What makes a classic?

I mean, besides being all bright, beautiful and brilliant like me, Kimber the Classic Magnificent Wonder?

Glad you asked. We’re gonna get to that. So just hang on a min, Cream Puff. Cuz right now we’re gonna play a bookish guessing game. Like this:

Can you identify the classic books and/or authors in which these first lines appear? (Answers below.)

1. “All children, except one, grow up.”
2. “Walking back to camp through the swamp, Sam wondered whether to tell his father what he had seen.”
3. “The wind blew hard and joggled the water of the ocean, sending ripples across its surface.”

Now that you have your thinking cap on – no idea what that is; Mom’s idea – here’s another question: What do these opening lines all have in common?

Answer: They’re all first lines from some of the most beloved children’s literature of the ages. As in, tried and true classics.

And we love them all! So much so that we recently re-read every one. Now, some of these books we haven’t seen in years. Decades. Generations. Centuries. Since the Ark made landfall…

Fresh!

But you know what? Diving in, we found them as fresh and endearing and captivating as ever. All are remarkably well-written and treat young audiences with respect.

Here’s some story synopses:

1. Wendy, John, and Michael begin their great adventure when a boy who refuses to grow up flies into the Darling home looking for his shadow…
2. Louis is a trumpeter swan who comes into the world without a voice. His father explains to him that he’s very different from other cygnets and promises to help. Sam Beaver, a boy who respects all wild things, helps as well. But when Louis falls in love with a beautiful swan, Serena, she spurns him as “defective.” So Louis’s father steals a trumpet so his son can woo her. Determined to become a trumpeter and pay off his father’s debt, Louis travels far from the Montana wilderness and finds the voice that has always been in his heart.
3. Blown overboard while sailing with her uncle to visit relatives in Australia, a young girl finds herself in the fairy realm of Ev. She sets out with her friends to rescue the Queen of Ev and her ten children who have been imprisoned by the cruel Nome King. But even the wise ruler Ozma is no match for the dastardly king. So it’s up to the little girl to save everyone from a terrible fate. But will the Nome King’s enchantments prove too much even for the plucky little girl from Kansas?

7 Keys

Each of these books has key elements that make them timeless. So readers young and old are able to enjoy them over and over.

The seven key elements are:

1. Memorable Characters: Characters that are relatable, endearing, or intriguing can leave a lasting impression.
2. Engaging Storylines: A compelling plot that captures the imagination and keeps readers engaged is crucial. These stories often have universal themes like adventure, friendship, and courage. Often all of the above. And more.
3. Emotional Resonance: Classics often touch on deep emotions and experiences that resonate with readers of all ages. They address fundamental human concerns like love, fear, hope, and the need for acceptance.
4. Beautiful Language: The use of rich, evocative language can make the reading experience more enjoyable and memorable. This includes both the narrative style and the dialogue.
5. Illustrations: For younger readers, illustrations play a significant role in bringing the story to life and making it more engaging. (True for older readers, too!)
6. Timeless Themes: Themes that remain relevant across generations help a book stay popular. These can include the triumph of good over evil, the importance of family and friends, and the journey of self-discovery.
7. Re-readability: A classic often has layers of meaning that can be appreciated differently at various stages of life. This makes it a book that can be enjoyed multiple times, each reading offering new insights.

The three books referred to above meet these key elements in spades.

Answers (in case you haven’t already guessed):

1. Peter Pan – J.M. Barrie

2. The Trumpet of the Swan – E.B. White

3. Ozma of Oz – L. Frank Baum

Note: You’re doubtless familiar with Baum’s beloved children’s classic, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. But Ozma of Oz is every bit as good. Plus it reunites several “cast members” from the first Oz book. Delightful!

 

Oh, and that first line about “all children, except one, grow up”? Hi, Mom!

Do you have a favorite children’s classic that you love to revisit?