Children’s book classics: These trend readings are a must

Reading time
Children’s book classics: The most beautiful stories for little bookworms

Reading (aloud) books has a number of positive effects on your offspring: The vocabulary is expanded, the expression and the ability to concentrate are improved and the imagination is stimulated. Apart from that, the stories are so well written, dramatically and linguistically, that they can cast a spell on children and adults alike. Today as well as tomorrow.

1. “Oh, how beautiful is Panama” by Janosch (from 3 years)

Already published in 1978, the children’s story was awarded the German Youth Book Prize just a year later. Even today, the stories of the little tiger and the little bear in Germany flicker across the screens. And the books also inspire millions of children: In particular, the story of how tigers and bears travel to Panama – the land of their dreams, where everything should be better, bigger and more beautiful than at home – is dear to the heart. So it’s no wonder why this beautifully illustrated children’s book is a real classic. You can find the book here.

2. “Der Räuber Hotzenplotz” by Otfried Preußler (from 6 years)

Out of love for the puppet theater and his later published book “Krabat” – at that time he gritted his teeth on the first paragraph and wanted to write something funny for a change – the story of the wild robber Hotzenplotz arose: As this from Kasperl and his friend Seppel is wanted because he is said to have stolen a coffee grinder, he quickly captures the two sniffers. He is supported by the evil magician Petrosilius Zwackelmann – because Hotzenplotz is not that easy to catch. But Kasperl and Seppel do not want to accept their involuntary imprisonment either. The book is available here.

3. “Frederick” by Leo Lionni (from 4 years)

This cute story was published in 1967 and is not only extremely poetic, but also incredibly soulful: When winter approaches, all field mice go in search of food – except for one: Frederick. Instead of dealing with grains, nuts, maize and straw, he prefers to collect sunbeams, colors and words in order to bridge the cold, cloudy and dreary season. Although he is viewed critically by his mouse friends for this, he diligently continues to capture hopes and dreams. When the others’ supplies run out, Frederick’s big hour comes.
You can get the book here.

4. “Der Struwwelpeter” by Heinrich Hoffmann (from 3 years)

The story was written back in 1844 and is still one of the most successful German children’s books today. It was originally a gift from Heinrich Hoffmann, a Frankfurt doctor, to his three-year-old son. After those around him urged him to have the story printed, the picture book was published in 1845 with its ten illustrated verse stories. It is about young children who are disobedient or careless – and who experience the consequences of their actions in cruel ways. Even if the children’s book is still controversial today, it has been translated into almost 40 languages.
You can find the story here.

5. “Max and Moritz” by Wilhelm Busch (from 3 years)

These boyish stories were also published long before our time: the seven pranks were told for the first time at the end of October 1865. Since then, Wilhelm Busch’s early work has been one of the most popular children’s books. And that, although here too the pranks by Max and Moritz come to a bad end. Nevertheless, the rascal stories are a real pleasure to read for young and old: From the widow Bolte, who they steal the chickens from, to teacher Lämpel, who the cheeky boys stuff gunpowder into his pipes, the boys keep coming up with new ideas for their fellow men to annoy. You can find the book here.

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