Best Classics Books for 5 Year Olds

Here are the top 30 classics books for 5 year olds. Please click Read Review to read book reviews on Amazon. You can also click Find in Library to check book availability at your local library. If the default library is not correct, please follow Change Library to reset it.

1. Oh, the Places You’ll Go! Deluxe Edition (Classic Seuss)

by: Dr. SeussDr. Seuss
Release date: Apr 19, 1993
Number of Pages: 56
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This cloth-bound, slip-cased deluxe edition is the perfect elegant gift for high school, or college grads! With Dr. Seuss’s trademark use of humorous verse and illustrations, he addresses the ups and downs life presents while encouraging readers to find the success that lies within them all.

Perfect for display and destined to become a family keepsake, it features a full-color cover insert on the cloth slip-case; a full-color printed book case; a bookplate for personalizing; and the Good Doctor’s famous commencement speech “My Uncle Terwilliger on the Art of Eating Popovers” ( a.k.a. the “Popover” Poem) printed inside.

“Don’t be fooled by the title of this seriocomic ode to success; it’s not ‘Climb Every Mountain,’ kid version. All journeys face perils, whether from indecision, from loneliness, or worst of all, from too much waiting. Seuss’ familiar pajama-clad hero is up to the challenge, and his odyssey is captured vividly in busy two-page spreads evoking both the good times (grinning purple elephants, floating golden castles) and the bad (deep blue wells of confusion). Seuss’ message is simple but never sappy: life may be a ‘Great Balancing Act,’ but through it all ‘There’s fun to be done.'”—(starred) Booklist.

tags:

Children’s Books > Literature & Fiction > Poetry > Dr. Seuss

2. Wolf Story (New York Review Collections (Hardcover))

by: William McCleeryWarren Chappell
Release date: Sep 11, 2012
Number of Pages: 88
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This irresistible book is about: a father; his five-year-old son, Michael (intelligent, crafty, addicted to stories); Michael’s best friend Stefan (stalwart listener, equally addicted to stories); and, well—what else?—a story. 

Oh, and a wolf. It is as Michael always demands: a Wolf Story, which begins one night at bedtime and spins wildly on through subsequent bedtimes and Sunday outings to the beach and park in a succession of ever more trickily tantalizing episodes. Waldo the wolf is sneaking up on Rainbow the hen, when Jimmy Tractorwheel, the son of the local farmer, comes along. After that, there’s no knowing what will happen next, as while stalled in traffic jams or nodding off at night, the boys chime in and the story races on and Waldo finds, if not necessarily dinner, his just desserts.

First published in 1947 and wonderfully illustrated by Warren Chappell, William McCleery’s Wolf Story is a delicious treat for fathers and sons and daughters and mothers alike.

tags:

Children’s Books > Animals > Birds

3. How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Book and Grinch (Classic Seuss)

by: Dr. Seuss
Release date: Sep 22, 2015
Number of Pages: 64
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A Grinch book and plush package perfect for holiday gift-giving!
 
Is there any better holiday gift than a copy of Dr. Seuss’s beloved classic How the Grinch Stole Christmas? Yes! A copy of the book packaged in a sturdy gift box with a 14-inch tall, exclusively-available soft plush Grinch! Now children of all ages can read the story while they cuddle with the iconic character whose heart grows three sizes when he learns the true meaning of Christmas. Also included exclusively in this package is a 32-page paperback “Good Deed Journal.” Filled with simple activities and room for children to write and draw, it’s the perfect way to encourage children to grow their own hearts by helping others.
tags:

Children’s Books > Literature & Fiction > Poetry > Dr. Seuss

4. Anatole

by: Eve Titus
Release date: Nov 14, 2006
Number of Pages: 40
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Anatole is a most honorable mouse. When he realizes that humans are upset by mice sampling their leftovers, he is shocked! He must provide for his beloved family–but he is determined to find a way to earn his supper. And so he heads for the tasting room at the Duvall Cheese Factory. On each cheese, he leaves a small note–“good,” “not so good,” “needs orange peel”–and signs his name. When workers at the Duvall factory find his notes in the morning, they are perplexed–but they realize that this mysterious Anatole has an exceptional palate and take his advice. Soon Duvall is making the best cheese in all of Paris! They would like to give Anatole a reward–if only they could find him…
tags:

Children’s Books > Animals > Mice, Hamsters, Guinea Pigs & Squirrels

5. 12 Matchsticks

by: A.C. Kret
Release date: Dec 04, 2015
Number of Pages: 164
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12 Matchsticks
12 Days 

12 Prayers

A poor young boy gets an unusual gift at a school Christmas party that will change lives forever.

tags:

Children’s Books > Literature & Fiction > Religious Fiction > Christian

6. Adivina cuanto te quiero (pop up) (Spanish Edition)

by: Sam McBratneyAnita Jeram
Release date: Jul 01, 2011
Number of Pages: 16
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Sometimes, when we love someone so much, we can’t seem to find a way to capture our feelings and put them into words. As history shows us, this wonderful love isn’t always easy to measure.
tags:

Children’s Books > Animals > Rabbits

7. The Mountain Queen: A Journey to the Great King

by: Susan Moss JenkinsSusan Moss Jenkins
Release date: Jul 08, 2015
Number of Pages: 17
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The Mountain Queen is a beautiful and promising journey of a young girl who imagines herself as queen of the mountain. As she pursues a timeless love affair with her mountain King, the reader is drawn into the story and soon realizes that this is not just a story of a girl, but an allegory representing all sojourners of this earth. Illustrated by the author, the rich and colorful paintings enhance the journey and will engage the reader to walk in the same shoes as the girl. What may seem a children’s story at first, The Mountain Queen is actually a story that speaks to all ages and calls for weary travelers to pursue the King of the Mountain in their own lives. The story will captivate the reader with it’s amazing promise of hope and love eternal. This book is sure to be an heirloom treasure.
tags:

Christian Books & Bibles > Literature & Fiction > Classics & Allegories

8. The Wheels on the Tuk Tuk

by: Kabir SehgalSurishtha SehgalJess Golden
Release date: Jan 12, 2016
Number of Pages: 40
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From the mother-son duo behind the New York Times bestselling A Bucket of Blessings comes a zany picture book about a wild ride on a tuk tuk taxi in India!

This picture book brings an international twist to the beloved nursery rhyme, The Wheels on the Bus, by bringing you aboard a busy three-wheeled taxi in India! Anything can happen as the tuk tuk rolls through town—from an elephant encounter to a tasty treat to a grand fireworks display. And in the midst of all the action, one thing’s for sure: passengers young and old love every minute of their exciting ride as the wheels of the tuk tuk go round and round!

tags:

Children’s Books > Literature & Fiction > Poetry > Nursery Rhymes

9. Gobbolino the Witch’s Cat (Kingfisher Classics)

by: Ursula Moray WilliamsPaul HowardJoan Aiken
Release date: Jul 18, 2005
Number of Pages: 224
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Why was I ever born a witch’s kitten? Why – oh, why?” With his bright blue eyes and sparky magic whiskers, no one could mistake Gobbolino for a kitchen cat, but that’s just what he longs to be. So, while his sister Sootica learns how to ride a broomstick and turn mice into toads, Gobbolino sets off to find a nice warm fire and a family to care for him. He has many adventures along the way and makes many friends, until he finally finds the home he dreams of. First published in 1942, Gobbolino the Witch’s Cat continues to delight children – a true modern classic.
tags:

Children’s Books > Classics

10. Goldie and the Three Bears

by: Diane StanleyDiane Stanley
Release date: Aug 14, 2003
Number of Pages: 40
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In this spirited new version of “Goldilocks,” we meet a determined heroine with a mind of her own. Goldie knows exactly what she likes — and what she doesn’t. Can she help it if everyone she invites over is too bossy or too boring or too snobby or too rough? What she desperately wants is a friend who is just right — someone she can love with all her heart. Then one day, Goldie gets off the bus at the wrong stop, walks to a nearby cottage to find help, and opens the door. . .

Diane Stanley, author and illustrator of Rumpelstiltskin’s Daughter, once againtakes an old tale and gives it a fresh spin that is funny as well as perceptive. Readers will love accompanying Goldie on her up-to-date adventure and discovering the clever, heartwarming surprise at its end.

tags:

Children’s Books > Literature & Fiction

11. Frog and Fly

by: Jeff Mack
Release date: Mar 15, 2012
Number of Pages: 40
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Six slurpy stories, two comical combatants, and one laugh-out-loud picture book

Frog and Fly are constant companions. There is only one problem . . . Frog thinks Fly is delicious! This leads to a never-ending battle of wits with laugh-out- loud consequences. Told in six short comic stripstyle chapters, Frog and Fly will delight kids and leave them begging for yet another slurpy story.

tags:

Children’s Books > Animals > Bugs & Spiders

12. Sniffles (Serendipity Series)

by: Stephen CosgroveRobin James
Release date: Oct 01, 2013
Number of Pages: 32
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Volume #1 of the Serendipity Series

A delightful tale of a young ostrich who exaggerates her adventures to a point of total disbelief. Lessons are learned when a wild adventure comes true and no one believes her.

tags:

Children’s Books > Literature & Fiction > Religious Fiction > Christian

13. The Blue Book of Fairy Tales (Big Golden Book)

by: Golden Books
Release date: Sep 10, 2013
Number of Pages: 32
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Three favorite fairy tales—Rapunzel, Beauty and the Beast, and Toads and Diamonds—are brought beautifully to life in this classic Little Golden Book from 1959, with breathtaking illustrations by the inimitable Gordon Laite.
tags:

Children’s Books > Fairy Tales, Folk Tales & Myths > Anthologies

14. Cinderella

by: Amy EhrlichSusan Jeffers
Release date: Sep 23, 2004
Number of Pages: 32
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Cinderella’s transformation from poor girl to princess never fails to captivate young ones, and this stellar retelling, exquisitely illustrated by Susan Jeffers, is a must for every library. When the original version of this book was published in 1985, Publishers Weekly called it “a treasure for all ages,” and The New York Times declared, “Fairy-tale aficionados will be mesmerized.” For this hardcover reissue, Susan Jeffers retouched her pen-and- ink and dye illustrations, making them even richer. Her brilliant artwork is showcased in a new interior design featuring a fifth-color gold border. Embossed gold foil type on the jacket of this large-format picture book trumpets the arrival of the girl who went from rags to riches.
tags:

Children’s Books > Classics

15. Young Masters: Heart Of A Lion (Young Masters Little Wisdom Series)

by: Bunny HullWendy WerrisKye Fleming
Release date: Oct 04, 2010
Number of Pages: 28
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How do children learn to live good lives? By learning to use the gifts with which they are born….In this sequel to the Parents Choice Award winning Little Wisdom Series Butaan, Phylos and EEtha travel over the sky and under the moon to learn about the powerful gifts born to the people of Earth – the secrets of the heart. Its the natural curiosity of these three Young Masters that lead our young readers to learn all about courage. What makes someone brave? Where does courage come from? This book includes a CD with an audio verion of the story narrated by actress Elayn J. Taylor, who reads as Saphinne one of the wisest sages in Earth’s magic garden. Also included are eight tracks of music by Grammy Award Winner Bunny Hull and Friends, along with bonus multimedia files for use on win/mac computers and mobile devices.and bonus multimedia files for use on win/mac computers and mobile devices. Perfect for classroom or home use! Little Wisdom books promote early literacy, self-development, social awareness and celebrate a world of possibility.
tags:

Children’s Books > Growing Up & Facts of Life > Family Life > Values

16. Cinderella (Golden Kite Honors)

by: Barbara McClintockBarbara McClintock
Release date: Oct 01, 2005
Number of Pages: 32
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Poor Cinderella, who is relegated to a dingy garret room by her duplicitous stepmother and beleaguered by her nasty stepsisters, never gives in to hostility or revenge. Instead, this sweet heroine remains steadfast in her kind, gentle ways, and her generosity flows like a mountain stream. This tale of virtue rewarded is as charming and rich as any prince. McClintock’s warm, humorous, and lucious artwork that reflects the story’s French roots, coupled with her disarming text will insure that this book will be loved and cherished — happily ever after.
tags:

Children’s Books > Classics

17. The Real Mother Goose Coloring Book (Dover Classic Stories Coloring Book)

by: Stephen Vance GacheColoring BooksBlanche Fisher Wright
Release date: Jul 22, 2009
Number of Pages: 32
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Mother knows best, and when it comes to nursery rhymes, nobody knows better than Mother Goose! This is the only coloring book based on the classic illustrations of The Real Mother Goose by Blanche Fisher Wright. The 30 easy-to-color images include such favorite characters as Georgy Porgy, Three Blind Mice, Lucy Locket, Humpty Dumpty, and the Queen of Hearts. Each of the pictures is accompanied by its traditional rhyme.  
tags:

Children’s Books > Literature & Fiction > Poetry > Nursery Rhymes

18. Must Be Santa (Big Little Golden Book)

by: Tim MoorePete Whitehead
Release date: Sep 13, 2011
Number of Pages: 32
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Who’s got a beard that’s long and white?
Santa’s got a beard that’s long and white!
Who comes around on a special night?
Santa comes around on a special night!
Special night, beard that’s white!
Must be Santa! Must be Santa!
Must be Santa! Santa Claus!

The classic Christmas song Must Be Santa has been covered by music giants Bob Dylan and Raffi. Now, for the very first time, the fun and festive lyrics have been paired with adorable illustrations in this Big Little Golden Book hardcover edition. It makes the perfect gift!

tags:

Children’s Books > Classics

19. Why?

by: Nikolai Popov
Release date: Aug 01, 1998
Number of Pages: 48
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A frog sits peacefully in a meadow. Suddenly, for no apparent reason, he is attacked by an umbrella-wielding mouse in a confrontation that quickly turns into a full-scale war. “”A strong anti-war message and lithe, incandescent artwork propel this affecting wordless picture book””.–“”Publishers Weekly””.
tags:

Children’s Books > Animals > Frogs & Toads

20. The Family Pilgrim’s Progress

by: Jean Watson
Release date: Jan 20, 2014
Number of Pages: 128
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Once upon a time, there was a man called Christian who lived in the City of Destruction with his wife and four children. One day he found a book that sent him on a dangerous adventure to save his life… Bunyan’s beloved tale is a parable of the Christian life and has been a treasured resource for centuries. Jean Watson’s modern-day translation opens his classic for this generation. Edition includes special features that explain the meaning of the various adventures and illuminate Bunyan’s world and thought.

tags:

Christian Books & Bibles > Christian Living

21. Clifford: La colección: (Spanish language edition of Clifford Collection) (Spanish Edition)

by: Norman Bridwell
Release date: Sep 01, 2012
Number of Pages: 192
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Celebrate Clifford’s 50th anniversary with this collection of classic stories! This book also includes a letter from Norman Bridwell as well as information about Clifford’s creation.

Celebrate Clifford’s 50th anniversary with this collection of six classic stories that were originally published beginning in 1963!
This book includes: Clifford the Big Red Dog, Clifford at the Circus, Clifford Gets a Job, Clifford Takes a Trip, Clifford’s Good Deeds, and Clifford’s Tricks.
Also included in the book is an original letter from Norman Bridwell to the reader, information about the creation of Clifford–including an image of Norman’s 1962 painting that inspired the Clifford series, the story behind the real Emily Elizabeth, and more!

¡Celebra el 50 aniversario de Clifford con esta colección de seis cuentos clásicos publicados a partir de 1963!
El libro contiene: Clifford el gran perro colorado, Clifford en el circo, Clifford trabaja, Clifford va de viaje, Clifford ayuda a los demás y Clifford hace trucos.
En la colección irá también una carta original de Norman Bridwell para los lectores, información acerca de la verdadera Emily Elizabeth y mucho más.

tags:

Children’s Books > Animals > Dogs

22. The Wonderful House (A Golden Classic)

by: Margaret Wise BrownJ.P. Miller
Release date: Apr 08, 2003
Number of Pages: 48
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There are so many wonderful houses! There are bird houses and barns, beehives and bunny holes, circus tents and snail shells, tree tops and tortoise shells. But who lives in the most wonderful house of all? Celebrated author Margaret Wise Brown and illustrator J. P. Miller lead us on a colorful journey through land, sea, and air to find out who lives in each house.

From the Hardcover edition.

tags:

Children’s Books > Animals

23. Hansel and Gretel

by: Brothers GrimmSybille Schenker
Release date: Dec 01, 2013
Number of Pages: 52
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This tale of children in peril has timeless appeal, and the breathtaking illustrations will find a discriminating audience

 

This stunning edition of the classic fairy tale makes brilliant use of translucent paper and silhoutte-like illustrations to enliven every page. “Once upon a time, there lived a poor woodcutter with his wife and two children, Hansel and Gretel . . .” and so begins the thrilling story of two children relying on their wits to survive in a hostile world. Sybille Schenker’s evocative and exquisite illustrations bring a unique beauty and graphic excellence to a timeless favorite.

tags:

Children’s Books > Classics

24. Young Puffin Read Alouds the Adventures of Milly Molly Mandy

by: Brisley Joyce Lankester
Release date: Jul 27, 2010
Number of Pages: 480
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Milly-Molly-Mandy lives in a tiny village in the heart of the countryside. She is always busy doing things, and whether she is earning money to give a party, minding the village shop, having a picnic or going sledging, you’re sure to have fun when Milly-Molly-Mandy’s around! Here all the Milly-Molly-Mandy stories, Further Doings of Milly-Molly-Mandy,Milly-Molly-Mandy Again, Milly-Molly-Mandy Stories and More of Milly-Molly-Mandy brought together in a special gift collection.
tags:

Children’s Books > Classics

25. The Paper Dragon (A Raggedy Ann Adventure)

by: Johnny GruelleJohnny Gruelle
Release date: Mar 01, 2003
Number of Pages: 96
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When Raggedy Ann and Raggedy Andy go for a walk in the woods, they have no idea that they’re about to have a wonderful adventure! It all starts when the Raggedys decide to help a little girl named Marggy find her lost Daddy. With the help of Raggedy Ann’s magical wishing pebble and Raggedy Andy’s magical wishing stick, they set off with Marggy and her Mama to look for him. Along the way they make lots of new friends, including a playful Paper Dragon. But the naughty Mr. Doodle is never far behind — first he wants Marggy to chop wood for him, and then he wants the Dragon all for himself! Will the Raggedys ever teach him to mend his ways?

Delight in the whimsical world of Raggedy Ann and Andy as they travel through the woods, spreading happiness and good cheer all along the way. The Paper Dragon: A Raggedy Ann Adventure is one of the most beloved Raggedy Ann storybooks. First published in 1926, it has now been restored to its original condition with spectacular full-color artwork. Readers will want to follow this tale to the end again and again.

tags:

Children’s Books > Literature & Fiction

26. Very Hungry Caterpillar (Japanese Edition)

by: Eric Carle
Release date: Sep 01, 1997
Number of Pages: 24
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Japanese edition of A Very Hungry Caterpillar, who bites into everything including the pages of this book! A colorful, fun book complete with holes! In Japanese. Distributed by Tsai Fong Books, Inc.
tags:

Children’s Books > Classics

27. Abelard and Heloise

by: Wendy WaiteDana Stratton
Release date: Aug 01, 2008
Number of Pages: 32
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“Josephine Jones had seven cats/ Who wore fine collars and silk cravats./ And all of the cats were Siamese/ But Abelard and Heloise.” Thus begins the children’s book Abelard and Heloise, a story about two scruffy animal shelter rescuees that become rescuers on a cold Christmas eve. Written as a children’s poem by author Wendy Waite, Abelard and Heloise was originally published in Wendy Waite Collected Works in 2006. Subsequently, it was lovingly illustrated with original watercolors by Dana Stratton and made into a book for children six years and older. The story line involves the cats Abelard and Heloise that were rescued from the shelter by Josephine Jones, but have to take a “back seat” to her five Siamese cats. Abelard and Heloise live in the basement and make do with a laundry basket for a bed while the Siamese cats live comfortably upstairs in the main house. On Christmas eve, the newest Siamese kitten, Siru, slips out of the house while no one is watching and gets stuck in snow. Only the two basement cats can hear her cries. Abelard and Heloise slip out of the basement and rescue Siru, staying with the kitten all night. The next morning, to the delight of the Josephine Jones household, Siru is fine and Abelard and Heloise become part of the “upstairs cats.” This book was written and illustrated to create a children’s book with a “traditional” feel to it. The verse is in rhyming couplets that are fun for children to read out loud.
tags:

Children’s Books > Animals

28. Ant and Bee and the Rainbow

by: Angela Banner
Release date: Jan 23, 2014
Number of Pages: 96
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‘These were the books that taught me how to read’ Anthony Horowitz.

The much-loved classic series of Ant and Bee books is designed for shared reading fun!

First published in 1950, Ant and Bee were in print for over 40 years. These new editions feature revised text and illustrations by original Ant and Bee creator Angela Banner. The adorably small format is perfect for little hands. 

Join the lively duo as they create their very own rainbow in this basic introduction to the concept of colour. Ant and Bee discover all the colours in the rainbow and more.

Ant and Bee teach children to read via word recognition and encourage story sharing with siblings and parents. Grown-ups read the black words, but the shorter, simpler red words are for young children to call out. These books are for sharing, building confidence and most of all enjoying! Perfect for young children aged 3 and up. Parents and grandparents who grew up with Ant and Bee will love sharing this nostalgic experience from the same era as Ladybird Read it Yourself.

Have you collected all of Ant and Bee’s learning adventures?

Ant and Bee

More Ant and Bee

More and More Ant and Bee

Ant and Bee Count 123

Ant and Bee and the Secret

Around the World with Ant and Bee

Happy Birthday with Ant and Bee

Ant and Bee and the Rainbow

Ant and Bee and the ABC

Ant and Bee Time

Ant and Bee and the Kind Dog

Ant and Bee and the Doctor

Ant and Bee Go Shopping

Left and Right with Ant and Bee

Make a Million with Ant and Bee

Angela Banner was born in 1923. She first wrote Ant and Bee as a way to teach her son how to read. The first book in the series was published in 1950. Since then, Angela has written 22 Ant and Bee books.

 

tags:

Children’s Books > Animals > Bugs & Spiders

29. Little Women: A BabyLit® Playtime Primer

by: Jennifer AdamsAlison Oliver
Release date: Sep 06, 2016
Number of Pages: 22
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Be drawn back to a time before apps and television, when playtime was full of possibilities. In Little Women: A Babylit® Playtime Primer, Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy show your little one all kinds of ways to have fun, including singing, gardening, sewing, skating, and of course, reading!

BabyLit® is a fashionable way to introduce your toddler to the world of classic literature, and little ones will love Little Women: A BabyLit® Playtime Primer. With clever, simple text by Jennifer Adams, paired with stylish design and illustrations by Sugar’s Alison Oliver, these books are a must for every savvy parent’s nursery library. Collect all twenty-four classic literature-inspired BabyLit primers!

JENNIFER ADAMS is the author of more than 30 books, including board books in the best-selling BabyLit series which introduce young children to the world of classic literature. Jennifer works as a writer and editor in Salt Lake City, Utah. Visit her website at jennifer-adams.com.

Allison Oliver runs Sugar design studio. Alison’s design portfolio includes everything from logos to packaging and product design for clients such as Chronicle Books, Citibabes, and Aerie, as well as Gibbs Smith. She lives in New York.

tags:

Children’s Books > Classics

30. The Butterfly who was Afraid to be a Butterfly

by: Written by: Andy S. Clark
Release date: Sep 01, 2014
Number of Pages: 6
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In this short and powerful allegory, a newly emerged butterfly discovers the glory bestowed upon him by the Maker and finds joy in pleasing the One who transformed him into a butterfly.
tags:

Christian Books & Bibles > Literature & Fiction > Classics & Allegories

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Last updated: Monday, December 5, 2016 4:07 AM