Recommendations Needed: Classic Children books

As a kid I’ve always loved to read. I wasn't an only child but I was the youngest by thirteen years. So I spent a lot of time on my own. I enjoyed reading and was quite obssessed with the fantasy worlds that the books created. When I was about ten my mom took me to Santa Cruz, California to visit my oldest brother (who at the time was 29). He introduced me to the world of C.S. Lewis and all hope was lost. We drove from thrift store to thrift store looking for old copies of the series. It was the best trip and I came back with a whole set of new books and an even stronger need to read.
My oldest daughter shares my passion because often I’m looking for her and find her sitting in a corner reading a book. My youngest daughter on the other hand doesn’t care much for books. They just don’t seem to hold her attention.

I’ve been thinking about creating family reading time. A time right before they go to bed when we as a family can read a classic children’s book together. I’m hoping this will help spark my youngest daughters attention and maybe help her find a book that she will love.

So I’m asking for your help. My girls are ten and seven what books would you recommend we read? What books did you love at that age? What was your fondest moment as a child who discovered your first favorite book?


So far my list consists of three books:

1. The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
2. The Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett
3. The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett