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Many adults return to the books they read and loved as children. While this may be for nostalgic reasons, a surprising number of classic children’s books contain ideas aimed at more mature minds. This article discusses eight wonderful children’s books whose powerful messages and beautiful prose have the ability to impact the adult reader and perhaps draw out their inner child as well.
Hans Christian Andsersen was a prolific writer, best known for his fairy tales. This collection of stories, including ‘The Little Mermaid’ and ‘The Emperor’s New Clothes’, has charmed readers for generations. While these fantastical stories easily capture childish imaginations, Andersen includes many pearls of wisdom intended for older readers. His exquisite prose presents life key lessons that cannot fail to intrigue and educate the adult mind.“To be of use to the world is the only way to be happy.”
“I knew who I was this morning, but I've changed a few times since then.”
The detached, fantastical world of Alice in Wonderland never fails to captivate readers of all ages. Carroll’s wonderfully vivid descriptions draw the curious reader into a fascinating though often dangerous world. It is this sense of escapism and Carroll’s exploration of more complex themes that has often appealed to adult readers. Issues of identity, cruelty and death are threaded through the pages, raising intriguing questions that can be caught and digested by the more experienced reader.
The Wind in the Willows was always intended as a book for adults but became a story that could be enjoyed by children also. The story contains a cast of utterly endearing characters and readers cannot easily resist the charms of Mole, Badger, Ratty and Mr. Toad. Comic capers and perfect picnics fill the pages as readers are taken on delightful adventures alongside the characters. While these fascinating characters can be enjoyed by children, for the most part they behave more like English gentlemen living leisurely, and often risky, lives.“As he looked, he lived; and still, as he lived, he wondered.”
“What is this," said the leopard,"that is so 'sclusively dark, and yet so full of little pieces of light?”
Unlike Kenneth Grahame’s novel, Kipling’s Just So Stories were written with small children in mind. Despite this fact, Kipling also used his writing to convey more complex themes. His stories illustrate the beauty of British India, his place of birth, while also exploring the intricacies of colonialism and the conflict between civilization and nature. The tales are anthropomorphic, sharing fantasies about the origins of different animals across the world. Kipling’s subtle humour creates an innocent atmosphere beneath which lies a much deeper wisdom.
This masterpiece transports the reader into a magical world, where animals can talk and a wicked ice queen seeks to destroy all. Beyond this realm of magic and adventure, the book carries another narrative. The fight between good and evil is in fact a religious allegory, a triumph of the Christian ideology Lewis believed in. While this underlying thread is often lost on young readers, adults can more readily understand the author’s intention.“If ever they remembered their life in this world it was as one remembers a dream.”
“Rivers know this: there is no hurry. We shall get there some day."
The adventures of this friendly teddy bear have long delighted children and adults alike. While the story may seem whimsical on the surface, it is filled with small nuggets of wisdom. A. A. Milne writes about the importance of friendship and gratitude and helps readers to understand that just being with someone we love is precious. Winnie the Pooh draws upon aspects of Milne’s own childhood and this element of nostalgia, alongside the lessons taught, that so easily captivate the adult mind.
Like Winnie the Pooh, Anne of Green Gableshas a certain, nostalgic appeal. L. M. Montgomery creates a somewhat familiar world between the pages, a world of everyday challenges and simple blessings. The adventures experienced by orphaned Anne Shirley in the idyllic town of Avonlea conjure images of childish bliss. The book is packed with powerful stories of friendship and hope that adult readers cannot fail to enjoy. Montgomery’s later writings of Anne as she grows up, marries and becomes a mother also appeal to more mature readers.“You can nearly always enjoy things if you make up your mind firmly that you will.”
This classic tale of love and loss certainly pulls at the heartstrings. The beautiful prose tells of a pig named Wilbur and his friendship with a spider named Charlotte. It is a tender story of companionship that teaches the values of consistency, integrity and friendship. While the story is particularly for children to enjoy, the lessons and messages written by E. B. White are there to be understood and appreciated by readers of all ages.“After all, what’s a life, anyway?”
Children’s books create a sense of nostalgia and often conjure up an inner child long forgotten. Books such as Anne of Green Gables and Winnie the Pooh can’t help but make the reader want to step into the stories alongside their characters.
While many of the books on this list are escapist, they also touch upon many of life’s challenges. The authors share their wisdom on how to overcome such trials, reminding readers of life’s most important values.
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