On Reading Children's Books


For as long as I can remember I have always been hugely into reading. I am the resident book worm of the family and nothing gives me greater pleasure than sitting down and getting lost in a good book. Sometimes I find myself wanting to devour a 500 page novel that touches on deep issues, past or present. Other times I just want to pick up an easy read, one that will make me laugh and can be put back on the shelf at the end of the day. 

Working in a school has inspired me to read all the children's books I missed out on when I was younger. I was a big Jacqueline Wilson fan when I was in primary school and I can remember reading almost every single one of her books but I can't remember reading much else. I eventually read the Harry Potter books but there were so many other brilliant books that I never touched.

The thing about children''s books is that they are, for the most part, incredibly light-hearted and fun to read. Roald Dahl's collection has had me smiling and laughing at the nonsense that fills the pages. The Narnia books have taken me on many exciting adventures. The Lemony Snicket's series has had me on the edge of my seat hoping that the Baudelaire children escape in time. There's just something so refreshing about reading these stories and it's meant that I've been able to sit with the children in school and talk to them about new books they can read and see them get excited when chatting about beloved favourites.

Unlike a lot of adult books, children's books always seem to leave me with a sense of hope and optimism which I think, ultimately, is why I like them. The characters in these books are often brave and adventurous and intelligent and curious. They remind me of all the things I should still be aspiring to be, now that I'm twenty two and even in years to come. They teach the importance of kindness and forgiveness. The importance of friendship and family. The importance of having an imagination. Even though I have a  list as long as my arm of novels I want to read, I always find myself browsing those library shelves searching for another children's classic. 

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