P-S Classic Children's Literature
Daniel Defoe to Mark Twain and Don Quixote to Swiss Family Robinson
Apr 22, 2009
It is often said that children have active imaginations, and nothing appeals to the imagination more than reading fiction.
Continuing from K-O Classic Children’s Literature, ranging from the ordinary to the extreme this diverse collection of novels and stories offers something for all literary tastes.
P – The Prince and the Pauper (1881) by Mark Twain
In 1537 two baby boys are born in or near London. Edward Tudor was born a prince, the heir to the infamous King Henry VIII. Tom Canty was born to the poverty of beggary and the abuse of a drunken criminal father. Yet, the boys share a very similar appearance, and when they accidentally meet, they decide to temporarily swap places, leading to a series of mishaps and difficulties.
Q – Don Quixote (1605) by Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra
One of the first works considered to be written in the beginnings of novel format, the character of Don Quixote is a well meaning but misguided “hero,” who constantly causes more problems than he solves.
Although enjoyed mainly by adult readers, the classic story of Don Quixote can be enjoyed by all ages.
R – Robinson Crusoe (1719) by Daniel Defoe
Crusoe becomes a castaway on a foreign island. Keeping track of passing time by making a mark for each day, one Friday he meets another castaway man on the island, leading to the new companion being called “Man Friday.” The name has been adopted since to describe a valued and trustworthy assistant.
S – The Swiss Family Robinson (1812) by Johann David Wyss
Said to have been inspired by the shipwreck story of Robinson Crusoe, The Swiss Family Robinson tells of the adventures and experiences of a Swiss family who find themselves castaway on an island. Originally bound for the East Indies, the family are able to salvage some essential belongings from the wreck of their ship, but they have to construct many more necessities from materials found on the island.
Treasure Island, Uncle Tom’s Cabin, The Three Musketeers, and The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
Continuing with T-W Classic Children’s Literature, the ABCs of children’s literature reaches the end of this alphabet guide.
The pages of the following novels are filled with adventure, fantasy, and history. From piracy to slavery and from swashbuckling to mapping way through an enchanted land to find home, these novels have impacted upon many a mind.
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