Must Read Classic Storybooks

Here is a list of the best and must read classic storybooks of all time and their reviews by Cherry Hill Tuition.

Are you searching for a collection of the best classic storybooks for your child?

There are a plethora of classic storybooks that your child would love to read.

Imagine you find a recommended classic storybook for your child that does not keep up with your expectations or is not children-friendly. It will waste your and your child’s valuable time and effort.

You must be wondering “Which are the must-read classic storybooks?” or “Which are the top storybooks of all time for children?”.

We present a list of some of the best classic storybooks of all time and their reviews by us.

We have reviewed hundreds of storybooks to make our top 30 recommendations.

These reviews for the recommended classic storybooks are extremely insightful as well as fun to read. Go through this page to get insights into the best storybook that your child would love to read. Have fun!

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1) Pride and Prejudice

Specifications

Author: Jane Austen

Date of Publication: 28th Jan, 1813

Book Summary

This novel has its opening with one of the most popular sentences in English Literature. Mrs Bennet wants to find a good match for each of her five daughters. Although she is mocked by her cynical and indolent husband.

Pride and Prejudice, with its wit, social precision, and irresistible heroine, has proved to be one of the most loved popular novels in English literature.

This classic is one of the most loved and cherished stories in English literature. This masterpiece from 1813 has a deep and lasting effect on everyone who reads it and gives the reader a unique experience. The story of two unlikely lovers unfolding as their union seems nearly impossible.

2) A Christmas Carol

Specifications

Author: Charles Dickens

Date of Publication: 19th Dec, 1843

Book Summary

Ebenezer Scrooge (this name is synonymous with greed) thinks that ‘Every stupid person who says “Merry Christmas”, should be boiled with his own pudding, & buried with a stake of holly through his heart’. This thinking of Scrooge is challenged by the ghost of his old partner, Jacob Marley after he returns from his grave to haunt Scrooge on Christmas Eve. Eventually, we encounter a lot of Dickensian characters such as the poor Cratchit family with the ailing Tiny Tim and Fezziwig. In this book, Charles Dickens captured the essence of the love, kindness and generosity one feels during Christmas.

A timeless classic, heart-warming and chilling festive story. The story’s uplifting magical essence remains as unique and effective today as when it was first published in 1843.

3) To Kill a Mockingbird

Specifications

Author: Harper Lee

Date of Publication: 11th July, 1960

Book Summary

Harper Lee’s classic novel tells the story of a black man charged with the rape allegations of a white girl. With the help of young Scout and Jem Finch, Harper Lee explores the irrationality of adults’ attitudes towards race & class in the Deep South. The mentality of the people of a town steeped in prejudice, violence and hypocrisy is changed by one man’s struggle for justice.

This is a coming-of-age classic story depicting an anti-racist culture, a historical drama from the Great Depression and an example of the Southern writing style. This story caters to readers of all ages but gives valuable lessons to children early in their life.

4) Gulliver's Travels

Specifications

Author: Jonathan Swift

Date of Publication: 28th Oct, 1726

Book Summary

Three hundred years ago the world was still undiscovered. A voyage was not as pleasant as it seemed and a traveller would encounter mysterious islands and strange people.

Lemuel Gulliver (a ship’s surgeon) commences his adventure on the high seas but sometimes things never seem to go as planned. Soon he finds himself on a strange island. The inhabitants here are of the most unusual size. The story is full of adventure and surprises as it unfolds.

This great novel has been loved by generations of readers and has been a popular story for almost 300 years. The misfortunes and pleasures of its hero are one of Jonathan Swift's most lasting legacies.

5) Animal Farm

Specifications

Author: George Orwell

Date of Publication: 17th Aug, 1945

Book Summary

The animals from Manor Farm have had enough of Farmer Jones. Farmer Jones is a drunkard, reckless and doesn’t care for their welfare. Old Major is a boar who shares his revolutionary plans with all the animals and convinces them that they can thrive on their own once Jones is overthrown. But as the pigs vie for power, other animals witness an uncanny resemblance of the pigs with the tyrants they have overthrown.

This renowned fable became an instant success after World War II and continues to captivate readers of all ages. It contributed to making Orwell one of the great writers of the 20th century.

6) Fahrenheit 451

Specifications

Author: Ray Bradbury

Date of Publication: 19th Oct, 1953

Book Summary

The author narrates how technology was becoming advanced and people were choosing televisions and radio as a source of information and entertainment. Books were banned to censor people from certain truths. Giving people equal levels of knowledge by burning all the books, no one can be more knowledgeable than the other.

Fahrenheit 451 feels shuddering as one reads it. A world where reading is a crime and books are burned is unimaginable. Read through the storybook to witness how the story unfolds.

7) Jane Eyre

Specifications

Author: Charlotte Bronte

Date of Publication: 16th Oct, 1847

Book Summary

This novel is about the inner struggles caused by the social norms & moral obligations that women face. Jane Eyre was able to withstand the hardships she experienced after losing her parents at a young age and how she grew up to be a woman with good morals. She rose above social standards and chose to remain unmarried just because society dictates. She married in the end but only for love.

Jane Eyre was a revolutionary, independent & self-reliant woman who had a different perspective. A must-read for children since strong characters captivate them as they read such novels at a young age and children try to embody their characteristics.

8) Little Women

Specifications

Author: Louisa May Alcott

Date of Publication: 1868

Book Summary

This inspirational and amazing story of the March sisters as they struggle through the American Civil War. They learn the importance of love, family and they commence to follow their dreams.

This classic novel by Louisa May-Alcott is complete and unabridged and perfect to engage children.

9) I Capture the Castle

Specifications

Author: Dodie Smith

Date of Publication: 31st Mar, 1998

Book Summary

This is an enchanting coming-of-age story that is narrated in the form of Cassandra Mortmain’s journal. It describes her life as she grows up in a crumbling castle, with her strange family. Eventually, two visiting Americans arrive and Cassandra experiences her first love.

This is a classic coming-of-age story by Dodie Smith and is loved by generations of readers.

10) Moby Dick

Specifications

Author: Herman Melville

Date of Publication: 18th Oct, 1851

Book Summary

Narrates a story of a whaling expedition aboard a ship named Pequod. Ahab, the ship’s captain, is in search of the legendary whale named Moby Dick to take his revenge on the beast for losing his leg. The voyage initially seems adventurous and eventful but then a prophet warns Ahab that doom awaits for whoever chases Moby Dick. However, Ahab doesn’t listen and eventually finds Moby Dick but is unsuccessful in killing it. Only Ishamael lived to tell the tale.

A legendary story full of adventure and mystery.

11) Treasure Island

Specifications

Author: Robert Louis Stevenson

Date of Publication: 14th Nov, 1883

Book Summary

Jim Hawkins sets sail on an adventure searching for buried treasure. He finds himself stuck in a deadly mutiny where he must outwit another cunning pirate Long John Silver to stay alive.

A complete and unabridged novel by Robert Louis Stevenson's classic tale of adventure including illustrations.

12) The Little Prince (Le Petit Prince)

Specifications

Author: Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

Date of Publication: 1943

Book Summary

It is one of the world’s most widely translated books. This book triggers our imagination as it tells that the concerns of the adult world are often shown to be silly as seen through the eyes of the little prince.

This is a modern fable that charms even adults and sends them back to their childhood. This book creates a unique relationship with each reader, whether child or adult.

13) The Harry Potter series

Specifications

Author: J.K. Rowling

Year of Publication: 26th June, 1997

Book Summary

Harry Potter has never heard of Hogwarts but then one fine day on his eleventh birthday, a giant man called Rubeus Hagrid appears with some astonishing news. Harry Potter starts his journey as a wizard and gets a place at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The magic starts here.

Bringing magic to children's lives this best selling story is a must-read for every child at the start of their reading adventure. This series of books must be treasured as readers around the world lose themselves in this most magical children's story of all time.

14) Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland

Specifications

Author: Lewis Carroll

Year of Publication: 26th Nov, 1865

Book Summary

It tells of a young girl named Alice, who falls through a rabbit hole into a world of fantasy that has strange creatures. The story plays with logic, giving the story long-lasting popularity with adults and children.

Alice's adventure in wonderland is one of the most famous and best-known stories of English-language fiction. This book's narrative, structure, characters & imagery have been immensely influential, especially in the fantasy genre.

15) The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

Specifications

Author: C.S Lewis

Year of Publication: 16th Oct, 1950

Book Summary

This was the first book written in The Chronicles of Narnia. Lucy accidentally enters a marvellous land of fauns, centaurs, nymphs and other talking animals through a magic wardrobe. But soon Lucy discovers that the land is ruled by the cruel White Witch. Only Aslan, the great lion, and the four children can free the land.

This story sets the stage for a breathtaking adventure to the ends of the world, fantastic creatures, betrayals, heroic deeds, epic battles. So let the adventure begin and set your child's imagination free with this Novel.

16) The adventures of Pinocchio

Specifications

Author: Carlo Collodi

Year of Publication: 1883

Book Summary

This classic tale follows the adventures of Pinocchio, a talking wooden puppet whose nose grows longer whenever he tells a lie. Pinocchio wanted to become a real boy more than anything else.

This story is about the mischievous adventures of Pinocchio, an animated marionette, and his poor father, woodcarver Geppetto.

Considered to be a classic of children's literature and is engaging for children.

17) Heidi

Specifications

Author: Johannah Spyri

Year of Publication: 1881

Book Summary

Five years old Heidi is sent to live with her grandfather in the Alps. Everyone in the village seems to be afraid of him, but Heidi is fascinated by his long beard and bushy grey eyebrows. She starts to love her life in the mountains. She plays in the sunshine and grows up amongst goats and birds. Heidi’s aunt collects her and is made to live with a new family in town. Heidi cannot bear to live away from her grandfather and she tries to find a way back to the mountains where she belongs.

This is an insightful story that children love to read.

18) Anne of Green Gables

Specifications

Author: Lucy Maud Montgomery

Year of Publication: June, 1908

Book Summary

Eleven-year-old Anne Shirley is an orphan who hangs on to an optimistic spirit and a wildly creative imagination. We see Anne grow from a girl to a young sixteen-year-old woman, making her mistakes, and not always learning from them.

She has a little bit of Tom Sawyer and a little bit of Jane Eyre in her. By the end of the storybook, Anne becomes the heroine of her story.

This storybook is fun to read and also teaches a lot of valuable lessons to children who are in their growing phase.

19) Black Beauty

Specifications

Author: Anna Sewell

Year of Publication: 24th Nov, 1877

Book Summary

A moralistic tale of the life of a horse presented as an autobiography. It describes the world through the eyes of the horse. The author Anna Sewell broke new literary ground with this story.

Black Beauty is a children’s favourite story and has never been out of print since 1877. The author's writing ability makes it easy for the reader to accept and read the story.

20) Charlotte’s Web

Specifications

Author: E.B White

Year of Publication: Oct 15, 1952

Book Summary

A poignant, humorous story of a pig, a spider and a little girl.

Wilbur the pig’s life has already been saved by Fern, but when he is sold to her uncle, he realises his life is in even more danger. Enter Charlotte A. Cavatica, a beautiful large grey spider. Charlotte is determined to keep Wilbur from the chopping block, and comes up with an ingenious way to do just that.

E. B. White delivered the story with never seen before tenderness and perfect grammar. Garth William's illustrations are flawless. This book deserves its status as a classic.

21) The tale of Peter Rabbit

Specifications

Author: Beatrix Potter

Year of Publication: 16th Dec, 1901

Book Summary

The tale of Peter Rabbit is one of Beatrix Potter’s most famous tales. He loves the yummy vegetables he finds in Mr McGregor’s garden. The issue is that Mr McGregor doesn’t want Peter to eat his crop.

Peter is a mischievous little rabbit that has hopped into the heart of generations of book lovers since 1902.

22) The very Hungry Caterpillar

Specifications

Author: Eric Carle

Year of Publication: 3rd June, 1969

Book Summary

The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carles is a favourite for both children and adults. It contains imaginative illustrations and clever cut-out detail charts.

The book is perfect for children as it is interactive. It shows the progress of a very hungry caterpillar as it eats his way through the week.

23) The Wind in the Willows

Specifications

Author: Kenneth Grahame

Year of Publication: 1st April, 1908

Book Summary

Rat, Mole, Badger and Mr Toad brought delight to many since years with their adventures on and by the river, and at the imposing residence of Toad Hall. This book was later dramatised by A. A. Milne. It continues to enchant and inspire great affection.

This classic tale of fantasy by Kenneth Grahame has captivated a growing audience from each generation. Helps children to extend their imaginary boundaries and capabilities.

24) Where the wild things are

Specifications

Author: Maurice Sendak

Year of Publication: 9th April, 1963

Book Summary

Max puts on a wolf suit one night and makes mischief so his mother calls him ‘Wild Thing’ and sends Max to bed without supper.

The same night a forest begins to grow in Max’s room and an ocean appears with a boat that is ready to take Max to a place where the wild things are. Max experiences a magnificent and thrilling journey which is one of a kind.

This storybook is written extremely well and is perfect for children. It definitely takes them on imaginary adventures like Max.

25) Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Specifications

Author: Roald Dahl

Year of Publication: 17th Jan, 1964

Book Summary

A boy who only gets to eat cabbage soup for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Charlie Bucket’s life changes forever when he finds a Golden Ticket that will take him into Willy Wonka’s magical chocolate factory which is the strangest place Charlie has ever seen. Read this classic storybook to know what other surprises are in store for the lucky ticket winners?

The story is full of surprises and is based in an unbelievable fantasy world of the chocolate factory.

26) The Jungle Book

Specifications

Author: Rudyard Kipling

Year of Publication: 1894

Book Summary

This masterpiece “The Jungle Book” by Rudyard Kipling has been celebrated by generations of readers. It consists of seven tales, each one accompanied by a poem. It is a coming of age fantasy that introduces a world full of adventure and danger. It includes legendary characters such as the man-cub Mowgli, the black panther Bagheera, the wise brown bear Baloo, the tiger Shere Khan as the villain, and the hypnotic python Kaa.

This is an immensely popular story that every child must-read.

27) Peter Pan

Specifications

Author: J.M. Barrie

Year of Publication: 27th Dec, 1904

Book Summary

Peter Pan, the boy who can fly and never grows up and Wendy Darling have captured the hearts of readers of all ages. In this amazing illustrated volume, the fantastical world of Neverland including its magical inhabitants, the Lost Boys, Captain Hook, Tiger Lily, and Tinker Bell, are brought to life making this storybook perfect for children.

This storybook is packed with colourful illustrations and includes a detailed map of Neverland and many interactive objects. This amazing book is sure to become a treasured classic for fans of all generations.

28) Winnie the Pooh

Specifications

Author: A.A Milne

Year of Publication: 14th Oct, 1926

Book Summary

The adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Christopher Robin and all their friends in the Hundred Acre Wood are brought to life in this beautiful edition containing E.H. Shepard’s original line illustrations.

This storybook is definitely heartwarming and funny. Moreover, it reflects the power of a child’s imagination like no other story before or since. It is a perfect child-friendly storybook. These stories are timeless children's classics.

29) The Hobbit

Specifications

Author: J.R.R Tolkien

Year of Publication: 21st Sept, 1937

Book Summary

Bilbo Baggins enjoys a peaceful life and has no desire to travel far from home. One day a wizard named Gandalf and a group of dwarves arrive and ask his help to go on a dangerous expedition to raid the treasure of Smaug the dragon. Bilbo’s life has changed forever. Bilbo Baggins has taken his place among the ranks of the immortals of fiction.

A widely read and loved timeless classic for readers of every generation.

30) The Adventures of Tom Sawyer

Specifications

Author: Mark Twain

Year of Publication: June, 1876

Book Summary

This story book by Mark Twain is about a young boy, Tom Sawyer, growing up along the Mississippi River. Tom Sawyer lives with his Aunt Polly and his half-brother Sid in a fictional town named St. Petersburg. The story revolves around Tom and the title of the book speaks for itself.

This Novel is a true classic by Mark Twain that belongs on every bookshelf!

We hope these recommendations and reviews by us were helpful to you with finding the best classic story books that your child will love to read.

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Must Read Classic Storybooks

Here is a list of the best and must read classic storybooks of all time and their reviews by Cherry Hill Tuition.

1) Pride and Prejudice

2) A Christmas Carol

3) To Kill a Mockingbird

4) Gulliver's Travels

5) Animal Farm

6) Fahrenheit 451

7) Jane Eyre

8) Little Women

9) I Capture the Castle

10) Moby Dick

11) Treasure Island

12) The Little Prince (Le Petit Prince)

13) The Harry Potter series

14) Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland

15) The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

16) The adventures of Pinocchio

17) Heidi

18) Anne of Green Gables

19) Black Beauty

20) Charlotte’s Web

21) The tale of Peter Rabbit

22) The very Hungry Caterpillar

23) The Wind in the Willows

24) Where the wild things are

25) Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

26) The Jungle Book

27) Peter Pan

28) Winnie the Pooh

29) The Hobbit

30) The Adventures of Tom Sawyer

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