There have always been writers writing for children, and their work – partcularly those in this list of 20 all time best children’s authors – has had a profound impact on the development of childhood and children’s literature. Some of the earliest children’s authors include Charles Perrault, Hans Christian Andersen, and Lewis Carroll. These authors created stories that were both entertaining and educational, and they helped to shape the way that children’s literature is written today.
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in children’s literature that reflects the diversity of the world we live in. Authors such as Jacqueline Woodson, Malorie Blackman, and Neil Gaiman are writing stories that feature characters of colour, characters with disabilities, and characters from different cultures. This work is helping to ensure that all children have access to books that reflect their own experiences and identities.
Children’s authors play an important role in shaping the minds and hearts of young readers. Their work can help children to develop their imaginations, learn about the world around them, and understand themselves and others better. Children’s authors are also important because they can help to create a more inclusive and equitable world for all children.
Children’s authors are an important part of the literary landscape, and their work has a lasting impact on children and society as a whole. Here are twenty of the most significant children’s authors.
Charles Perrault (1628 – 1703)
Charles Perrault was a French author who is best known for his collection of fairy tales, Histoires ou contes du temps passé (1697), better known as Mother Goose Tales. Perrault’s fairy tales, such as Little Red Riding Hood, Cinderella, and Sleeping Beauty, are some of the most popular and enduring stories in the world.
Perrault’s fairy tales were originally written for adults, but they quickly became popular with children. Perrault’s stories are characterized by their simple language, their clear moral messages, and their use of magic and adventure. Perrault’s fairy tales have been translated into many languages and have been adapted into numerous films, television shows, and stage productions.
Perrault’s contribution to children’s literature is immense. His fairy tales have entertained and inspired children for centuries, and they continue to be enjoyed by children and adults alike. Perrault’s fairy tales are a valuable part of our cultural heritage, and they continue to be relevant today.
Hans Christian Andersen (1805 – 1875)
Hans Christian Andersen was a Danish author who wrote over 150 fairy tales, including The Little Mermaid, The Emperor’s New Clothes,” and The Ugly Duckling. His stories are known for their universal themes of love, loss, acceptance, and self-discovery. Andersen’s fairy tales have been translated into over 125 languages and have been adapted into films, television shows, and operas.
Andersen’s fairy tales are often dark and complex, and they often deal with themes that are not typically found in children’s literature. However, his stories are also full of hope and optimism, and they offer children valuable lessons about life. Andersen’s fairy tales have had a lasting impact on children’s literature, and they continue to be enjoyed by children and adults alike.
Lewis Carroll (1832 -1898)
Lewis Carroll was an English author, mathematician, and photographer best known for his two Alice books: Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (1865) and Through the Looking-Glass (1871). These books are considered classics of children’s literature and have been translated into over 100 languages.
Carroll’s Alice books are full of nonsense, wordplay, and mathematical puzzles. They are also full of social commentary, with Carroll poking fun at Victorian society and its conventions. The books have been praised for their imagination, humour, and their ability to appeal to both children and adults.
Carroll’s other works for children include The Hunting of the Snark (1876), The Walrus and the Carpenter (1871), and Jabberwocky (1871). These works are also full of nonsense and wordplay, and they have been enjoyed by children and adults for generations.
Carroll was a master of wordplay, and his Alice books are some of the most loved children’s books ever written. They are full of imagination, humour, and social commentary, and they continue to be enjoyed by children and adults alike.
Frances Hodgson Burnett (1849 – 1924)
Frances Hodgson Burnett was a prolific British-American author who wrote many popular novels and stories for children. Her most famous works include Little Lord Fauntleroy (1886), The Secret Garden (1911), and A Little Princess (1905). Burnett’s books are known for their themes of family, friendship, and self-discovery. They are also notable for their vivid descriptions of nature and their use of magical realism.
Burnett’s books have been translated into many languages and have been adapted into films, television shows, and stage productions. She is considered one of the most important children’s authors of the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Here are some of the qualities that make Frances Hodgson Burnett a great children’s author:
- She had a gift for creating memorable characters that children could relate to.
- Her stories were full of adventure, excitement, and magic.
- She wrote about important themes such as family, friendship, and self-discovery.
- Her books were beautifully written and illustrated.
Burnett’s books continue to be enjoyed by children and adults alike. They are classics of children’s literature that will be read for generations to come.
Kenneth Grahame (1859 – 1932)
Kenneth Grahame is best known for his classic children’s novel The Wind in the Willows, which was first published in 1908. The book tells the story of four animal friends, Mole, Rat, Badger, and Toad, who live in the English countryside. The book is full of humour, adventure, and nostalgia, and it has been enjoyed by generations of readers.
Grahame was born in Edinburgh, Scotland. He worked as a clerk at the Bank of England for many years, but he always dreamed of becoming a writer. In 1907, he published his first book, The Golden Age, a collection of short stories about childhood. The Wind in the Willows was published the following year, and it was an immediate success.
Grahame’s other children’s books include The Reluctant Dragon (1908) and Dream Days (1918). He also wrote a number of essays and articles, and he edited several anthologies of children’s literature.
Grahame’s work is characterized by its gentle humour, its love of nature, and its celebration of childhood. His books have been translated into many languages, and they continue to be enjoyed by readers of all ages.
Rudyard Kipling (1865 – 1936)
Rudyard Kipling was a British author and poet who is best known for his works of children’s literature, including The Jungle Book, Kim, and Just So Stories. Kipling’s children’s stories are characterized by their vivid imagination, their moral lessons, and their use of simple language that is accessible to children.
Kipling’s stories often explore themes of courage, self-reliance, and the importance of community. They also feature a wide variety of animal characters, which are often used to represent human qualities. For example, in The Jungle Book, the character of Mowgli is raised by wolves and learns to live in harmony with the jungle. This story teaches children about the importance of respecting nature and living in balance with the environment.
Kipling’s children’s stories have been enjoyed by generations of readers. They are classic works of children’s literature that continue to be relevant today.
Beatrix Potter (1866 – 1943)
Beatrix Potter was an English author and illustrator who is best known for her children’s books featuring animals. Her most famous character is Peter Rabbit, who first appeared in the book The Tale of Peter Rabbit in 1902. Potter’s books are known for their charming illustrations and their simple, yet timeless stories. They have been translated into over 35 languages and have sold over 250 million copies worldwide.
Potter was born in London in 1866. She was a shy child who loved animals and nature. She often spent her summers in the Lake District, where she developed her love of drawing and writing. In 1890, she began illustrating greeting cards for a company called Hildesheimer and Faulkner.
In 1893, Potter wrote and illustrated The Tale of Peter Rabbit for Noel Moore, the son of her former governess. The book was a success, and Potter went on to write and illustrate 22 more books. She also wrote several other works, including a series of letters to children.
Potter was a pioneer in the field of children’s literature. She was one of the first authors to write stories that were both entertaining and educational. Her books also helped to popularize the use of watercolour illustrations in children’s books.
Potter died in 1943 at the age of 77. She is considered one of the most important children’s authors of all time. Her books continue to be enjoyed by children and adults alike.
A.A. Milne (1882 – 1956)
Alan Alexander Milne (1882-1956) was an English playwright, poet, and author of children’s books. He is best known for his Winnie-the-Pooh stories, which he wrote for his son, Christopher Robin. The stories are set in the Hundred Acre Wood, a magical forest inhabited by a cast of lovable characters, including Winnie-the-Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore, Tigger, and Roo.
Milne’s Winnie-the-Pooh stories are characterized by their simple language, gentle humour, and timeless themes of friendship, adventure, and imagination. They have been translated into over 60 languages and have sold over 50 million copies worldwide. Milne’s stories have also been adapted into numerous films, television shows, and stage productions.
Milne’s other children’s books include The Christopher Robin Verses (1924), When We Were Very Young (1924), Now We Are Six (1927), and The World of Pooh (1926). He also wrote several plays, including The Dover Road (1928) and The Play’s the Thing (1936).
Milne’s work has been praised for its wit, charm, and insight into the world of childhood. He is considered one of the most important children’s authors of the 20th century.
Enid Blyton (1897 – 1968)
Enid Blyton was a prolific English children’s author who wrote over 600 books, including the Famous Five, Secret Seven, and Noddy series. Her books have been translated into over 90 languages and have sold over 600 million copies worldwide.
Blyton’s books are known for their simple language, exciting plots, and relatable characters. They often feature children who go on adventures, solve mysteries, and learn valuable lessons. They have been praised for their ability to entertain and inspire children. However, they have also been criticized for their lack of diversity and their portrayal of gender roles.
Despite the criticism, Blyton’s books remain popular with children around the world. They are a reminder of the power of imagination and the importance of adventure. Enid Blyton is one of the most popular children’s authors of all time and her books have had a lasting impact on children’s literature.
C.S. Lewis (1898 – 1963)
Clive Staples Lewis was a British author, best known for his children’s fantasy series The Chronicles of Narnia. Lewis was also a scholar of medieval and Renaissance literature, and he wrote several works of Christian apologetics.
The Chronicles of Narnia are seven novels that tell the story of a group of children who travel to the land of Narnia, a magical land populated by talking animals, mythical creatures, and other fantastical beings. The series is set in a world where good and evil are constantly at war, and the children must play a role in the battle between light and darkness.
The Chronicles of Narnia have been translated into over 40 languages and have sold over 100 million copies worldwide. The series has been adapted into several films and television series, and it continues to be popular with children and adults alike.
Lewis’s children’s books are characterized by their rich imagination, their moral lessons, and their Christian themes. The Chronicles of Narnia are a classic example of children’s literature
Antoine de Saint-Exupéry (1900 – 1944)
Antoine de Saint-Exupéry was a French writer, poet, and pioneering aviator. He is best known for his novella The Little Prince, which has been translated into more than 300 languages and sold over 200 million copies worldwide.
Saint-Exupéry wrote The Little Prince in 1942 while he was living in the United States. The book is a philosophical tale about a pilot who crashes in the desert and meets a young prince from another planet. The prince tells the pilot about his home planet, which is a tiny asteroid, and about the lessons he has learned about life.
The Little Prince is a classic children’s book, but it is also enjoyed by adults. The book is full of wisdom and insights about life, love, and loss. It is a reminder that even the smallest things can be important, and that it is important to never lose our sense of wonder.
Saint-Exupéry was a gifted writer, and his prose in The Little Prince is simple yet elegant. The illustrations in the book, which were also drawn by Saint-Exupéry, are charming and whimsical.
The Little Prince is a timeless classic that stays with the child long after she has finished reading it.
Dr. Seuss (1904-1991)
Dr. Seuss, born Theodor Seuss Geisel, is one of the most loved children’s authors of all time. His books, such as The Cat in the Hat, Green Eggs and Ham, and Oh, the Places You’ll Go!, are known for their playful rhymes, silly characters, and imaginative worlds.
Seuss’s books have been translated into over 20 languages and have sold over 600 million copies worldwide. They have been praised for their ability to teach children about new words and concepts in a fun and engaging way. Seuss’s books have also been credited with helping children develop their imaginations and creativity.
Seuss was a master of language and wordplay. He used his unique style of writing to create books that are both entertaining and educational. They often explore themes of friendship, acceptance, and the importance of imagination.
Dr. Seuss’s books are a classic part of childhood. They have had a lasting impact on children’s literature. They continue to be enjoyed by children of all ages around the world.
Astrid Lindgren (1907 – 2002)
Astrid Lindgren was a Swedish author who is best known for her children’s books, including Pippi Longstocking, Emil of Lönneberga, and The Brothers Lionheart. Her books have been translated into over 90 languages and have sold over 145 million copies worldwide.
Lindgren’s books are known for their strong female characters, their humour, and their celebration of childhood. She often wrote about the importance of imagination, independence, and freethinking. Her books have been praised for their positive messages and their ability to inspire children to be themselves.
Lindgren’s work has had a lasting impact on the genre. She was a recipient of the Hans Christian Andersen Award, the highest international award for children’s literature. She was also awarded the Right Livelihood Award, which is known as the “Alternative Nobel Prize.”
Lindgren’s books have been adapted into movies, TV shows, and stage productions. They continue to be popular with children all over the world. They are a testament to her talent as a writer and her understanding of the importance of childhood.
Tove Jansson (1914 – 2001)
Tove Jansson was a Finnish author and artist who is best known for her Moomin books. The Moomins are a family of white, hippopotamus-like trolls who live in Moominvalley, a magical land of forests, lakes, and seashores. Jansson’s Moomin books have been translated into over 50 languages and have sold over 150 million copies worldwide.
Jansson’s Moomin books are known for their gentle humour, their exploration of complex themes, and their beautiful illustrations. The Moomins are often seen as a metaphor for the human condition, and their stories often deal with themes of friendship, family, and the importance of imagination.
In addition to the Moomin books, Jansson also wrote several other children’s books, including The Summer Book and The Sculptor’s Daughter. She also wrote several novels for adults, including The Unknown Friend and The Wind’s Apprentice.
Jansson’s work has been praised by critics and readers alike. She has won numerous awards, including the Hans Christian Andersen Award, the highest international award for children’s literature. She is considered one of the most important children’s authors of the 20th century.
Roald Dahl (1916 – 1990)
Roald Dahl is one of the most popular and loved children’s authors of all time. His books, such as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, James and the Giant Peach, and Matilda, have been translated into over 50 languages and have sold over 200 million copies worldwide.
Dahl’s stories are known for their imaginative plots, their quirky characters, and their dark humour. He often uses his stories to explore themes of good versus evil, the power of imagination, and the importance of standing up to bullies. His books have been praised by critics and readers alike. They have been adapted into films, television shows, and stage productions. His work has also inspired other authors and artists.
Dahl’s legacy as a children’s author is secure. His books continue to be enjoyed by children and adults alike. They are a reminder that even the darkest of times can be filled with wonder and magic.
Judith Kerr (1923 – 2019)
Judith Kerr was a German-born British author and illustrator of children’s books. She was born in Berlin and fled Nazi Germany with her family in 1933. They settled in London, where Kerr studied art and began her career as an illustrator.
Kerr’s first book, The Tiger Who Came to Tea, was published in 1968. It was an instant success and has been translated into over 25 languages. The book tells the story of a little girl named Sophie who has a surprise visitor for tea: a tiger! The book is full of humour and charm, and it has been praised for its simple yet effective illustrations. It has been voted on several platforms as the most popular children’s book of all time.
Kerr went on to write many other successful children’s books, including Mog the Forgetful Cat, When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit, and The Other Way Round. Her books are known for their warm humour, their insights into childhood, and their beautiful illustrations.
Kerr was awarded an OBE in 2012 for her services to children’s literature. She died in 2019 at the age of 95.
Michael Bond (1926 – 2017)
Michael Bond was a British author best known for his series of children’s books featuring Paddington Bear. He served in the Royal Air Force during World War II, and then worked as a television cameraman and writer. In 1958, he published his first Paddington Bear book, A Bear Called Paddington. The book was an instant success, and Bond went on to write over 20 more Paddington Bear books.
The Paddington Bear books have been translated into over 40 languages and have sold over 35 million copies worldwide. The books have also been adapted into a popular television series and two feature films. Paddington Bear is a beloved character around the world, and he has been praised for his kindness, politeness, and sense of adventure.
Bond was a gifted writer with a warm and humorous touch. His Paddington Bear books are full of heart and humour, and they have touched the lives of generations of children. Bond was awarded the OBE in 1997 for his services to literature, and he was made a CBE in 2015. He died in 2017 at the age of 91.
Bond’s Paddington Bear books are a classic example of children’s literature at its best. They are timeless stories that will continue to be enjoyed by children for generations to come.
Jacqueline Wilson (1945 -)
Jacqueline Wilson is a British children’s author who has written over 100 books, including The Story of Tracy Beaker, Double Act, and Hetty Feather. Her books have been translated into over 30 languages and have sold over 40 million copies worldwide.
Wilson’s books are known for their realistic portrayal of children’s lives. She often deals with difficult topics such as adoption, divorce, and child abuse, but she does so in a way that is sensitive and age-appropriate. Her books have been praised for their humour, warmth, and emotional honesty.
Wilson has won numerous awards for her writing, including the Children’s Book Award, the Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize, and the Whitbread Children’s Book Award. She was also appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in 2002 for her services to literature.
Wilson is a passionate advocate for children’s literacy. She has spoken out about the importance of reading for pleasure and has worked to promote reading in schools and libraries. She is also the founder of the Jacqueline Wilson Charitable Trust, which supports literacy projects for children in need.
Wilson is one of the most popular children’s authors in the world. Her books have been enjoyed by millions of children around the world, and she has helped to shape the way that children’s literature is written and read.
J.K. Rowling (1965 -)
J.K. Rowling is a British author who is best known for her Harry Potter series of fantasy novels. The Harry Potter series has sold over 500 million copies worldwide and has been translated into 80 languages. The series has also been adapted into a successful film franchise.
Rowling’s writing for children is characterized by its humour, adventure, and moral messages. She is a master of creating believable and relatable characters, and her stories are full of excitement and wonder. Rowling’s books have inspired children all over the world to read and to dream.
In addition to the Harry Potter series, Rowling has also written several other books for children, including Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Quidditch Through the Ages, and The Tales of Beedle the Bard. She has also written a crime novel for adults, The Cuckoo’s Calling, under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith.
Rowling is a highly acclaimed author who has received numerous awards for her work, including the Hugo Award, the Nebula Award, and the British Book Award. She is also a member of the Order of the British Empire.
Rowling’s books have had a profound impact on children’s literature. They have inspired children to read, to dream, and to believe in themselves. Rowling is a true children’s author who has created some of the most loved and enduring books of all time.
David Walliams (1971 -)
David Walliams is a British comedian, actor, and children’s author. He has written over 30 children’s books, which have sold over 50 million copies worldwide. His books are known for their humour, their heartwarming stories, and their messages of acceptance and tolerance.
Walliams’s books have been translated into over 53 languages and have won numerous awards, including the Roald Dahl Funny Prize and the Children’s Book Award. He has also been nominated for the Carnegie Medal, the highest award for children’s literature in the United Kingdom.
Walliams’s books have been praised by critics and readers alike. They have been described as “funny, heartwarming, and thought-provoking”. Walliams’s books have also been credited with encouraging children to read.
Some of Walliams’s most popular books include The Boy in the Dress, Gangsta Granny, Mr Stink, Billionaire Boy, and Ratburger. These books have all been adapted into stage shows and television series.
And this concludes our list of writers who were all-time classic children’s authors. What’s your take on these, any children’s writers who are missing?