I noticed James posting the top 10 evil children book and people responding, but why hasn't anyone pointed to good children books.

I just remembered one with a moderately good movie to boot:

Charlotte's Web

It's my favorite, I admit, because I felt really bad for Wilbur *(Strangely enough, I am not a big pork eater, I prefer steak). I like the idea of the entire story and there was a romantic cross species relationship under-toned throughout the story between Wilbur and Charlotte. It went into the most beautiful ending, where Wilbur helps care for Charlotte's eggs after she dies and it becomes almost like a subtle allegory to gay relationships and adoption issues. Thinking of it in that term brings tear to my each time.

I might be over thinking a children story, but the theme of acceptance between a spider and lonely pig is beautiful. There is a real relationship between the two seeking companionship not among the norms of their species, but something different. The last part with Charlotte dying and giving custody of her children to Wilbur is such a powerful and moving realization at how much trust and love these two have for each other.

You can apply it as a heterosexual piece as well, but I tend to feel the differences in species may expand that idea. It can be a class-conflict, a ethnic, and dare I say homosexual romance parallel. Kids will enjoy it and will root for Wilbur desire to survive and Teens/Adults will love the existential themes as they grow up and re-read it or see the movie.

I don't know about my subtle analysis on the themes in connection with gay issues, but I do recommend it as a children story about acceptance, love, perseverance, and hope.