Now! Now! Now! Hurry! Hurry! Hurry! I want it YESTERDAY! With today’s frenzied focus and digital distractions, it’s easy to overlook the value of reading slower-paced classic literature. However, many of these timeless stories still have the power to impact the hearts and minds of our children. And for Christian parents, these books offer opportunities to foster good moral values, deepen faith, prompt important discussions, and build a love for reading!
Why Classics Still Matter
If you think about it, classic stories often focus on the themes of honesty, integrity, love, and perseverance—and these are values that never go out of style. And even if the books are not overtly Christian in nature, many of them still provide great material for learning about faith, character, right versus wrong, and deeper discussions about life in general. Moreover, many parents and grandparents read these classics as children, which creates opportunities for shared experiences for a cross-generational connection.
Older books usually have wonderful vocabulary and a literary quality that can help nurture strong reading skills and comprehension. Many of today’s published books are lacking in this area, and quite a lot of school systems choose to use contemporary titles and themes rather than classic literature in the classroom. And although ‘modern’ stories can be fun to read, classics are usually rooted in universal truths about growing up, facing challenges, and finding hope. Therefore, parents (and grandparents) can play a crucial role in reintroducing rich, morally grounded stories that have stood the test of time.
Some Recommended Classics by Age Group
Ages 4-8:
-Winnie-the-Pooh (A.A. Milne) These tales are gentle and heartwarming stories about friendship and loyalty.
-The Velveteen Rabbit (Margery Williams) This is an allegory of love and transformation—great for talking about the soul.
-Frog and Toad (Arnold Lobel) These are stories about friendship, patience, and personal growth.
-The Tale of Peter Rabbit and Other Tales (Beatrix Potter) It’s true that Potter wrote her stories from a place of wonder and love of nature, but many of the tales also teach moral lessons—especially that actions have consequences. The vocabulary is rich and varied, and the illustrations are timeless.
Ages 8–12:
-Little House on the Prairie Series (Laura Ingalls Wilder) These books celebrate family, faith, and the pioneer spirit in the American West.
-Heidi (Johanna Spyri) This is a story of joy, faith, and healing in the Swiss Alps.
-Anne of Green Gables (L.M. Montgomery) This is a personal favorite of mine. I love Anne’s lively imagination, but Montgomery also included a subtle Christian worldview in her stories.
-Little Women (Louisa May Alcott) In this book, the March sisters model courage, sacrifice, and faith in times of struggle.
-The Secret Garden (Frances Hodgson Burnett) This book has themes of renewal, both physical and spiritual. There are also deep moral lessons to be explored. This Burnett classic is another favorite of mine, along with another of her books, A Little Princess.
Ages 12+
-The Chronicles of Narnia (C.S. Lewis) The stories are classic allegories that blend Christian themes with adventure and fantasy. The spiritual life and journey of C.S. Lewis is also worth exploring.
-The Hobbit / The Lord of the Rings (J.R.R. Tolkien) These are epic tales of good versus evil, courage, friendship, and faith.
-The Scarlet Pimpernel (Baroness Orczy) This is an absolutely thrilling story of courage, loyalty, and selflessness in revolutionary France. It takes a little while to get involved in the book, but then it’s hard to put down!
Tips for Reading Classics with Modern Kids
Because many older classics, have unfamiliar vocabulary words, it might be a good idea to read aloud with younger children to help navigate the language. Also, engage in meaningful conversations about the values or situations presented.
With older readers, it’s good to encourage deep discussions about the themes of faith, personal growth, and choices.
With readers of all ages, use these books to build family connections through shared experiences, especially with multi-generational favorites.
In Closing…
Classic books are more than just old—they’re rich in moral lessons, spiritual themes, and beautiful language. So, this summer, why not invite your child (or grandchild) to explore stories that have stood the test of time, shaping hearts and minds for generations, and guiding them toward wisdom, courage, and faith? In a world of ever-changing trends, these timeless stories remain a constant.
Blessings,
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