What’s One Book Every Child Should Read Before They Turn Ten? A Journey Through the Must-Read Children’s Classics

Discover timeless stories that shape young minds. Explore the must-read children’s books every child should read before they turn ten, and share your favourite story that left a lasting mark.

What’s one book you believe every child should read before they turn ten — and why?

It’s a question that stirs up warm memories — the smell of fresh pages, the sound of whispered stories at bedtime, and that one tale that made you dream a little bigger. Every child has (or deserves) a story that opens the door to imagination and shapes how they see the world. But which one holds that power?

At our bookstore, we often watch young readers discover stories that stay with them forever. Some giggle over The Tale of Peter Rabbit, others travel through time with Alice in Wonderland, and a few brave hearts find courage in The Little Prince. Each story, in its own way, teaches something unforgettable — kindness, curiosity, friendship, or the joy of wonder.

As adults, we often revisit these books, not just to relive our childhood, but to gift the same magic to the next generation. And that brings us back to the question — what’s one book you believe every child should read before they turn ten — and why?

Think of it for a moment. Perhaps it’s a book that taught you empathy. Or maybe it was the one that made you laugh until your sides hurt. These books aren’t just words on paper; they’re little seeds of imagination. A single story can inspire a lifelong love for reading — a gift that lasts far beyond childhood.

Whether it’s Charlotte’s Web, Matilda, or The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, every classic has a way of whispering to a child: you can be brave, you can be kind, and you can dream as big as you wish.

So now, as you read this, pause and think again — what’s one book you believe every child should read before they turn ten — and why?

Tell us in the comments, or share it with your little one tonight. Your answer might just inspire another child’s reading adventure to begin.