It’s Totally Okay to Love Children’s Books into Adulthood
Some people assume that once you reach a certain age, you should outgrow your love for children's books. Nonsense! Whether you're 17 or almost 18, there's no reason you shouldn't continue to enjoy the delightful and imaginative world of children's literature. In fact, many adults find that these books not only offer a comforting escape but also feature some of the most beautiful illustrations and narratives in the literary world.
Discovering the Magic of Children's Literature
To help you explore the enchanting realm of children's books further, I’ve got a few recommendations for you. John Norris Wood's “Nature Hide and Seek” series is a fantastic choice for nature enthusiasts. This series includes:
Oceans (1985) Jungles (1987) Woods and Forests (1993) Rivers and Lakes (1993)Another interesting read is Joe Kaufman’s "Slimy Creepy Crawly Creatures" (1985). This book not only provides fascinating insights into the world of insects and small creatures but also raises important environmental awareness. For instance, it reveals that the tortoiseshell jewelry is made from the carapace (upper shell) of the critically endangered hawksbill sea turtle.
In addition, Macmillan Children’s Guide to Endangered Animals (1993) offers a sobering look at the global wildlife crisis. It highlights that the number of elephants in Africa drastically declined from 1.3 million to 600,000 between 1979 and 1990 due to habitat destruction and poaching for ivory tusks.
Why Pictures Matter
Picture books and some children's fiction are not limited to the tastes of young minds. These stories often feature incredible artwork that enriches the narrative experience. Why miss out on these masterful creations when you can appreciate the visual storytelling just as much as the plot?
Finding Great Books to Love
Countless adults enjoy young adult books. If you’ve been enjoying these, why not expand your horizons and explore more genres? There are numerous high-quality books out there that cater to all tastes.
For example, my mother in her 50s still finds joy in children's books. As someone in my mid-20s, I was deeply moved by Julia Donaldson’s “Stick Man,” a truly outstanding book. Remember, a great book is a great book; it doesn't matter if it was originally written for children.
My experience working in a high school library made me realize that “Graveyard Book” by Neil Gaiman was exceptionally popular among students. This novel, written by a highly respected author, offers captivating storytelling and profound themes.
As an artist myself, I frequently discuss cartoons and illustrated books with friends and other artists. We critique these works with the same seriousness as when discussing classic films. Sometimes, it's surprising to find that classics like Disney's "The Princess and the Frog" often get dismissed as too underrated.
If you're feeling mocked by friends for your love of children's books, remember that being yourself is more important. Once you start sharing and discussing this interest with others, you'll find plenty of like-minded adults who appreciate the beauty and wisdom of children's literature just as much as you do.