Class-Act Classic Children's Books

​“Some day you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again” - C.S. Lewis. We say that whatever age you are is perfect for reading children’s books and fairy stories! Or maybe you’re trying to get your (grand)kid(s) into reading and are looking for some suggestions of books that are a little older and more classic but still fun.
 
In other words, not the newest fad, but still fad-tastic! Something fairy delightful that they’ll be goblin right up! 😉

Thinklings’ motto is “Timeless books. Quality authors.” We put out (mostly) new fantasy and sci-fi books—excellent ones that the big publishers won’t take a risk on for shallow reasons—but we hope they will all become classics one day!
 
Meanwhile, read on for a list of books that have already achieved that status....
 
1. The Time Quintet by Madeleine L’Engle: follows the Murry and O’Keefe families as they embark on a series of adventures through space and time, confronting cosmic evil and discovering the power of love and family bonds. Such a unique blend of sci-fi and fantasy, these hold a special place in Sarah’s heart.
 
2. The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis: Four siblings enter the magical land of Narnia, where they encounter mythical creatures and participate in epic battles between good and evil. The wise lion Aslan guides and helps them to save Narnia from various threats.

3. The Oz books by L. Frank Baum: the fantastical adventures of Dorothy and other characters in the land of Oz. From houses falling on witches to following the Yellow Brick Road, all the classic whimsical adventures you may have grown up knowing and loving through the movie—but have you read the whole series?
 
4. The Doubtful Guest by Edward Gorey: a whimsically macabre tale about a peculiar, penguin-like creature that mysteriously arrives at a family’s home, causing bizarre disruptions and refusing to leave.
 
5. The Animorphs series by K.A. Applegate: Calling these books that were published in our childhood “classics” makes us feel old... 😆 Five children are given the power (through alien technology) to turn into any animal whose DNA they can “acquire” through touch. They must use this power to stop an invasion of alien slugs that crawl into people’s brains and control their bodies.

6. The Secret Country trilogy by Pamela Dean: Some of Deborah’s favorite books ever. Five cousins invent a fantasy-filled world as a game, but the Secret turns out to be a real place and, transported there, they must win the game—which has escalated into war.

7. The 13 Clocks by James Thurber: a whimsical fairy tale about a prince who must complete an impossible task to win the hand of Princess Saralinda, facing the evil Duke and his frozen castle, with the help of the mysterious Golux.

8. Tom’s Midnight Garden by Philippa Pearce: A boy finds a magical garden where he has adventures with a lonely girl, and discovers that time can be both an enemy and a friend.
 
9. Charlotte Sometimes by Penelope Farmer: Charlotte wakes up after her first night at a new boarding school to find herself in 1918, and everyone thinks she’s a girl named Clare. For months, she alternates between her life and Clare’s. If she doesn’t find a way to stop this time travel by the end of term, she may never be able to.
 
10. The Winnie the Pooh books by A.A. Milne: the gentle, whimsical adventures of a lovable stuffed bear and his friends in the Hundred Acre Wood, exploring themes of friendship, imagination, and the simple joys of life.
 
(No, we haven’t forgotten The Hobbit or the Harry Potter books! 😄)
 
BONUS: David and the Phoenix will fly again! We’re rekindling new life into this beloved classic by Edward Ormondroyd, and with the author’s blessing (he’s 99 and still alive at the time we posted this) we’re also putting out a version in a language that’s quite old: Latin! So we’ll have it in English, with a new cover and a refresh, and then the Latin version, translated by Robert G. Natelson. Stay tuned for release dates and cover reveals! 
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What’s your favorite classic children’s book? Tell us in the comments!


P.S. – ​If you loved these book recommendations, why not sign up for our newsletter? Twice a month, we'll send you a themed list of fantasy and/or sci-fi book recommendations, and sometimes music or movies too. (Not to mention jokes, games, puzzles, and memes!)

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