Why You Should Read Children’s Books
About six months ago, Mac Barnett published a book called, Make Believe: On Telling Stories to Children. In it, Barnett writes, “Maybe more like 94.7 percent of kids’ books are crud.” This quote has been shared across social media almost faster than you can blink with authors, illustrators, librarians, teachers, and bloggers all having something to say about it. I read the book myself to see how I felt and while I think he got some parts of the publishing world correct, I think throwing out a callous number like 94.7% without having any science to back it up is disrespectful to the very industry he has found success in.
But, I’m not here to talk about Mac Barnett’s book, I want to share a different book that shares the magic of children’s literature and encourages adults to take a chance on children’s literature. This book is called Why You Should Read Children’s Books, Even Though You Are So Old and Wise by Katherine Rundell. Published just last month this commentary on children’s literature is both thought-provoking and at the same time a love letter to my favorite books. Easily read in one setting, this slight book offers readers a chance to remember what they loved most about children’s literature and maybe more importantly, the allowance to pick up a children’s book again.
Why read children’s books?
There are probably a dozen reasons why anyone should pick up a children’s book to read, but I think there are a few reasons that are the most enticing. The first? Children’s books offer adults an opportunity to escape. Adult books and many young adult and children’s titles deal with really heavy topics, but most middle grade novels offer readers a much more hopeful note than you’ll ever find in an adult novel. This escape into a world offers readers a view of positivity that, in all honesty, can be difficult to conjure these days.
Another reason to read children’s books is to rekindle childlike wonder, curiosity and silliness. If you’re looking for a book that will make you laugh out loud, please pick up Kate McKinnon’s middle grade novel The Millicent Quibb School of Etiquette for Young Ladies of Mad Science. If you get a chance to listen to the audiobook, do it! Kate (and her sister) narrate the story and it’s absolutely amazing. I think most adults are so stressed out that the chance to take a step back and wonder or ruminate over something seemingly inconsequential is slim. I would argue that taking a hike in nature also offers the opportunity to rekindle that wonder and curiosity (especially when you make a point of looking around and noticing the tiny details that build a forest or create a landscape).
“Those who write for children are trying to arm them for the life ahead with everything we can find that is true. And perhaps, also, secretly, to arm adults against those necessary compromises and necessary heartbreaks that live involves: to remind them that there are and always will be great, sustaining truths to which we can return.”
– Katherine Rundell
And finally, reading children’s books offers kids and adults a chance to step into someone else’s shoes. An opportunity to build empathy for the life of another. Studies have shown that reading fiction can build empathy and isn’t that a wonderful thing? A chance for kids and teens to stand up for justice, believe in the good in others, and maybe not be quite so judgmental.
Children’s books offer readers an escape from reality and if you’re looking for some suggestions, please take a moment to visit my reading lists that offer hundreds of book suggestions. You can also chat with you local librarian or independent bookseller as you search for something to read. But, honestly, the best option is to ask a kid. You’d be surprised by how excited they’ll get when asked for their opinion on something. Will you love their suggestion? Maybe not, but wouldn’t it be fun to talk about when you see them next time? So, the next time you’re looking for something to read, pick up a children’s book! Maybe a classic you didn’t read as a kid or something new that’s caught your eye, you’ll be in for a treat!
