Do you know the feeling you had as a child when you new book or seen a new movie and it was like being transported to a whole new world? I remember finding a new book and being so slightly captivated by the writing that it felt like I was right there in it! Back to that childhood Books can bring back that childlike sense of wonder – of the endless possibilities and new worlds to discover – and the feeling of being reunited with an old friend after years of separation!
I have been re-reading these old classics from my childhood to escape the stress, make my inner child feel seen and reignite childlike imagination and curiosity! So I thought I would put together a list of my favourite children’s books for you to read againfor all the inspiration you loved back then and maybe just forgot about. 😉 Nothing is better than returning to a book like this as an adult and recognizing the themes and metaphors you may have missed the first time around.
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The Little Princeby Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
This book is filled to the brim with childlike wonder and imagination; so much so that I remember being amazed And a little confused by it. But I loved it anyway and drew the illustrations all day long.
The Little Prince is a beautiful book about friendship, loneliness, and working to make amends for your actions. This incredibly insightful story will teach you a lot about what it means to be a true friend and a good person overall. One of my favorite themes of the book, however, is the creativity and wonder of children. I hope that reading this book as an adult will rekindle some of that wonder in you!
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Matilda by Roald Dahl
Roald Dahl creates the most incredible worlds in his books that really sweep you away and move you so much. This book in particular made me feel so valuable as a child – and as an adult it has done exactly the same! Matilda is a sweet young girl whose light is dimmed by her unbearable parents and mean headmaster. But one day she learns that her superpower is her mind and the ability to fight back against those who are mean to us! Maltida ultimately shows everyone that they too can stand up for themselves and be their own hero! And the original film is Only as good as the book!
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The Big Friendly Giant by Roald Dahl
I had to add another great book by Roald Dahl because I just can’t get enough of it! The Big Friendly GiantRoald teaches us not to lose our childlike optimism and to always see the best in others. He also shows us that kindness always wins and that together we can achieve anything! I find this story so inspiring!
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The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
I think we were all equally fascinated by this book, especially by the incredible world that CS Lewis created. Although this book deals with quite a lot of religious themes, it also shows us how children explore, follow their imaginations, and fight hard for those they love. This book (and movie) will surely let your imagination and curiosity run wild! Plus, we get a Greta Gerwig Adaptation at some point – YAY!
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Oh, the places you will visit! by Dr. Suess
Every time I pick it up I immediately start a sort of therapeutic, somewhat inconsolable crying fit. It really is a phenomenal book that has meant so much to me over the years. Oh, the places you will visit! is a story that reminds you of what you are capable of and what you can achieve if you just believe in yourself and have faith in yourself, no matter what ups and downs you encounter! Because who knows where you could end up! (Am I bringing tears to my eyes as I write this? Maybe!)
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Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
Lewis Carroll created a delightful and enchanting universe full of magic, potions and mysterious Cheshire cats. The main theme of this book is exploration and the freedom to be curious as a child. It is the same curiosity, imagination and desire to explore that we should take with us into our adult lives – even when it feels like we should be serious and buttoned up. Ultimately Alice in Wonderland will be an entertaining reading experience and will open your eyes to become “ever more curious”.
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The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
The Secret Garden shows Mary how, after the death of her parents, she opens a secret garden and begins to make friends with the people around her. This storyhighlights an important main message of healing in all its many forms and that perhaps we all need to find our own “secret garden” to find inner peace. It really is a great reminder of how we should behave and treat others, the power of positive thinking and the importance of keeping an open mind.
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Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
I still remember reading this as a child and then watching the film. At first I had a gigantic I had a crush on Josh Hutcherson. Second, I truly believed that I could achieve the same abilities to create other worlds as they did. It was magical and I truly believed it could be possible in my lifetime – which is so endearing! Third, the ending absolutely crushed me. But regardless of the many tears I shed, this is a story full of endless possibilities and the power of your imagination and how you can translate that into your real life. Terabithia can be anywhere!
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Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by JK Rowling
The crazy thing is that millions of adults around the world could tell you how reading Harry Potter as a kid. There really was no better feeling than staying up late with the flashlight burning to see what action-packed adventure Harry and his friends would have next. These books practically raised me! I re-read them a few years ago and it has brought so much joy into my life.
Although this is the second book in a seven-part series, each Harry Potter The story underlines the importance of having courage, standing up for what is right and staying true to yourself.
Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans
“In an old house in Paris
which was covered with vines
lived twelve little girls
in two straight lines
the smallest was Madeline.”
I will never forget reading this as a child and dreaming about it Paris! I recently re-read the book after a visit to Paris and was so grateful to have fulfilled my childhood dream of seeing the dreamy streets of France. This is one of those books that I will read over and over again as a loving reminder that my little self would be so proud of where we are in life! This whimsical book is sure to take you on an adventure in your mind (and possibly make you want to travel to Paris ASAP).
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