Classic or Modern literature?

Both. Why limit children to just one type of book? There are many wonderful classic children's books that I've read. However, there are just as many modern books. I say take each book on its own merit, not on how long it's been out there. You may miss a wonderful classic book if you reject it for being too old fashioned. At the same time, you might miss a gem of a modern book if you don't consider it because it hasn't had time to become a classic.

Classic literature by far. Most classic literature presents a problem, then solves it and teaches us something in the process. It's withstood the test of time. Generations of children have grown up with it, understood it and loved it.