Children's Books discussion

Are the old classics such as Kenneth Grahame's the Reluctant Dragon too old-fashioned for the children of today? is the language too difficult and archaic? What do you think?
I have been wondering about how to get the kids of today more interested in the children's books of old as I feel they are really missing out on some truly wonderful stories. Does anyone have an suggestions or opinions on how we can bring these stories of old into the new modern world?

Second to reading aloud, for all the reasons BunWat said. Also it's amazing what kids will sit still for if it means cozy time. My 16 yo son is letting me read Farmer Boy to him, despite the fact that when he's on his own he reads stuff like steampunk & Hunger Games & The Host.

Definitely reading aloud!
I've read The Reluctant Dragon with my kids, a rather old-fashioned retelling of The Arabian Nights, The Princess and the Goblin, A Little Princess...
The key is to be able to read fluently and with plenty of inflection and emotion so that kids get it even when they don't understand all the words. If you read in a dry monotone they're not going to go for it, so if you're not good at reading on the fly, it's worth it to read the book yourself first so you know what's coming - maybe even practice a bit as you would for any performance!
I've also found it helpful to stop every once in a while and ask whether everyone's up to speed. Doing an occasional quick summary of the situation helps, because of course it's no fun listening to a story when you can't figure out what's going on! I'm a huge believer in children's ability to accept, and indeed enjoy, the big words and flowery language that aren't in vogue with publishers right now. I've seen kids really glory in some of that "old-fashioned" language. But while it's terrific to push them a little bit above their comfort level, you can't push to where they're hopelessly confused or they'll be understandably turned off.
And I think, as others have suggested, that once kids are convinced by the idea that even older books can contain great stories, they'll be willing to give them a try.

Thanks so much for all your replies I think you have definitely given me faith that children can still be interested in the classic stories. What do you guys think about reading these types of classic children's stories on e-readers? As many of you have mentioned that reading aloud brings life to these stories, I wonder if you joined up the story with some audio narration on an e-reader would children engage more with it? I am personally under the belief that children can and do enjoy hearing these older stories as it challenges them to adapt to different styles of writing.

I think one important thing in developing a taste for the classics is to start 'em young, when they are still open-minded. Yes, reading aloud is vital, because it's is a component of the whole experience of cozy, shared family time. It tells your kids that you love the book too, and predisposes them to like it.

Wind in the Willows is one of my absolute favourite books. I've read it so many times that the Ratty and Mole and Toad in my head are in danger of bursting if I attempt another reading! But I'm thrilled that it's been chosen as the book for December, and look forward to the discussion.

Thanks for sharing about the app. I may introduce it to my 6 year old! I have never tried an ipad book with her yet, but would be curious to see if it sparked her interest.

The app does look like fun. But part of the import of the original is the pacing - the slow bits are meant to be indicative of the slow and mellow lifetsyle, for example. I'd say, enjoy this now, and next year get the edition that's illustrated by Tasha Tudor. I'll save more of my thoughts for the discussion thread.

Oh that's nice, Abigail. This is one the things I want to talk about in the main discussion. :)

Chandra, I read it last summer so I don't remember for sure, but I do believe the answers are Yes and Yes. :)

I'll admit that Wind in the Willows has never been one of my favorites - too much good-old-chapness, too much "Toad is one of us but weasels are clearly Bad"... but when my kids were about 6 or 7 they were given an abridged version as a gift - an abridged version without even the proper Shepard illustrations, I might add! Shocking! But - and it's an important "but" - they enjoyed it very much. So I say, if that's what it takes to whet a kids' appetite, there's no shame in it.
(That said, I do tend to share the prejudice against abridgment and can't imagine I'd have ever chosen this particular edition. Most things, if they're worth reading at all, they're worth reading as the author intended.)