Top 10 childhood favourite classic books that changed my life! | Must Read Classic Children’s Book Recommendations for 7-12 year old

Books have a unique way of shaping our minds, especially the ones we read in our childhood. They transport us to magical worlds, teach us important life lessons, and inspire our imaginations in ways that stay with us forever. From heartwarming tales of friendship to thrilling adventures, these childhood favourite classic books left an indelible mark on me. Here are the top 10 books from my early years that not only sparked my love for reading but also changed my outlook on life. Let’s dive into these timeless treasures!

My 10 Favourite Childhood Classic Books that Njkinny Recommends for 7-12 year old Children

Chacha Chaudhary by Pran

Genre: Comics, Humour

Reading Age: 7-12 years

First Published: 1971 in Hindi

Chacha Chaudhary, with a brain “sharper than a needle and faster than a computer,” teams up with Sabu, a giant from Jupiter, to solve quirky mysteries and take on hilarious villains. A fun, timeless Indian comic for all ages!

I was absolutely in thrall of this short, unassuming man who didn’t need brawn nor superpowers to solve problems but only his sharp mind to come up with life changing solutions. His comics not only made a permanent place in my heart by becoming one of my top favourite childhood classic books but also taught me so many valuable life lessons. A definite must read for everyone, your reading journey is incomplete if you haven’t read Chacha Chaudhary comics.

Buy From: Read in Hindi | Read in English

When Chacha Chaudhary’s brain starts working, even computers give up.” – Chacha Chaudhary

Heidi by Johanna Spyri

Genre: Children’s Fiction, Classic

Reading Age: 8-12 years

First Published: 1880 in German

Join Heidi, an orphan girl, as she finds a new life with her grumpy grandfather in the Swiss Alps. Full of warmth, laughter, and life lessons, Heidi’s journey teaches us about the power of kindness and nature’s healing touch.

I fell in love with Heidi’s simplicity and kindness. Also this book started my travel wish to visit Switzerland and Frankfurt. I yearned to be with a friend like Heidi and experience the beauty of Switzerland, and happy, carefree days with her. So, a book that not only entertained me but also taught me the importance of friendship, family, and kindness, this book became one of my all time favourite childhood classic children’s books!

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She was always on the lookout for things that would make her friends happy.” – Heidi by Johanna Spyri

Panchatantra by Pandit Vishnu Sharma

Genre: Fables, Indian Folklore

Reading Age: 8+ years

First Published: around 200 B.c

A treasure trove of timeless animal fables filled with wit, wisdom, and life lessons. These stories of clever foxes, wise crows, and scheming jackals offer fun and teach valuable morals that remain relevant today.

Written by great Hindu scholar Pandit Vishnu Sharma, Panchatantra is a collection of fables that uses animals and birds to teach readers life betterment lessons in good conduct, and in turn, gain a higher moral character. I loved the simple and entertaining short stories with a moral at the end that not only enlightened me but also gave me stories to narrate to my friends! 

Short, engaging, and timeless, Panchatantra books are must read for everyone irrespective of your age. And a must gift to young readers.

Buy From: Read in Hindi | Read in English

Knowledge is the true organ of sight, not the eyes.”– Panchatantra

The Blue Umbrella by Ruskin Bond

Genre: Fiction, Contemporary

Reading Age: 8-12 years

First Published: 1974

When young Binya trades her necklace for a beautiful blue umbrella, she becomes the envy of her village. A heartwarming story about generosity, greed, and simple pleasures from the hills of India.

I got obsessed with owning a blue umbrella after reading this book. But apart from the umbrella, this beautiful story taught me downfalls of greed and the importance of being kind. A book that will transport you to the enchanting beauty of the hills and have you experience emotions that will inspire you to enjoy the moment with your loved ones, this short story is a must read for all children as well as adults.

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There is nothing more precious than being kind.”– The Blue Umbrella

The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling

Genre: Adventure, Classic

Reading Age: 10+ years

First Published: 1894

In this thrilling adventure, Mowgli, a young boy raised by wolves, learns the laws of the jungle with friends like Baloo and Bagheera, while outwitting the fearsome tiger, Shere Khan. A timeless tale of survival and friendship in the wild.

I was so intrigued by Mowgli and avidly followed him on his jungle adventures. This book made me interested in the wild, and the animals that lived there. So, a book that not only gave me numerous adventures, it also taught me to be more connected with nature, learn more about wildlife, and be more tolerant and kind to all living beings God created.

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For the strength of the Pack is the Wolf, and the strength of the Wolf is the Pack.”– The Jungle Book

Akbar and Birbal

Genre: Historical Fiction, Folklore

Reading Age: 8-12 years

Relive the witty tales of Birbal, the clever advisor in Emperor Akbar’s court. With his quick thinking and sense of justice, Birbal outsmarts even the trickiest of situations, entertaining readers with valuable lessons along the way.

I was so amazed and impressed with Birbal as a kid. His wit was outmatched and I wanted to be just as smart as him. With stories that not only amused but also taught valuable moral lessons, the adventures of Akbar and Birbal are a must read for everyone! 

Buy From: Read in Hindi | Read in English

The greatest wealth is a sharp mind.”– Akbar and Birbal

Swami and Friends by R. K. Narayan

Genre: Fiction, Classic

Reading Age: 10+ years

First Published: 1935 in English

Follow Swami and his friends through the charming fictional town of Malgudi as they experience the ups and downs of childhood. A timeless, humorous tale of friendship, mischief, and growing up in India.

A major part of my childhood, I adored this book and swami and his friends became my friends. His adventures in a small town in India were vastly different from mine in a big city so I was very intrigued and engrossed in his life. These stories were not only charming but also lessons in diversity, kindness, friendship, and community. Again a classic that should be part of everyone’s childhood, Njkinny recommends this must read book to all young readers and adults as well.

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Swaminathan had never thought that this story contained a moral. But now he felt that it must have one since the question paper mentioned it.”– Swami and Friends by R.K. Narayan

Vikram and Betaal

Genre: Indian Folklore, Fantasy

Reading Age: 8-12 years

First Published: One of the oldest recensions of the stories is found in the 12th book of the Kathasaritsagara, an 11th century Sanskrit work by Somadeva. Originally written in Sanskrit

In this spine-chilling folktale, King Vikramaditya must carry the talking ghost Betaal on his back, who narrates riddlesome stories filled with moral dilemmas. With each tale, Vikram gets closer to solving the ghost’s mystery.

I was so intrigued by the whole idea of a talking ghost and impressed by the brave King who was not only intelligent but also a man of good character. Each story and riddle was like a test for me and I thoroughly enjoyed solving them as well as getting my family and friends involved in solving them. So, not only entertaining, these stories are also memorable and life lessons that are not-to-be-forgotten. A must read for all children as well as adults, these adventures are still relevant today with their moral lessons that have stood the test of time.

Buy From: Read in Hindi | Read in English

A story, though old, when told, never dies.”– Vikram and Betaal

Amar Chitra Katha by Anant Pai

Genre: Indian Mythology, Comics

Reading Age: 8-14 years

First Published: 1965 in Kannada

Step into the world of India’s mythology, history, and folktales with Amar Chitra Katha comics. From tales of gods and warriors to kings and moral dilemmas, this collection captivates and educates readers through vibrant storytelling.

This most popular series played such a big part in my childhood. From learning about popular folktales, to historical figures to reading the Indian epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata, I enjoyed the entertaining way in which these books were presented to appeal to children. It felt like listening to stories from my Grandma and Grandpa. So, a must have on every child’s reading list, this series that has sold more than 100 million copies in over 20 Indian languages is highly recommended!

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A good story lives on, in hearts and minds, generation after generation.” – Amar Chitra Katha

Also read:

• 10 Key Life Lessons from Ramayana in Quotes
• Untold Stories from Ramayana by Gaurang Damani

Tenali Raman Adventures

Genre: Folklore, Humour

Reading Age: 8-12 years

Tenali Raman is a story about the life of a 14th century poet and scholar who served in the court of the Vijayanagar emperor Krishnadevaraya. Tenali Raman, the court jester in the Vijayanagar kingdom, uses his brilliant wit to solve problems and outwit rivals. His cleverness and humor make these ancient stories entertaining and timeless.

As smart as Birbal and equally witty, Tenali Raman’s adventures were like practise for me to hone my mind to be as sharp as him. I still remember reading his stories and then testing my friends to see how they solved all those problems. So, a very smart reading choice for children, this book is must read for everyone!

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Cleverness is often the key to unlocking life’s toughest challenges.”– Tenali Raman

Conclusion:

These are my favourite childhood classic children’s books that are engaging, timeless stories offering something for every young reader – from adventure and humour to wisdom and moral lessons. So, Njkinny recommends them heartily. Go read and enjoy these books that have stood the test of time and changed the lives of children across the world and across generations!

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• Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. Rowling
• The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle
• Byomkesh Bakshi Stories by Saradindu Bandopadhyay
• Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift
• Gaia’s Own by Dharshana Bajaj
• How the Onion got its layers by Sudha Murty
• The Riddle of the Rajah’s Ruby by Enid Blyton
• Nancy Drew and The Strange Message in the Parchment by Carolyn Keene
• Lucky G and the Melancholy Quokka: How Play Therapy Can Help Children with Depression by Amy Wilinski-Lyman
• Discover India: Festivals of India by Sonia Mehta