CHILDREN’S CLASSICS

Children's classics are the best way to make the children aware of the values of life and their timeless quality leaves a long-lasting impact on the young minds. It is difficult to ignore the charm of Meg, Amy and Jo of Little Women in the growing years. There is not a single soul who would not feel sad because of the misfortunes of David Copperfield and Oliver Twist. It is the brilliant depiction of characters that engross us and one can readily identify with the characters. The days of childhood would not have been the same without the adventures of Robinson Crusoe, or Gulliver or the little boy of Treasure Island.

An old saying goes like this “ good books and good friends make up a great life” and it goes without saying that the classics have a timeless quality about them which keeps on having the same effect on the children all through their life. These books are voyages of discovery which takes us to a different world. The plots and settings may be very different from each other, but the characters are the ones who impress us most. Even Black Beauty has its appeal to the young minds. The themes of Alice in Wonderland or the Wind in the Willows are something to be cherished all through our life.

The writings of authors like Charles Dickens, Mark Twain or R.L. Stevenson show us the society as it was through a child's eye. Much of the history of that society is known through the life of the characters. Oliver Twist would not be the same without the settings of the warehouse. Huckleberry Finn makes the children aware of the discrimination and the slavery system that was prevalent during that time. What makes all these stories different is the transition of the characters into adulthood. The fighting spirit that remains undaunted even when they are swept by misfortunes is a quality that is liked by all.

Some of the important characteristics that are found in the classics are that the stories have children as their protagonists and contain lovely illustrations to grasp the attention of the young people. The dialogues and events are suited to meet the demands of the young minds. It is very important to end the story in a happy manner and teach the children about societal and behavioral issues before the happy ending. Adventure is also a popular theme among the children's classics. It is necessary that the good triumphs over the evil in the end.

Some of the evergreen classics for children are:

David Copperfield by Charles Dickens

Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll

The Wizard of Oz by Frank Baum

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain

Gulliver's Travels by Jonathan Swift

Johnny and Billy Bushytail by Howard Roger Garis

The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame

Rip Van Winkle by Washington Irving

Treasure Island by R.L. Stevenson

The Motor Boys by Charles Young

Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe

The classics are an integral part of the growing years, it is difficult to ignore the appeal of these timeless creations.