Iconic Children’s Books from the 80s

Reading books is the best way to unleash the creativity and imagination of a child. As kids start reading, they can begin to imagine the characters and stories unfolding in their minds. Reading can help improve their vocabulary, and in learning new things that benefit them in their writing and speaking.

Reading just any book is not good enough – the quality of books matter! The books you give your children should have good content and a good writing style, and be suitable for their age. So, what better than giving them books which you read and liked as a child? Most of the best books you read were from the 80s. The 1980s was the era when some of the best children’s books were written, which are still relevant to kids of the 21st century. 1980s’ books for kids are not only entertaining for them, but also teach them how to use their creativity and imagination, as well as many life lessons. Therefore, gifting them some iconic children’s books from the 80s is the best idea to improve their reading and writing habits.

Best 80s Books for Kids

The ’80s was the era when many children’s classics were written and published. Those books became popular then, and are still relevant for kids today. Some of the popular children’s books from the 80s are:

1. The Faraway Tree

The Faraway Tree is a series of children’s books written by popular children’s author Enid Blyton. The series has the following four books: The Enchanted Wood, The Magic Faraway Tree, The Folk of the Faraway Tree, and Up the Faraway Tree.  All the stories take place in an imaginary enchanted forest, where there is a gigantic, magical tree called the Faraway Tree. The magical tree is so tall that it reaches the clouds, and is so wide that small houses are carved into its wide trunk.  This magical wood and tree are noticed by three children who have moved to a house near the wood. After discovering the tree, the children go on many adventures, as they climb the tree and discover its wonder. Children love to read this book series, as they imagine themselves going on similar magical adventures!

2. The Tiger Who Came to Tea

This classic children’s book from the 80s, written and illustrated by Judith Kerr, is one of the most popular picture books from that time. The book is about a young girl, Sophie, and her mother. One day, Sophie and her mother are having tea, when they have a tiger visit their house and eat all their food and drink, including the water from the taps! What follows is the story of how Sophie and her mother shop for tiger food, but the tiger never returns. This cute tale is still popular with kids, even after more than 50 years of its publication.

3. The Gardening Gang

The Gardening Gang series was written by a nine-year-old kid, Jayne Fisher! She also did the illustrations for the series. Each storybook from this set of fourteen books has two short stories about fruits and vegetables living like humans. Apart from the stories, there are also two colouring books and one annual book in the series. The kids love these short stories about the humanly lives of fruits and vegetables!

4. Ted and Dolly’s Magic Carpet Ride

This interactive book by Richard Fowler is suitable for young kids who have just started learning to read. The kids need to lay the book flat, take out the magic carpet, and place it on the first page. Then, they can follow the dotted line, and pop through the slots to read the book. This entertaining and engaging book takes them on a magical journey with Ted and Dolly.

5. Bill’s New Frock

Anne Fine wrote this cute book, who is a British Children’s Laureate. The story is about a young boy, Bill, who wakes up one day to find that he has turned into a girl. Initially, he is horrified, but then, as days pass, he learns how people treat girls and boys differently. People’s behaviour is based on the gender of the person rather than the personality of the person, which is showcased well in the book. This chapter book teaches kids to think about human behaviour, as well makes them laugh with the hilarious scenarios.

6. The Famous Five

The Famous Five is a popular children’s adventure novel series written by Enid Blyton. The novels are about the adventures of four young kids and their dog, Timmy. All five together make the group The Famous Five, and they solve mysteries or find treasures in their school holidays. In some books, the kids go camping or hiking, and that’s where they find and solve some mystery. Young kids love the settings of the novels, and the activities of the Famous Five!

7. The Children of Cherry Tree Farm

The Children of Cherry Tree Farm is written by Enid Blyton. It is a story about four siblings named Rory, Sheila, Benjy, and Penny, who are sent by their parents to live with their uncle on a cherry tree farm, as the parents have to go to America for business. The children have an amazing time with their uncle’s family, and experience freedom in country life. Kids love the vibrant story of these young siblings in the country!

8. Dear Mr. Henshaw

This children’s book, written by Beverly Cleary, is about the letters and diary written by a young boy named Leigh Botts. Leigh writes letters to his favourite author, expressing his feelings about his parents’ divorce, his new school, friends, and a mysterious lunch thief. This epistolary novel realistically conveys the feelings of a young boy as he experiences different things in his life, and can definitely be enjoyed by kids.

9. Adventures of the Wishing Chair

The Wishing Chair, written by Enid Blyton, is part of a series of three books. The other books are The Wishing Chair Again and More Wishing Chair Stories. This children’s book is the first full-length novel written by Enid Blyton, though the book is divided into episodes. The book is about two kids, Molly and Peter, who discover a wishing chair. After that, their lives are filled with adventures, as the chair takes them to many magical places, such as a giant’s castle, or a magician’s party! Kids, as they read this book, travel to all these fascinating places along with Molly and Peter.

10. Wayside School Is Falling Down

This witty book was written by Louis Sachar, and has 30 stories about 30 floors of the wacky Wayside School.  Every chapter is self-contained and hilarious. This well-written and humorous book is perfect for kids, as they will love the silly and ridiculous storyline.

Reading is essential to expand the minds and thought processes of young kids. It helps them think of new ideas, makes them sharp, and improves their writing and speaking. The more children read, the more they learn and grow!

Also Read:

Poetry Books for Children
Animal Books for Children
Fantasy Books for Children