16 Essential Classics for
Beginning Readers

by Liz Lesnick

One of the great joys of parenthood is sharing the books you loved as a child with your own children. These timeless tales will appeal to readers young and old alike. They offer valuable lessons through their appealing illustrations and thoughtful narratives. They’re the classic books you’ll pull off your shelves over and over again.

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2014 and updated in 2023.