Age rating and parents' guide:All Time Favourites for Children
by Ruskin Bond
Ages 8–12
All Time Favourites for Children by Ruskin Bond is best for children aged 8–12. It has mild violence, a few mildly scary moments, no romance and no bad language. Worth knowing: A few stories with wild-animal attacks and a father's death.
Twenty-five of Ruskin Bond's best-loved stories in one book, set in the hills and small towns of India. There are leopards and ghosts, friendships and journeys, and many children finding their way. Invites children to pick a favourite and say why it stayed with them.
Content ratings
How much of each a parent can expect, from none to strong.
- Violence
- Mild
- Scary moments
- Mild
- Romance
- None
- Bad language
- None
Worth knowing: A few stories with wild-animal attacks and a father's death
Content checked by Dhiraj Bodade, co-founder of Bookstaken, on .
At a glance
- Novel
- Emotionally light
- Indian author, setting or story
Reading mood
- Warm & heartfelt
Books like All Time Favourites for Children
Similar stories for the same ages, none more intense than this one should be for its youngest readers.
Ages 8–12
Grandpa's Bag of Stories
by Sudha Murty
When Anoushka, Krishna, Meenu, and Raghu travel with their grandparents to Mayawati in the scenic hills of Uttarakhand, their trip becomes extra special as Ajja takes over storytelling duties. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks and deodar trees, Ajja shares engaging tales of princesses, kings, mermaids, and magical everyday objects while the children discover Pahadi traditions and make new friends.
Ages 8–12
Kiki's Delivery Service
by Eiko Kadono
At thirteen, every witch must leave home for a year, so Kiki flies off on her broom with her black cat, Jiji. In a seaside town she starts a flying delivery service and learns to stand on her own. Invites children to talk about growing up, homesickness and finding your place.
Ages 8–12
The Year of the Dog
by Grace Lin
It is the Chinese year of the dog, a year for finding yourself, so Pacy sets out to find her talent. Growing up Taiwanese-American, she wonders where she fits, and makes a best friend along the way. Invites children to talk about identity, family stories and what they are good at.
Ages 8–12
Finn Family Moomintroll
by Tove Jansson
After the long winter sleep, the Moomins find a black hat on a mountaintop, and it changes whatever is put inside it. A summer of strange magic follows in Moominvalley. Invites children to talk about friendship and what they would put in the hat.
Ages 9–11
Because of Winn-Dixie
by Kate DiCamillo
Ten-year-old India Opal Buloni has just moved to a small Florida town with her preacher father, feeling lonely and missing the mother who abandoned her years ago. Everything changes when she finds a scruffy, smiling stray dog in the local supermarket and takes him home. Offers space for thoughtful conversations about empathy and difficult choices.
Ages 9–16
Looking for the Rainbow
by Ruskin Bond
Ruskin Bond remembers the two years he lived alone with his father in Delhi during the Second World War. They went to the cinema, collected stamps and talked about everything. Invites children to talk about the people they love and the memories they keep.
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Questions parents ask
Q: What age is All Time Favourites for Children for?
Q: Is All Time Favourites for Children appropriate for a 8 year old?
Q: What should my child read after All Time Favourites for Children?
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