Classic literature is more accessible than many believe

Savannah Penny
Sep 16
3 min read

Parents can make classic literature highly accessible to their kids without resorting to simplified or “dumbed-down” editions by embracing great professional audiobooks and giving children time to acclimate to the language.

The Power of Professional Audiobooks

High-quality audiobooks, especially those read by renowned narrators, can transform classics into vivid experiences that invite young listeners to connect deeply with the story. A professional narrator’s voice provides context, emotion, and clarity, allowing the language to become familiar and expressive over time (much like a seasoned teacher reading aloud with passion). Listening together as a family can make classics more inviting, pausing to discuss unfamiliar phrases or highlight beautiful passages as they arise.

Give the Language a Grace Period

Instead of expecting immediate engagement, plan to offer a 50-page “grace period.” Classic literature’s pacing, word choice, and structure differ from modern bestsellers, and it can take a while for today’s readers to adjust. Treat this phase like breaking in new shoes; at first it feels odd, but soon the language becomes less daunting, and the characters more real.

Encourage note-taking, rereading compelling sections, and open conversations about what’s confusing and what’s captivating. Let kids know that it’s normal if the first chapters feel tough, but as the narrative unfolds, the story’s emotional payoff and depth become clear.

Fostering a Love for Slow-Boil Stories

By prioritizing authentic texts, high-quality performances, and patience in adapting to a different literary tempo, families lay the groundwork for lasting connections to classic literature. Rather than rushing, encourage kids to savor the journey, because classics are made to be absorbed, puzzled over, and discussed, unlocking nourishment for the mind and soul that endures long after the final page.

Here is a curated list of ten classic children's books, ideal for elementary and middle grade listeners, all available as professionally narrated audiobooks for a younger audience:

10 Classics for Young Listeners

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott — narrated by Laura Dern and others.
Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder — narrated by Cherry Jones.
Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White — narrated by the author himself or Meryl Streep with a full cast.
Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery — narrated by Rachel McAdams.
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum — often narrated by Anne Hathaway or various professional narrators.
Mary Poppins by P.L. Travers — narrated by Sophie Thomson.
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll — narrated by Jim Dale or Michael York.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl — narrated by the author himself or Douglas Hodge.
Grimm’s Fairy Tales by the Brothers Grimm — narrated by multiple award-winning narrators.
Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie — narrated by Jim Dale.

For slightly older readers:

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen — narrated by Rosamund Pike.
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë — narrated by Juliet Stevenson and Thandie Newton.
Dracula by Bram Stoker — narrated by Simon Vance, Alan Cumming, and Tim Curry (full cast ensemble).
Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen — narrated by Rosamund Pike.
Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy — narrated by Maggie Gyllenhaal.
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald — narrated by Jake Gyllenhaal.
Sherlock Holmes: The Complete Collection by Arthur Conan Doyle — narrated by Stephen Fry.
Moby-Dick by Herman Melville — narrated by Frank Muller.
The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas — narrated by John Lee.
War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells — narrated by Simon Vance.

Each of these editions features expressive narration that brings the language, themes, and characters of classic literature to life, making them excellent choices for families and young readers seeking to connect with timeless works.