Recs if you like Aesop’s Fables...

Based on the list/book published in 2006, general editor Peter Boxall.

Some of the oldest stories/texts in the world

Classic novels for your (inner) child, with some modern staples in the mix. For reading yourself, reading aloud to little ones, and for those learning to read. Suggestions welcome, as always!

Fairy tale and folklore-inspired narratives as well as atmospheric/quiet/light fantasy with canon aspec characters, aspec-readable themes such as rejection of relationship hierarchy and meaningful companionships, or simply excluding elements of either sexuality or romance. Limiting these to books aimed at adults but will include kidlit that may resonate with older audiences too, such as classics or kidlit with older protagonists.

As a parent of 2 boys, I want to introduce them to good literature as early as possible! This is my list of classics that are appropriate for kids to listen to (read them aloud or listen to the audiobook). I’ve left some off this list due to misogyny and racism I thought was unforgivable. But ALL these books were written by imperfect people in an imperfect world, there may be topics you may need to have deeper conversations with your kids. ❤️

This isn't MY list. These are the foundational texts of the Western Canon. Up until the early 1900s, these were unquestionably part of any educated person's background. Austen, Lewis, Twain, James, Sayers, Tolkien....what do you think they grew up reading that informed the genius works they created? Their masterpieces didn't materialize out of thin air. This list is by no means comprehensive, but you'll be off to a solid start.

I tried to find the latest version (2026).

A study of the past

I~we come to know the language of good: Toki Pona, a conlang composed of only ~140 words! Toki Pona was inspired by Taoist philosophy & pidgin languages and is designed to help speakers focus on the essentials by expressing maximal meaning with minimal complexity.

This list contains official instructional books for learning how to speak Toki Pona, original stories written for beginner tokiponists, and a number of books that have been translated into Toki Pona.

Resources in comments: 🚧👷

hans christian andersen, brothers grimm and more :)

some classics to bring back the comfort & magic of being little and in love with books

A compilation of Greek and Roman classics.

Some related lists pinned in the comments

Beyond the Words: A curated collection of books recommended by the members of BTS, books that inspired their music and artistic vision, and books related to BTS and their journey.

added as i read the book

Don't forget about the fables and cautionary tales. The cornerstones of literature.