“All grown-ups were once children… but only a few of them remember it,” – Antoine de Saint-Exupéry.
Do you remember the joy and excitement you felt as a kid when your favourite books transported you to a different realm? How inspiring was it to read awe-inspiring tales where your favourite characters stood tall in the face of adversity, battled dreadful villains, and triumphed against all odds. Those books taught you many values and morals of life, which shaped you into who you are today.
The lessons you learned from them are just as important now, during adulthood, as it was during childhood. They can help you sail through the challenges and achieve success in life. If you find yourself stuck in life and need a bit of motivation, or simply want to set your imagination free by drifting to a fantasy world, here are the eight best children’s books that you need to read right now.
Harriet the Spy, by Louise Fitzhugh
Harriet The Spy is a timeless classic that was published in 1964. It tells the story of an 11-year-old girl named Harriet M. Welsch who writes down observations about her friends and family in her notebook. But when that notebook falls in the hands of her schoolmates, who end up reading the unflattering notes she had written about them, they retaliate by ostracising her from their group. Written by Louise Fitzhugh, Harriet The Spy is an engaging read for anyone who enjoys stories with unique characters who think outside the box. This book teaches you to be true to yourself no matter what situation you find yourself in.
Coraline, by Neil Gaiman
Coraline is a story about a young girl who has just moved into an apartment with her parents. Left alone for large portions of the day, she spends her time exploring other parts of the building. This is when she discovers a door that acts as a pathway to an alternate world where she finds the kind of parents she had always wished for, but with buttons for eyes. Published in 2002, this thrilling book by Neil Gaiman tells you to appreciate what you have, no matter how imperfect they may be, and dare to fight for them in times of need.
The Invisible Boy, by Trudy Ludwig
The Invisible Boy is a heartfelt story about Brian, a young boy who was excluded by his peers for no apparent reason. No one ever invited him to join their group, for birthday parties, or to play games. He felt alone, almost invisible, even in the presence of others. But all that changed when he met Justin, a new boy in school. This Trudy Ludwig book, published in 2013, shows how a small act of kindness can completely transform a person’s life. All you need to do is notice the person, and they will find a way to flourish.
The Water and the Wild, by K.E. Ormsbee
In The Water and the Wild, 12-year-old orphan Lottie Fiske cared about two people the most—her best friend Eliot and the mysterious letter writer, who sends her gifts every year. But when Eliot becomes sick with a deadly disease, she takes it upon herself to find the cure. Fiske discovers that she can travel to another world through the magical green apple tree in her hometown. The book follows her pursuit as she faces numerous difficulties on her journey. Written by K.E Ormsbee and published in 2015, this book has elements like fantasy, friendship, and adventure that make it enjoyable to readers of all ages. It teaches you not to give up on your purpose no matter what challenges life throws your way.
Tuck Everlasting, by Natalie Babbitt
Esteemed author Natalie Babbitt wrote Tuck Everlasting in 1975. It asks a simple question. If you find a way to live forever, would you? This is a question that a 10-year-old Winnie Foster has to think about when she discovers the secret of the Tuck family—they are immortals. Will she join them or will she not? Or will she keep their secret from the people who seek to make a profit from the magical spring that gives eternal life? This book allows you to contemplate whether you would live forever if you could.
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, by Lewis Carroll
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland is a story about a girl who falls through a rabbit hole in a subterranean fantasy world with peculiar creatures like Mad Hatter and White Rabbit. This is widely considered as one of the best children’s books. Published in 1865, this Lewis Carroll classic can provide anyone with an escape when they need a break from the harsh realities of everyday life.
The Hundred Dresses, by Eleanor Estes
The Hundred Dresses, one of the classic children’s books, is a story about Wanda Petronski, a Polish girl, who is always teased by her schoolmates for wearing the same dress every day. Although she says that she has a hundred dresses in her wardrobe, no one believes her. When she quits school, her classmates realise how cruel they have been. One student, Maddie, in particular, vows never to stand by and watch when someone is getting bullied in her presence. Published in 1944, this powerful book stresses the importance of taking action instead of being a bystander.
Matilda, by Roald Dahl
Published in 1988, Matilda is a story about a five-year-old girl who is intelligent beyond her years but stuck with a family that doesn’t appreciate her. She soon discovers that she has certain abilities that allow her to move objects with her eyes. It is fundamentally a tale of good versus evil where you would want to root for Matilda, not because she has powers, but because she is genuinely good at heart.
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