Giving the gift of a classic children's book is one that can be enjoyed for years to come. Readers open a book and return to favorite adventures, lands and characters.
Amazon editors compiled a list of the 100 Children's Books to Read in a Lifetime, made up of classic and contemporary must-reads for anyone.
Here are 7 books from this list that would make the perfect gift for the young or young-at-heart:
First reader must-haves
"Chicka Chicka Boom Boom". The combination of the story of alphabet letters chasing each other up the tree as well as the fun, colorful illustrations make this a first reader classic. How good is this book? Nearly 90 percent of Amazon reviewers give it five stars!
Dr. Seuss Beginner Book Collection. What's better than a little Dr. Seuss to brighten the day? This collection brings together five of the beloved author's best: "Fox in Socks", "Green Eggs and Ham", "Hop on Pop", "One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish" and "The Cat in the Hat". This one might be hard to give away because it's so much fun to read.
Elementary reader must-haves
A mix of picture books chapter books are the thing for this age group and there are classic stories for any ability level to enjoy.
"Where the Sidewalk Ends". The book that make poetry cool and fun for kids. Silverstein's quirky and sometimes just-plain strange verses are catchy and turn the classic genre on its head to make it approachable, yet memorable.
"Where the Wild Things Are". Arguably one of the best children's books of all time, author Maurcie Sendak tells the story of a "wild thing" little boy sent to his room only to embark on an adventure of a lifetime. The book is more than 50 years old, but the story is timeless.
"Percy Jackson and the Olympians" series. One of the more modern-classic series that puts a twist on some of the oldest stories in literary history: the Greek myths. Author Rick Riordian takes a typical boy and transforms him into a classic hero in every sense of the word in this five-book series.
Young Adult reader must-haves
Books geared toward older students are all the rage these days. Not only are they a great gift idea for the pre-teen or teen in your life, but this book genre provides interesting reading for adults, as well.
"Wonder". This book became a New York Times bestseller thanks the story of Auggie Pullman, a boy with an "extraordinary face." It is the tale of how society looks at and treats others who are different and how those who are different have the courage to face those challenges.
"The Giver". Long before dystopian classics such as "The Hunger Games" and "Divergent" debuted, author Lois Lowry wrote the compelling story of how a perfect world may not be everything it seems and how dark secrets society leaders hold onto affect an entire people.
