All-Time Favorite Books That Every Child Should Read At Least Once

From eternal classics to recent runaway hits, books hold a special place in many people's lives. While it is humanly impossible to read every book published in every nook and corner of the world, some unmissables should find a place on your child's bookshelf. Eager to know which ones? Here we go:

PRESCHOOLERS

This American English classic, first published in 1947, features a cute rabbit wishing goodnight to all things around—mittens, kittens, clocks, socks, and the old lady whispering hush! This soothing story could become your child's go-to book before bedtime.

Activity: Take your preschooler for a short walk on the terrace after dinner and let them take in the beauty of the night sky.

This colorful book published in 1967, features a brown bear, a blue horse, a purple cat, and other quirky characters. Your child will be charmed by the many-colored animals! This is a great book to help your toddler learn colors.

Activity: Trace out a big bear, a mighty elephant, or any other animal of your child's choice. Let them color the animals red, green, and blue!

Written in 1969, this vibrant book tells the story of a tiny caterpillar with an enormous appetite. He devours apples, strawberries, lollipops and cheese. Yet, he is still hungry! This adorable tale that portrays the transformation of a tiny caterpillar into a beautiful butterfly is sure to keep your little one enthralled.

Activity: Go out looking for caterpillars, butterflies, moths, and pupae hanging on trees, plants, and roofs. Try to figure out which caterpillar has become which butterfly or moth.

PRIMARY

Now, who hasn't heard of this classic from the 1860s? This is the story of a young girl, Alice, who falls into a rabbit hole and encounters the weirdest characters. Your child will love the chaos and hogwash that engulfs this tale. From a caterpillar smoking a hookah, and a grinning Cheshire cat to the stupidest tea party, this story has it all. Don't let your child miss this delightful nonsense-filled story!

Activity: How about organizing a funny tea party at home? Come up with silly riddles, decorate the tea cups in outrageous colors, or concoct a weird dish and make it as bizarre as you can!

Enid Blyton's mystery series that features child detectives, the Famous Five, Find-Outers, and Secret Seven, will turn your child into an excited investigator overnight. Don't be surprised if your child tries to solve the mystery of the missing spoon at home! Enid Blyton's boarding school series is equally fun and can help your child understand the challenges of dorm life.

Activity: Ask your child to create a mystery story and write it down. Once the story is ready, sit down with them and discuss the loopholes, if any. Then, fix them and encourage them to get it published online.

First published in 1964, this chocolatey tale revolves around 11-year-old Charlie Bucket, who struggles with poverty. His life changes overnight when he is one of the five lucky children to win the golden ticket to Willy Wonka's legendary chocolate factory. Your child will relish the flowing chocolate rivers and melting chocolate fountains! What happens to Charlie after the tour, and what about the other children? Read and find out. This tale will teach your child important values that will remain for a very long time.

Activity: Try a yummy chocolate recipe with your child!

PRETEENS

First published in 1935, this story is about 10-year-old Swami and his turbulent friendships. Set in British India, this endearing tale is filled with scenes that your child will be able to relate to. For example, Swami fighting with his friends, sweating over cricket, and struggling with a simple math sum (R.K. Narayan is at his best here!). This humorous story will make your child laugh out loud and move them to tears too!

Activity: Play gully cricket as a family on the terrace and have a gala time. If window panes break, well, we are not responsible.

The ingenious seven-book fantasy series tracks the lives of the wizard-trio Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger, who study at Hogwarts. The central storyline is Harry's battle against Lord Voldemort, the ominous dark wizard. Why does Voldemort want Harry dead? How can Harry, a teenager, defeat the most powerful and evil wizard of all time? Enter the magical world and you won't regret it!

Activity: Try your own version of Butterbeer, the heavenly drink from the series! You could use cream soda, whipping cream, caramel, fudge sauce, butterscotch syrup, and anything else you want.

This is the story of a super-intelligent 5-year-old girl, Matilda. Her parents, particularly her father, do not recognize her intelligence and treat her with disdain. Matilda resorts to the most creative ways to seek revenge on her father, bleaching his hair and gluing his hat onto his head! Matilda's only solace is her teacher, Miss Honey, who understands Matilda and her powers. They form a perfect team and take on the cruel headmistress. Your child will enjoy Matilda's antics to help good win over evil.

Activity: Get your child to think about all the challenges they faced in the last one week and how they overcame them.

TEENS

Published in 1960, this book is considered a classic of modern American literature. It handles dark issues like rape and racial injustice, beautifully. The story is narrated by 6-year-old Scout, who lives with her elder brother Jem and their widowed father, Atticus, a renowned lawyer. Atticus is appointed to defend a black man accused of raping a white woman. Will Atticus succeed? Also, don't miss Boo Radley, a mysterious person who always remains hidden, but leaves small presents for the kids. This intriguing Pulitzer-winning book is a must.

Activity: Sit down for a discussion on justice, equality and respect for women, and the less privileged. Talk about the story too. What did you like about it?

This is one of the most-loved romantic story book! Published in 1813, it talks about the importance of marrying for love and not for money or social class. This story revolves around the witty Elizabeth Bennett and her four sisters. Their parents' only goal is to marry their girls well. How the girls cope and fare, forms the crux of the tale. Elizabeth finds the hero of the tale, Mr Darcy, discourteous and proud. Does Elizabeth change her mind about Darcy? What happens to Elizabeth's beautiful sister, Jane? And what about Lydia, the loud, impulsive sister, who runs away with a rogue? Your teen will love this story about infatuation, love, jealousy, and betrayal.

Activity: Let your child talk to you, their grandparents, uncles, and aunts about their marriage and romantic experiences. It will make for a memorable afternoon, and at the same time teach your child valuable lessons about love, respect and sacrifice.

This priceless diary contains the writings of 13-year-old Anne when she was in hiding from the Nazis for two years with her family, during the dreaded Holocaust. In the diary, Anne shares her innermost feelings about her fondness for her dad, her lackluster relationship with her mom, their daily struggles, fears, and her dreams. Anne called her diary Kitty and all her letters are addressed to Kitty. This heart-rending collection of letters is sure to inspire your teen and teach persistence and positivity.

Activity: Encourage your child to maintain a diary for a month and write about their everyday joys and struggles. They will most likely keep going!