20 Classic Children’s Books

Help children discover some quality literature at their level with these classic childrens books! Each of these classic children’s books retell a famous story on a preschool, pre-k, kindergarten, first grade, 2nd grade, and 3rd grade level using lovely illustrations. Which story from our list of children’s books will you read first?

classic childrens books

Are you looking for the perfect way to introduce your little ones to the wonderful world of reading? Look no further! We have a fantastic selection of classic children’s books that will captivate young minds and spark their imaginations. These timeless tales are expertly retold to suit various reading levels, making them ideal for preschoolers, pre-k youngsters, kindergarteners, first graders, second graders, and third graders alike. Each book is paired with enchanting illustrations that not only tell the story but also draw children into the magical realm of literature.

Reading is a fundamental skill that lays the groundwork for a child’s future learning experience. By immersing them in quality literature that is suited to their developmental level, you encourage a love for reading that will last a lifetime. Our collection of classic children’s books includes a variety of stories that appeal to a wide range of interests, ensuring that there is something for every young reader to enjoy.

Imagine your child nestled in a cozy spot, flipping through the pages filled with vivid pictures while you read aloud one of these beloved tales. It could be the enchanting story of a brave little mouse outsmarting hungry predators or a whimsical adventure in a faraway land. Each story is crafted with care, making them accessible and enjoyable for young children.

So, which story from our delightful list of children’s books will you read first with your little one? Will it be the classic that brings laughter and joy, or a tale that introduces important lessons about kindness and friendship? Whatever you choose, you’re sure to create precious memories and foster a lifelong love for reading.

We have lots more books for preschoolers, free worksheets for preschoolers, and preschool activities to choose from! Plus  don’t miss lego activities for preschoolers

classic children’s books

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen was adapted by Brooke Jorden and illustrated by David Miles. This interactive board book uses quotes from the original text to share the story of Lizzy Bennet and Mr. Darcy in a child friendly way. The book pairs the text with colorful illustrations with moving parts that kids will enjoy interacting with.

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett was adapted by Mandy Archer and illustrated by Jane Newland. This BabyLit storybook adapts the classic story into a colorful board book with easy to understand text and sweet illustrations.

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll was adapted by Brooke Jorden and illustrated by David Miles. Introduce young readers to the wild world of Wonderland with this brightly colored book that uses quotes from the original story and moveable illustrations to engage kids.

Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen was adapted by Stephanie Clarkson and illustrated by Annabel Tempest. This BabyLit storybook introduces readers to the Bennet sisters. The simple text includes quotes from the original story, while the colorful illustrations feature cute cartoon characters.

Little Poet Edgar Allan Poe: Nevermore! was written by Kate Coombs and illustrated by Carme Lemniscates. This fascinating board book translates the poetry of Edgar Allan Poe into easy to understand text for young kids. The illustrations maintain the gothic style while not being too scary for kids.

classic books for kids

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum was adapted by Stephanie Clarkson and illustrated by Mike Bryne. This book takes young readers on a trip to the magical land of Oz. The simple text uses quotes from the original story, and pairs it with imaginative and colorful illustrations that kids will love.

Moby-Dick by Herman Melville was adapted by Mandy Archer and illustrated by Annabel Tempest. This easy to read board book retells the classic story of Captain Ahab, Ishmael, and the big white whale, with brightly colored illustrations that will draw young readers into the nautical adventure.

Great Expectations by Charles Dickens was adapted by Stephanie Clarkson and illustrated by Mike Byrne. This brightly colored storybook retells the classic tale through an easy to read text and sweet cartoon illustrations. The book includes text from the original story, making it a great introduction to the story for young kids.

The Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum was adapted into board book form and illustrated by Carly Gledhill. This version of the classic story follows Dorothy as she tumbles into Oz with her little dog Toto, and strikes out on an adventure in order to get back home. The simple text and colorful illustrations make this a great introduction to the classic tale.

Les Miserables by Victor Hugo was adapted by Brooke Jorden and illustrated by Olga Skomorokhova. This interactive book shares the story of Jean Valjean and the French Revolution through a simple text and illustrations full of moving parts. The book weaves quotes from the original text into the story and illustrations.

classic kids books

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott was adapted by Mandy Archer and illustrated by Ela Smietanka. This board book shares the beloved story of the March sisters through an easy to read text and adorable cartoon illustrations.

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe was written by C.S. Lewis. This board book adaptation was illustrated by Joey Chou. The simple retelling of the classic story follows the four siblings through the wardrobe door into the mystical land of Narnia, which comes to life in Chou’s colorful cartoon illustrations.

Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie was adapted by Alex Fabrizio and illustrated by Greg Paprocki. This colorful adaptation whisks readers away to Neverland along with Peter Pan, Tinkerbell, Wendy and her brothers. The simplified text is paired with vintage style illustrations bursting with colors and adorable cartoon characters.

The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling was adapted by Alex Fabrizio and illustrated by Greg Paprocki. This board book version of the classic story joins Mowgli, a young human boy lost in the jungle who is taken in by the animals. Kids will love the adventures of the young boy learning from the animals, as well as the colorful cartoon illustrations.

Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll was adapted by Alex Fabrizio and illustrated by Greg Paprocki. This board book adaptation takes readers into Wonderland along with Alice. The easy to read text and vibrant illustrations bring the craziness of Wonderland to life for young readers.

classic children’s stories

Jack and the Beanstalk is based on the classic fairy tale and illustrated by Carly Gledhill. This version of the story follows Jack on his adventure up the beanstalk, with easy to read text and modernized illustrations.

Hansel and Gretel by the Brothers Grimm was retold and illustrated by Rachel Isadora. This retelling of the fairy tale moves the setting of the witch’s cottage to Africa. The lush collage illustrations make this retelling shine, and will draw in young readers.

The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame was adapted by Alex Fabrizio and illustrated by Greg Paprocki. This illustrated retelling shares the story of Mr. Toad, Mole, Ratty, and Badger and their life in River Bank. Kids will love following the animals on their adventures through the simple text and colorful illustrations.

Rapunzel (Once Upon a World) was written by Chloe Perkins and illustrated by Archana Sreenivasan. This multicultural spin on the classic fairy tale places the story of the tower bound princess with long hair in India. The story is paired with vibrantly colored illustrations that will draw young readers in.

Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery was adapted by Alex Fabrizio and illustrated by Greg Paprocki. This board book version of the childhood classic shares the adventures of Anne Shirley, a young orphan who finds trouble wherever she goes. Kids will love following her fun adventures as she proves she belongs at Green Gables.

classic children’s literature books

Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson was adapted by Peter Clover and illustrated by Carles Arbat. This picture book adaptation of the classic tale joins young Jim Hawkins as he follows a treasure map and sets sail with a band of pirates. The easy to read story is paired with beautiful illustrations highlighting the remarkable setting on the sea.

Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery was adapted by Saviour Pirotta and illustrated by Thai My Phuong. This picture book version of the classic story follows Anne Shirley, the young orphan who comes to live at Green Gables. Kids will enjoy the story of friendship, kindness, and finding a home, paired with colorful illustrations that bring the setting to life. .

A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare was adapted by Saviour Pirotta and illustrated by Marcin Piwowarski. This picture book adaptation of Shakespeare’s comedy offers an easy to read version of Hermia and Lysander love story for young kids. The detailed illustrations are sure to draw in young readers with their touch of magic and wonder.

Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift was adapted by Peter Clover and illustrated by Robert Dunn. This adaptation brings the adventurous tale of Gulliver and his journey to life for young kids. The easy to understand story is paired with beautiful illustrations that bring his adventures right off the page.

The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas was adapted by Saviour Pirotta and illustrated by John Manders. This retelling of the classic tale shares the story of D’Artagnan as he attempts to prove that he is worthy of joining the Musketeers, the royal guard for the King of France. The detailed illustrations are sure to engage young readers.

list of children’s books

Discover classic children’s books with beautiful illustrations that retell famous stories, perfect for preschool to 3rd grade readers—what will you read first?