Are you looking for some timeless books to read with your child? Here are some classic children's story books for children ages 5 to 7.
-- "Where the Wild Things Are" by Maurice Sendak. The vivid illustrations and enchanting story about the wild adventures of a boy named Max will have your child spellbound over and over again. A 1964 Caldecott Medal winner, this is also a great book to add to your child's personal collection.
--"The Rainbow Fish" by Marcus Pfister. This beautifully written story, about the most beautiful fish in the sea, will teach your child about love, friendship and happiness. Your child will love the sparkly illustrations as well.
-- "Curious George" (series) by H.A. Rey. The "Curious George" books have been around for decades, so your child will probably instantly recognize this mischievous monkey. Be sure to check out the original "Curious George" (first published in 1941) as well as "Curious George Takes a Job" and "Curious George Gets a Medal".
-- "If You Give a Pig a Pancake" by Laura Numeroff. This clever book will take your child on a journey that starts innocently enough-- with a pig eating a pancake. If your child likes this story, he or she will also enjoy Numeroff's "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie".
-- "The Giving Tree" by Shel Silverstein. Beautifully written and adorned with simple illustrations, this book is not just for children. Read it and it will teach you and your child about the true meaning of happiness.
-- "Harold and the Purple Crayon" by Crockett Johnson. You will remember this classic as soon as you see it. Your child will love joining a boy named Harold as he creates his own adventures with his big purple crayon.
-- "Eloise" by Kay Thompson. Your child will get a kick out of this tale about an impish little girl who lives a privileged life in New York's Plaza Hotel. This series of books also includes "Eloise in Paris", "Eloise Takes a Bawth" and "Eloise at Christmastime". You and your child will also love Hilary Knight's detailed pen and ink illustrations.
-- "Madeline" by Ludwig Bemelmans. This is another wildly popular book series about a little girl, but this girl lives at a boarding school with her friends and caretaker Miss Clavel. Your child will enjoy reciting the rhyming verses from this story. Other books in this series include "Madeline's Rescue", "Madeline and the Bad Hat" and "Madeline in London"
-- "The Mitten: A Ukrainian Folktale" by Jan Brett. Jan Brett's books fall under the "instant classics" category-- that is, they have a timeless feel and old world charm that instantly has made them favorites for millions of children all over the world. You and your child will get lost in Brett's glorious illustrations. "The Mitten", a charming tale of a little boy and his lost mitten, will keep your child mesmerized. Also look for other Brett titles including "Gingerbread Baby", "The Hat" and "The Wild Christmas Reindeer".
"Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good Very Bad Day" by Judith Voirst. Poor Alexander! Everything goes wrong for him in this humorous tale. Think of it as an ode to bad days-- kid style. This great book will undoubtedly become one of your child's favorites.
"Lyle, Lyle Crocodile" by Bernard Waber. Lyle has a happy life living in a New York apartment with his family, The Primms, until, after a series of mishaps, he ends up with some new living quarters-- the Central Park Zoo! Your child will cheer Lyle on has he tries to get out of this mess!
"Harry the Dirty Dog" by Gene Zion. Who wouldn't love this mischievous little dog named Harry? But one day he gets so dirty that even his own family doesn't recognize him. Margaret Bly Graham's illustrations add charm to this beloved book. Also be sure to look for other "Harry" books including "Harry by the Sea" and "No Roses for Harry".
Finally, try to take the time to seek out these classic books to read with your child. You will enjoy revisiting old favorites, while passing them down to the next generation.
