars. Once found, the five lucky winners – from all walks of life – experience the adventure of a lifetime.
2. Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White
Apparently the best-selling children’s paperback of all time, Charlotte’s Web is set on a farm and tells the story of friendship among the animals. It’s not every day a spider save a pig from slaughter.
3. The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
This is a beautiful story of a spoiled young girl who is sent to live with her uncle and finds an injured boy in a hidden bedroom. Their friendship develops as they discover a hidden garden, which they bring back to life.
4. Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder
Bringing the pioneer days to life, Laura Ingalls Wilder’s series truly chronicles a slice of American history. The lively characters of her books are drawn from Wilder’s own family and neighbors, growing up in Wisconsin, including her sisters Mary, Carrie and Grade, the pastor Rev Alden, and the spoiled and mean schoolmate Nellie Olsen.
5. The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
This is one of those series of books you’ll want to read again at a later age. At this age, we’d suggest reading The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and leave the rest of the series for when they get older. Four children find a strange old wardrobe and behind all the coats is a magical winter land. The White Witch has spread and icy winter and only Aslan, the lion, can defeat her and reverse her spell.
6. The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner
Four orphaned children suddenly appear in a small town. No one knows who they are or where they came from. Too scared to live with a grandfather they have never met, they make a home in an abandoned boxcar they find in the woods.
7. The Moomins Series by Tove Jansson
These charming little white trolls have delighted generations of children. Set in Moomin valley, kids follow the magical adventures of the Moomins, Sniff, Snufkin and Fillyjonk. Beautifully illustrated by Tove herself, these books are instantly recognizable when you see them on the shelf.
8. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling
Although not written that long ago, Harry Potter has captured young readers by storm. The later books in the series are scary, so tread carefully with your young Potter fanatic. Harry life is miserable, living in a tiny cupboard at the Dursley’s, his horrible aunt and uncle. All that is about to change as a letter arrives by owl messenger – an invitation to a place he never thought existed.
9. The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes
Girls at school tease Wanda Petrosky for her name and her poverty – she wears the same dress every day. Wanda starts to tell her school friends that she has a hundred dresses at home. When the children learn the truth, they are given a chance to reflect on their behavior. A great book for learning about empathy and compassion.
10. Mr. Popper’s Penguins by Richard and Florence Atwater
The language is a little dated in this book, but it’s still a sure favorite. Mr. Popper is a poor house painter. His family unexpectedly receive two penguins, who then have 10 babies. Something must be done before the penguins eat the Poppers out of house and home. Facing a moral dilemma, Mr. Popper becomes a true hero. The book is full of vivid imagery, clever word plays and funny characters.
