Classic Books Written Over 100 Years Ago

I hope you are all well and enjoying your reading adventures. This month is going to be a lot of fun. I am excited to share with you our new book selections for this month, focusing on classic books written over 100 years ago. These classic books have enchanted generations of readers and continue to inspire young minds today.

For children ages 3-6, we have:
The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter – The Tale of Peter Rabbit was first published by Frederick Warne in 1902 and endures as Beatrix Potter’s most popular and well-loved tale. It tells the story of a very mischievous rabbit and the trouble he encounters in Mr. McGregor’s vegetable garden!

Conversation starters:
– What mischief does Peter Rabbit get into in Mr. McGregor’s garden?
– How does Mrs. Rabbit react when Peter returns home after visiting the garden?
– What lesson do you think Peter learns from his escapade?

A Child’s Garden of Verses by Robert Louis Stevenson – In this collection of sixty- six poems, first published in 1885, Stevenson recalls the joys of his childhood, from sailing boats down a river, to waiting for the lamplighter, to sailing off to foreign lands in his imagination. Tasha Tudor’s watercolor paintings evoke a simpler time in the past.

Conversation starters:
– Which poem is your favorite in the collection and why?
– Can you find any familiar nursery rhymes or images in the poems?
– How do Stevenson’s verses make you feel?

And for children ages 6-9, we recommend:
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll – Written in 1865 Alice in Wonderland is an 1865 novel by English author Lewis Carroll. It tells of a young girl named Alice, who falls through a rabbit hole into a subterranean fantasy world populated by peculiar, anthropomorphic creatures.

Conversation starters:
– What is your favorite quirky character in Wonderland and why?
– How does Alice’s perspective on size change throughout the story?
– How do you think the whimsical setting of Wonderland reflects the real world?

The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame – First published in 1908 – Whether the four friends, a toad, mole, badger, and rat, are setting forth on an exciting adventure, engaging in a comic caper, or simply relaxing by the River Thames, their stories are among the most charming in all of English literature

Conversation starters:
– Which character do you relate to most in the story and why?
– How does Toad’s reckless behavior affect his friendships?
– What lessons about loyalty and friendship can be learned from the adventures of Rat, Mole, Toad, and Badger?

I hope you enjoy these classic books as much as I have, I’m sure they are going to make for a great Family Book Club meeting. Happy reading!

Warm regards,
P. Stork