Modern Classics: Children’s Books to Treasure
Some children’s books have that rare quality that makes them feel timeless from the very first reading. They are the stories families return to, the illustrations children notice something new in each time and the beautifully made books that are kept long after childhood.
Originally published for World Book Day in 2016, this article brings together some of Smallprint’s modern classics: books chosen for their imagination, originality, design and ability to be enjoyed again and again. From intricate adventures and clever interactive pages to stories about determination and big ideas, these are books that deserve a lasting place on children’s bookshelves.
The Bear Books by Benjamin Chaud
Benjamin Chaud’s trilogy of Bear books deserves to be remembered as one of the most beautifully illustrated children’s series. The Bear’s Song, The Bear’s Sea Escape and The Bear’s Surprise follow Papa Bear as he searches for the adventurous Little Bear, leading them through wonderfully detailed scenes filled with excitement, humour and gentle chaos.
The intricate illustrations reveal something new with every reading, while the oversized format makes each book feel particularly special. These are stories made to be revisited, treasured and kept long after childhood.
Oh No! by Patrick George
Classic childhood books do not always need an elaborate story; sometimes it is the experience of reading them that stays with us. Oh No! uses cleverly designed transparent pages to transform each scene as it is turned. A girl buys some balloons and suddenly floats into the sky; a boy kicks a football and it breaks a window.
It is simple, surprising and wonderfully absorbing. Patrick George’s innovative design turns reading into play, creating the kind of interactive book children will want to explore again and again.
Odd One Out and Where’s the Pair? by Britta Teckentrup
Odd One Out and its companion, Where’s the Pair?, make wonderful gifts for babies and young children. Britta Teckentrup’s striking illustrations, bold colours and gentle rhyming clues invite children to look closely, spot differences and find the matching animals hidden within each scene.
Beautifully produced and enjoyable across different ages, these are the kind of books children can return to as their observation skills and confidence grow. They feel timeless, engaging and special enough to keep.
Iggy Peck, Architect and Rosie Revere, Engineer
Iggy Peck, Architect and Rosie Revere, Engineer celebrate children with big ideas, strong imaginations and the determination to keep trying. Andrea Beaty’s lively stories and David Roberts’s distinctive illustrations show that mistakes and setbacks are part of creating something brilliant.
The positive messages never overwhelm the fun. These are warm, energetic stories that encourage children to follow their interests, trust their ideas and approach challenges with curiosity and confidence.
The books children remember are often those that invite them to look closer, imagine more and return to the story again and again. These modern classics show that a truly special book can become part of a family’s history.
