The 9 classic children's books worth thousands - do you have any on your bookshelf?

These classic children's books could make you a fortune

Books On Table Against Shelf In Library
(Image credit: Pornsawan Sangmanee / EyeEm via Getty)

Everyone has their favourite classic children’s books they just can’t bear to part with - but did you ever imagine yours could make you some serious money? 

If you’re looking to have a proper refresh this year, then you might just be tempted to go through your bookshelves and stick to your best eReader instead. After all, bookworms may love seeking out the best books of the year to race through, but it’s all too easy to find run out of space for physical copies. Especially when there are always some much-loved titles you can’t imagine ever getting rid of. 

For many of us, these are nostalgic books from our childhoods and it seems it pays to be careful with what you throw away. Many classic children’s books not only hold huge sentimental value but could be worth thousands! 

New research from leading UK distance learning provider, Oxbridge, has discovered some of the most valuable books that are likely to be hiding in your collection. 

Have you got any of these classic children's books at home?

The Hobbit by J.R.R Tolkien 

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If you have a first, second, or even a second revised edition of Lord of the Rings author J.R.R. Tolkien's classic fantasy story, The Hobbit, you could be sitting on a fortune!

Oxbridge's research has shown that copies of this book can reach up to almost £10,000 in value. 

The second revised edition from 1951 is worth £5,000, whilst the First Edition, Fourth Impression from 1946 is valued at a staggering £9,995.  


Harry Potter and The Philosopher’s Stone by J.K.Rowling 

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It might be hard to believe that 24 years have passed since the first story in the phenomenally successful Harry Potter series was released! If you're one of the lucky readers who own one of the original versions of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, don't be too quick to clear it out. 

The True First Hardcover Edition from 1997 could be worth an astonishing £95,000. Whilst the First Paperback Edition first impression from the same year is valued at a still-impressive £30,000.


The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss 

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A lot of adults will have happy memories of reading the Dr. Seuss stories as children, with their whimsical rhymes and magical illustrations. But if you're really committed to refreshing your bookshelves, it might just be the ideal time to let this one go.

According to the research, a hardback first edition of The Cat in the Hat could get you a staggering £13,000, depending on the condition of your copy. 


The Hound of the Baskervilles by Arthur Conan Doyle

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The Sherlock Holmes stories have been re-imagined and adapted numerous times, making them a household favourite for many families. For anyone who read the classic stories as a child (or an adult!), it could be a good idea to rummage for your copies of the books, as first editions of The Hound of the Baskervilles could get you up to £9,000.  


The Jungle Book & Second Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling

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The original stories that the beloved Disney movie was based on are certainly filled with magic and wonder. And it seems that if you have particular editions of them at home, you could be just as blown away by the potential value as by the stories themselves. If you happen to find a Hardback First Edition from 1894 on your shelves, then you're in luck as this could reach a remarkable £6,650.


The Winnie-the-Pooh Collection by A.A. Milne

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Disney's Winnie-the-Pooh franchise might now be one of the most well-known representations of A.A. Milne's classic character, but if you haven't read any of his original Winnie the Pooh stories, then what's stopping you?

Filled with charm, they're classics for a reason and it seems they're also worth some serious money. The full first edition collection of four books (Winnie the Pooh, The House at Pooh Corner, When We Were Very Young, and Now We Are Six) could be worth around £17,500.


A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

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Readers across the globe may already be well-acquainted with this festive tale of redemption. But did you know how valuable the original editions of Charles Dickens’ iconic novel are? A true first edition will get you up to £33,000 with specialist sellers - something Ebenezer Scrooge himself would be impressed with. 


The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin by Beatrix Potter

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The charming illustrations of Beatrix Potter have been winning the hearts of children for over 120 years. These days copies of her books can be worth upwards from £1,500 for a First UK Edition to £4,500 for a First Trade Edition with deluxe binding. If the story of a naughty young squirrel isn't enough to get you excited, this certainly will be.


The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter 

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The Tale of Peter Rabbit is undoubtedly another beautiful book from Beatrix Potter and this mischievous rabbit is the character she is most often associated with. This particular children's classic can reach almost £15,000 for a hardback first edition and first printing so make sure to take extra special care of your copy if you have one sitting on your shelf at home. 

Emma Shacklock

Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. Her specialist areas include the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the next unmissable show to add to your to-watch list or delving into royal protocol, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!