Introducing Kids to Classic Lit

📚🎃 Free e-books on Kindle October 14/15, 2025

• Something Wicked This Way Comes  (Ages 6-10)

An illustrated picture book that is a little spooky but age appropriate.

• Rappin Tappin Halloween (Ages 5-10)

My nod to the master of all things spooky, Edgar Allen Poe.

Classic literature may feel intimidating, but when introduced in the right way, it can become a magical experience for children. Two authors often thought of as “too advanced” for kids—William Shakespeare and Edgar Allan Poe—can actually spark curiosity, creativity, and imagination in young readers.

Why Shakespeare?

Shakespeare’s works may be centuries old, but the themes are timeless—friendship, adventure, mischief, and love. Children don’t need to understand every word of A Midsummer Night’s Dream to giggle at magical fairies causing trouble or mischievous characters swapping places. By starting with age-appropriate adaptations, picture books, or performances, kids can enjoy the stories first and grow into the language as they mature.

Why Poe?

Edgar Allan Poe introduces children to the thrill of the mysterious and the spooky. Poems such as The Raven can be simplified or retold in ways that keep the mood intact while toning down darker details. Poe’s work can be especially appealing to children who already love Halloween stories, mysteries, or anything with a touch of the eerie. 

How to Make It Fun

• Adaptations first: Use children’s editions, illustrated versions, or modern retellings.

• Read aloud: Both Shakespeare and Poe shine when spoken. Dramatic readings make the rhythm and emotion come alive.

• Keep it short: Start with a scene, a stanza, or a short tale. Small doses help children savor the beauty without feeling overwhelmed.

The Lasting Gift

By weaving in Shakespeare’s playful wit and Poe’s haunting imagination, parents and teachers can show children that classic literature isn’t dry or boring—it’s alive, dramatic, and endlessly inspiring. Early exposure plants the seeds for a lifelong appreciation of storytelling and language.