Children's Classics I Want To Read

I think a good amount of us have a daunting amount of classic literature on our TBR. Mine is a good portion of Barnes&Noble classics that absolutely terrify me for no apparent reason. So, in a bid to familiarize myself with picking up books of this genre, I'm making an effort to read more children's literature. I was always a big reader, but I seemed to of gone straight from Matilda to Twilight. My mum used to read me bedtime stories, but she always put her own magical spin on them so I'm still unsure what actually happened in books like Anne of Green Gables and The Wind In The Willows. 

A Little Princess

by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Goodreads Synopsis: Sara Crewe, an exceptionally intelligent and imaginative student at Miss Minchin's Select Seminary for Young Ladies, is devastated when her adored, indulgent father dies. Now penniless and banished to a room in the attic, Sara is demeaned, abused, and forced to work as a servant. How this resourceful girl's fortunes change again is at the center of A Little Princess, one of the best-loved stories in all of children's literature.

I love the authors other book Heidi, but I haven't read this. Why? No idea! I know so many people who loved the movie adaption of this literature classic, but I haven't even watch that, so when I pick up this book I really will be going in blind. Fun! 

The Wind In The Willows

by Kenneth Grahame

Goodreads Synopsis: When Mole flees his little underground home he discovers new friends and adventures with Raj, Toad and Badger. This much-loved story has been carefully retold for young children to enjoy. With beautiful illustrations throughout, it provides the perfect introduction to a classic tale.

This is one of those books that my mother "read" to me when I was a child. But I'm pretty sure she adapted this world into some magical place. I own a very beautiful illustrated edition so I look forward to sitting down with that and immersing myself in the world. 

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

by L. Frank Baum

Goodreads Synopsis: When Dorothy and her little dog Toto are caught in a tornado, they and their Kansas farmhouse are suddenly transported to Oz, where Munchkins live, monkeys fly and Wicked Witches rule. Desperate to return home, and with the Wicked Witch of the West on their trail, Dorothy and Toto - together with new friends the Tin Woodsman, Scarecrow and cowardly Lion - embark on a fantastic quest along the Yellow Brick Road in search of the Emerald City. There they hope to meet the legendary, all-powerful Wizard of Oz, who alone may hold the power to grant their every wish.

I've watched this movie a billion times growing up but have never actually sat down and read the book that inspired the musical starring Judy Garland. I know the book differs quite strongly from the movie, so I look forward to reading it.

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer/ The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

by Mark Twain 

Goodreads Synopsis: THE ADVENTURES OF TOM SAWYER

Take a lighthearted, nostalgic trip to a simpler time, seen through the eyes of a very special boy named Tom Sawyer. It is a dreamlike summertime world of hooky and adventure, pranks and punishment, villains and first love, filled with memorable characters. Adults and young readers alike continue to enjoy this delightful classic of the promise and dreams of youth from one of America’s most beloved authors.

ADVENTURES OF HUCKLEBERRY FINN

He has no mother, his father is a brutal drunkard, and he sleeps in a barrel. He’s Huck Finn—liar, sometime thief, and rebel against respectability. But when Huck meets a runaway slave named Jim, his life changes forever. On their exciting flight down the Mississippi aboard a raft, the boy nobody wanted matures into a young man of courage and conviction.

This is a book duo that I don't actually know whether I want to read, or if I'm just feeling the pressure of seeing it on every 'books you need to read in your lifetime' list. I'm not a huge fan of adventure stories, and of male protagonists (especially when young), so.. eh. Have you read this one? Is it worth picking up?

Grimms' Fairy Tales

by Brothers Grimm

Goodreads Synopsis: Originally titled Children’s and Household Tales, The Complete Grimm’s Fairy Tales contains the essential bedtime stories for children worldwide for the better part of two centuries. The Brothers Grimm, Jacob and Wilhelm, were German linguists and cultural researchers who gathered legendary folklore and aimed to collect the stories exactly as they heard them.

I mean, you had to know this was going to make it onto this list. Has anyone actually read these collections from cover to cover? Growing up I was never huge on fairytales, but I think reading these as an adult will open to my eyes to how gruesome some of the classics are. I just need to get my hands on a readable but pretty edition. Any suggestions?  

What's a children's classic that's been sitting on your TBR for the longest?