Posted by Copyright-free children’s books can help provide your kids with a wealth of knowledge that is available at no cost. They can also offer diverse perspectives, often including stories that are not commonly found in the traditional media.
According to a 2019 report from Scholastic, about 95% of parents who were surveyed said that reading aloud to their children is one of their top priorities. However, only half of children ages 0–8 are read to every day.
Reading aloud helps children build their vocabulary, improve comprehension, and develop a lifelong love for books.
However, not all books are easily accessible or affordable for families. That’s where copyright-free books come in.
In this article, we’ll explore some copyright-free books for kids, the benefits of reading copyright-free books, and other vital information that you may need. So, let’s get started.
Benefits of Reading Copyright-Free Books for Kids
The following are the benefits that come with reading books with no copyright:
- Free to access and share
- Promotes early literacy
- Supports a lifelong love of reading
- It helps children develop a strong vocabulary
- Encourages critical thinking.
Free to Access and Share
Copyright-free books are available to anyone, anywhere. They can be downloaded or printed without any restrictions.
This means that families can access a wide range of literature without worrying about cost or access. In addition, copyright-free books can be shared with people, making them a great resource for building community around reading.
Promotes Early Literacy
Research shows that children who read too early on have an advantage when it comes to reading skills and school readiness.
Children who are read to before the age of 3 have higher levels of vocabulary and comprehension by the time they enter kindergarten.
Copyright-free books can be a valuable tool for promoting early literacy in a fun and engaging way.
Supports a Lifelong Love of Reading
Reading aloud is not only beneficial for early literacy, but it also helps to instill a love of reading in children that will last a lifetime.
Children who love reading are more likely to do well in school and are more likely to go on to pursue higher education.
Copyright-free books can play an important role in fostering a love of reading by introducing children to a wide range of stories and topics that they might not otherwise be exposed to.
It Helps Children Develop a Strong Vocabulary
Copyright-free books help to expose children to new words and concepts naturally and engagingly. This helps them to develop a strong vocabulary that will serve them throughout their lives.
It also offers a rich vocabulary and a wide range of topics, which can help children build a strong foundation for language development.
Encourages Critical Thinking
Access to books encourages your kids to think critically about the stories they hear. They can ask questions, make predictions, and draw conclusions about the story.
Copyright-free books offer the opportunity for children to ask questions and make connections between the story and their own lives.
In addition, reading aloud can help to develop a child’s listening skills, which are an important part of critical thinking. Provides Diverse Perspectives
List of 30 Copyright-Free Children’s Books
The following children’s books are copyright-free:
- Charlotte’s Web
- The Secret Garden
- Peter Rabbit
- The Jungle Book
- Stuart Little
- The Boxcar Children
- The Little Prince
- Mary Poppins
- Winnie-the-Pooh
- The Little House on the Prairie
- A Little Princess
- The Borrowers
- Heidi
- A Wrinkle in Time
- The Phantom Tollbooth
- Tom Sawyer
- The Wizard of Oz
- Anne of Green Gables
- The Chronicles of Prydain
- Goldilocks and the Three Bears
- The Ugly Duckling
- Pinocchio
- The Three Billy Goats Gruff
- Puss in Boots
- The Princess and the Pea
- Sleeping Beauty
- The Little Mermaid
- Beauty and the Beast
- Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
- Jack and the Beanstalk.
Insight on the List of Books That Are Copyright-Free
Charlotte’s Web
- Year Published: 1952
Description
This book tells the story of a young girl named Fern who saves a piglet named Wilbur from being slaughtered.
Wilbur is raised on Fern’s uncle’s farm, where he meets a spider named Charlotte. Charlotte becomes Wilbur’s friend and helps save his life by writing messages on the web
The book is a timeless classic and has been made into a movie, a stage play, and an animated television show.
The Secret Garden
- Year Published: 1911
Description
The story follows Mary Lennox, a young girl who is sent to live with her uncle in England after her parents die in India.
At first, Mary is a spoiled and unhappy child, but she soon discovers a secret garden on the grounds of her uncle’s estate.
With the help of a boy named Dickon and her cousin Colin, Mary works to restore the garden to its former glory.
Peter Rabbit
- Year Published: 1901
Description
Peter Rabbit is a classic children’s book by Beatrix Potter. This book tells the story of a mischievous rabbit named Peter who lives in Mr. McGregor’s garden.
The book is full of humor and adventure, and children have been enjoying it for generations.
The Jungle Book
Description
- Year Published: 1894
This is a classic story by Rudyard Kipling that tells the tale of Mowgli, a young boy who was raised by wolves in the Indian jungle.
Mowgli learns the ways of the jungle from his animal friends, including Baloo the bear and Bagheera the panther.
The Jungle Book is a timeless story that explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and survival. It has been adapted into several movies, including the popular Disney version.
Stuart Little
- Year Published: 1945
Description
Though Stuart is only two inches tall, he is treated like a member of the family. He learns to read, write, and even drive a car.
Stuart Little is a heartwarming and humorous tale that several generations of kids have enjoyed and are still enjoying.
If you’re looking for a classic children’s book that will make you smile, look no further than Stuart Little.
The Boxcar Children
- Year Published: 1924
Description
The Boxcar Children is a beloved children’s book by Gertrude Chandler Warner. It tells the story of four orphaned siblings who live in an abandoned boxcar in the woods.
The children work together to make a home for themselves and learn valuable life lessons along the way.
The Little Prince
- Year Published: 1943
Description
The Little Prince is a classic French novella by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. This story follows a pilot who crashes into the Sahara Desert and meets a little prince from another planet.
The prince tells the pilot about his adventures and the strange places he has been, and the two form a special friendship.
This book has been translated into over 250 languages and is one of the most widely read books in the world.
Mary Poppins
- Year Published: 1934
Description
Mary Poppins is a magical children’s book by P.L. Travers. In this book, Mary Poppins is a very special nanny who can fly, talk to animals, and make magic happen.
She helps the Banks children learn important lessons and have exciting adventures, including a visit to the upside-down world of Mr. Topsy Turvy.
The book has been adapted into a popular movie and musical, but the original story remains a timeless classic.
Winnie-the-Pooh
- Year Published: 1926
Description
This book tells the story of Winnie-the-Pooh, a bear who lives in the Hundred-Acre Wood with his friends.
The story follows Pooh and his friends as they go on adventures, get into mischief, and have plenty of tea parties.
Winnie-the-Pooh is a sweet and whimsical book that has been enjoyed by generations of readers.
The Little House on the Prairie
- Year Published: 1926
Description
The story follows the Ingalls family as they move from their home in the Big Woods of Wisconsin to a new home on the Kansas prairie.
His family faces many challenges, including a long winter with little food, but they learn to be resilient and rely on each other.
The Little House on the Prairie is a classic American story that various generations of readers enjoy reading.
A Little Princess
- Year Published: 1935
Description
This story follows Sara Crewe, a young girl who is sent to a boarding school in London after her father goes off to war.
When tragedy strikes, Sara must overcome hardship and find the strength to survive. Along the way, she discovers that she is a little princess in her own right.
A Little Princess is a timeless story about courage, perseverance, and finding beauty in everyday life.
The Borrowers
- Year Published: 1935
Description
This story takes place in a world where tiny people called Borrowers secretly live in the homes of “human beans” and borrow things they need to survive.
It is a fun and imaginative book that takes readers on a journey into a secret world. It has been adapted into several movies, including the popular film, The Secret World of Arrietty.
Heidi
- Year Published: 1880
Description
This story follows a young orphan girl named Heidi, who is sent to live with her grandfather in the Swiss Alps.
There, Heidi finds joy and adventure as she explores the mountains and makes new friends. Heidi is a heartwarming tale about finding happiness in unexpected places and learning to appreciate the simple things in life.
A Wrinkle in Time
- Year Published: 1962
Description
The story is about a young girl named Meg Murry who goes on an adventure through time and space to find her missing father. Along the way, she meets three mysterious characters who help her on her journey.
This book has won numerous awards and has been adapted into a movie and a graphic novel. It is considered a landmark work of children’s literature.
The Phantom Tollbooth
- Year Published: 1961
Description
The story follows a bored boy named Milo, who finds a mysterious tollbooth in his bedroom that takes him on an adventure to the Lands Beyond.
There, he meets a cast of colorful characters, including the Humbug, the Whether Man, and Tock the Watchdog.
The book has been praised for its clever wordplay and humor, and it has been adapted into a film and a stage musical.
Tom Sawyer
- Year Published: 1876
Description
This is a story about the adventures of Tom Sawyer, a mischievous boy who lives in the town of St. Petersburg, Missouri.
Tom gets into all sorts of trouble, from whitewashing fences to witnessing a murder. Along the way, he makes friends with the clever Huckleberry Finn and the clever and spunky Becky Thatcher.
This book has been adapted into numerous films, plays, and even a popular musical.
The Wizard of Oz
- Year Published: 1900
Description
The Wizard of Oz is an imaginative tale of friendship, courage, and the importance of finding your way home.
It has been adapted into films, musicals, etc.
Anne of Green Gables
- Year Published: 1908
Description
The story follows the adventures of Anne Shirley, a precocious orphan girl who is sent to live with an elderly brother and sister in the town of Avonlea, Prince Edward Island.
Anne is full of spirit and imagination, and she quickly makes friends and finds her place in the community.
It has been adapted into numerous films and television series, and it has even inspired a popular musical.
The Chronicles of Prydain
- Year Published: 1964
Description
The Chronicles of Prydain is a classic fantasy series by Lloyd Alexander. Taran’s quest takes him across the land of Prydain, where he encounters mysterious wizards, fearsome beasts, and a cast of unforgettable characters.
The series has been beloved by readers for decades and has inspired numerous shows, including a Disney film and an animated television series.
Goldilocks and the Three Bears
- Year Published: 1837
Description
The story follows a curious girl named Goldilocks, who wanders into the house of three bears while they are away.
Goldilocks and the Three Bears is a classic cautionary tale that has been retold in many forms, including animated films, musicals, and even operas.
The Ugly Duckling
- Year Published: 1843
Description
The Ugly Duckling is a classic fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen. This is a timeless tale about self-acceptance and belonging.
It has been retold in countless ways, including as a popular animated film and a musical, and it continues to resonate with readers of all ages.
Pinocchio
- Year Published: 1883
Description
Pinocchio is a classic Italian fairy tale by Carlo Collodi. The character, known as Pinocchio, is eager to become a real boy, but he gets into mischief and finds himself in a series of uncomfortable situations.
With the help of a cricket named Jiminy, Pinocchio learns to be honest and truthful. Pinocchio is a timeless tale about the importance of morality and growing up.
The Three Billy Goats Gruff
- Year Published: 1841
Description
This is a story that follows three billy goats who must cross a bridge to reach fresh grass, but a troll lurks beneath the bridge, threatening to eat them.
The goats must outwit the troll to reach their destination. The Three Billy Goats Gruff is a well-known tale about courage and resourcefulness.
Puss in Boots
- Year Published: 1697
Description
Puss uses his wits and boots to help his master become a wealthy landowner. Along the way, Puss outsmarts a fearsome ogre and saves his master’s life.
It is a beloved tale about a resourceful and cunning hero. The story has been adapted into several films, including a popular animated film by DreamWorks Animation.
The Princess and the Pea
- Year Published: 1835
Description
One day, a young woman arrives at the castle, claiming to be a princess. To test her claim, the prince places a pea under her bed.
When the princess complains about a terrible night’s sleep, the prince knows she must be a true princess.
The Princess and the Pea is a charming tale about love, truth, and sensitivity. It has been retold in numerous forms, including film and stage adaptations.
Sleeping Beauty
- Year Published: 1697
Description
This is a classic fairy tale by Charles Perrault. It’s a book about a princess whom an evil fairy cursed to fall into a deep sleep.
Only the kiss of a prince can awaken her. The story has been adapted into several films and stage productions.
The tale is considered to be in the public domain and is free for anyone to adapt or retell. This makes it a popular choice for copyright-free children’s books.
The Little Mermaid
- Year Published: 1837
Description
The Little Mermaid is a classic Danish fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen. It’s a story that has been adapted into films, musicals, and even ballet productions.
The original story is considered public domain and is available to adapt for copyright-free children’s books.
Beauty and the Beast
- Year Published: 1740
Description
Beauty and the Beast tells the story of a beautiful young woman whose name is Belle. In this story, a monstrous beast holds Belle captive, and over time, she learns to see beyond the beast’s appearance and finds love.
The tale has been adapted into many different forms, including Disney’s animated classic. While the Disney film is copyrighted, the original story is in the public domain.
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
- Year Published: 1812
Description
This is a story about a young princess named Snow White who is forced to flee her home after her stepmother, the evil queen, tries to have her killed.
Snow White finds shelter with seven dwarfs in the forest, but the evil queen will stop at nothing to destroy her.
Jack and the Beanstalk
- Year Published: 1734
Description
Jack and the Beanstalk is a beloved fairy tale about a young boy named Jack who trades his family’s cow for a handful of magic beans.
The beans grow into a giant beanstalk that leads to a land in the clouds, where Jack encounters a giant and his golden goose.
FAQs on Copyright-Free Children’s Books
Are public domain books the same as copyright-free books?
While public domain and copyright-free are often used interchangeably, they are not exactly the same. Public domain refers to the status of a work once the copyright has expired. Copyright-free, on the other hand, refers to works that have been intentionally released without copyright protection. That said, public domain works are generally also considered to be copyright-free. So while all copyright-free books are in the public domain, not all public domain books are necessarily copyright-free.
Can I print and share copyright-free books?
Yes, you can print and share copyright-free books freely, as long as you do not claim ownership of the book or try to profit from it. You are also free to translate and adapt the book for different audiences.
Do I need to credit the author or publisher of a copyright-free book?
While you are not legally required to credit the author or publisher of a copyright-free book, it is generally considered good practice to do so. Giving credit to the author or publisher shows respect for their work and helps to ensure that others can find the original source of the book. It's also a good way to show appreciation for the work that has gone into preserving and distributing the book. If you are using a specific version of a book, such as an ebook or audio version, you should also credit the person or organization that created that version.
How do I find out if a book is in the public domain?
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Conclusion
Copyright-free children’s books are a wonderful resource for parents, teachers, and caregivers. They provide an opportunity for kids to explore classic stories and discover new worlds.
And because these books are free to use and distribute, they can be shared widely, promoting literacy and a love of reading.
Whether you’re looking for a new bedtime story or a book to read aloud in class, copyright-free children’s books offer a wealth of options.