When you open a book you want to be intrigued—enthusiastic even—with what you're about to read, whether it's a classic children's book or a newly published pre-teen book. But it seems that the only thing many kids have been enthusiastic about these days is the release date of the next iPhone. Maybe I was just a weird kid, but I remember getting excited to read with my mom in elementary school. I even remember rushing to the school book fair to get the best book first. Do you remember those books?



The Ugly Duckling, The Rainbow Fish, Goodnight Moon and more on the next page...

Let’s start with the classic children's books. “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle has never gone out of style. With its vibrant colors and cool design, this book is one of the very few that are actually still being read in schools.

Moving on to classic children's books of the 80’s. We'll have to start with the Judy Blume books, of course. These were some of the best books in the 80’s, read by every cool kid on the block.

Now for all the 90’s babies. If your kids are thrilled by playing action-packed video games, try a book that comes with a lesson, too! Check out “The Adventures of Captain Underpants” written by Dav Pilkey. It’s filled with goofy, crime-fighting adventures, and tackles daily issues kids face at school and home.

Let’s start with the classic children's books. “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle has never gone out of style. With its vibrant colors and cool design, this book is one of the very few that are actually still being read in schools.

Let's not forget about “The Ugly Duckling” by Hans Christian Anderson. I’m sure you remember that one. It was probably read to you by your parents, and to your parents by theirs.

“The Rainbow Fish” by Marcus Pfister was a personal favorite of mine. I couldn't put that book down when I was in grade school. It never got old (and it still hasn't)!

“Goodnight Moon”, the “Frog and Toad” series, “Where The Wild Things Are”, Dr. Seuss's vast catalog, the “Curious George” series, the “Arthur” books, and “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom” are all books that made school fun back in the “old days”. Has it really been that long since we stopped reading these books or has the technological revolution warped my perception of time?

These primers are called classic children's books for a reason. They are remembered through generations of children's memories. Have your children forgotten about them?

Continued on page 3 The Baby Sitters Club, Amelia Bedelia and more...

 

Moving on to classic children's books of the 80’s. We'll have to start with the Judy Blume books, of course. These were some of the best books in the 80’s, read by every cool kid on the block.

She introduced complicated topics like puberty and racism to many of us, and for others she helped us cope with issues we were already facing. I often wonder if iPad apps and texting is really helping them learn or broaden their worldview.

Reading the “Amelia Bedelia” books by Peggy Parish and The Berenstain Bears books by Stan and Jan Berenstain are what taught us about manners and life situations. It made kids think about what we do in our daily lives. Let's not forget about the “The Babysitters Club,” either. How cool were those girls! It was “the” book to read in the 80’s. They helped us learn about responsibilities and how to deal with stressful interpersonal situations, all while expanding our vocabulary.

Junie B. Johns and The Little Critters are just the beginning of the 90's...

Now for all the 90’s babies. If your kids are thrilled by playing action-packed video games, try a book that comes with a lesson, too! Check out “The Adventures of Captain Underpants” written by Dav Pilkey. It’s filled with goofy, crime-fighting adventures, and tackles daily issues kids face at school and home.

You many be wondering, what if my kid loves picture books? That’s okay, too! Check out “The Little Critters” stories. There are tons of pictures that still teach kids about daily problems and emotions. Is your kid afraid of going to school? Is she having trouble staying awake in class? Playing Candy Crush probably won't help with solving those problems? “The Black Lagoon” series is the best advice kids can get from a book. This little boy goes on wild adventures in his school when he suspects the teacher of being a monster. I think many kids will be able to relate to that!

Barbara Park’s “Junie B. Jones” book series helped me all throughout grade school. With their easy flow of reading, crazy situations to help keep your attention and the great description to let you really envision the story it was hard to put down.

More books that have the same qualities include, “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day” by Judith Viorst, Roald Dahl's extensive library, and “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?” by Bill Martin.

Many of these classic children's books have websites with cool interactive games and apps to continue engaging children after they've read the story. Kids need to see that just because technology is advancing, it doesn't mean education has to be stagnant or boring. Download books on your iPad. Read on your phone.

Kids should still be reading these children's books because they'll be truly missing out if they don't. Books are more than just a way to pass the time. They're lessons, entertainment, and tradition.