They say that classics never go out of style.
Classics tell of thrilling tales or imaginative places which are just as exhilarating now as they were decades ago. They instil good values and timeless life lessons such as treating animals with respect and handling emotions. Moreover, classics give us a glimpse of the past which help us learn about the time in which they were written and offer a new perspective for our present-day lives.
With the December school holidays, here are some children’s classics to spark your child’s imagination and creativity while developing their vocabulary.
1. Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Perhaps Roald Dahl’s best-known story, most are no stranger to this intriguing tale which follows poor Charlie Bucket who wins a Golden Ticket allowing him to tour the legendary and eccentric chocolatier Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory. This easy-to-follow book is full of important life lessons that apply today just as much as they did when it was published in 1964. It teaches children to be respectful, grateful, and polite and to not be like the other children in the story, each of whom personifies negative traits.
2. Johann David Wyss’ The Swiss Family Robinson
The Swiss Family Robinson is a famous adventurous tale of shipwreck and survival that teaches good morals such as family values, independence, cooperation and uses of the natural world. The story recounts the tale of a Swiss family who sails off to Australia in search of a new life but finds themselves on a strange tropical desert island after a great storm.
3. Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island
Robert Louis Stevenson’s famous tale of pirates and treasure is one of the most influential fictional tales which set precedence for future pirate stories. This gripping adventure novel follows young Jim Hawkins who leads a boring life working hard in his mother’s inn but he dreams of adventure. Suddenly, he finds himself a treasure map and adventure ensues.
4. L.M. Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables
Anne of Green Gables is one of the world’s best-selling books. This coming-of-age novel is set in the 19th century and tells the story of young orphan Anne Shirley who is mistakenly sent to two middle-aged siblings, Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert. The ageing Cuthberts initially wanted to adopt a boy to help on their farm but due to a miscommunication, Anne arrives as their new family member. The story takes us on Anne’s journey as she wins over the Cuthberts and becomes an integral part of life in the town. After enjoying this beautiful story, your child may also follow Anne in the popular television series Anne with an E.
9. Johanna Spyri’s Heidi
Heidi is one of the best-selling books and is among the best-known works of Swiss literature. This classic recounts the adventures of Heidi, a young orphan who is sent to the top of a mountain in the Swiss Alps to live with her lonely, bitter grandfather as her guardian, Aunt Dede, has been appointed to a job in Frankfurt. Despite her grandfather’s initial reluctance, she wins his affection and he eventually welcomes her to his mountain home, which she loves. Heidi transforms the lives of everyone around her and this book which teaches children the power of love and friendship is definitely not one to miss.
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