Remember this rabbit?

Reading has always been a favorite past time of mine. My childhood was spent reading classics, Enid Blyton and all those Nancy Drew books I inherited from my mom. Having playmates weren’t my thing and my parents never allowed me to leave the house. However, if there’s one thing I’m grateful for, it’s that the whole family has a love for books in general. Unlike other kids, I looked forward to reading and writing.

Recently, I stumbled upon a blog that suggested reading children’s books is also good for adults. According to Jen Robinson’s Book Page, there are 10 reasons why adults should try reading children’s books.

1. It’s fun.
2. It keeps your imagination active.
3. It strengthens your relationship with the children in your life who read.
4. It sets an example for the children in your life, making them more likely to become readers.
5. It clues you in on cultural references that you may have missed (both current and classical).
6. It’s fast. Children’s books are usually shorter than adult books, so if you don’t think you have time to read, you DO have time to read children’s books.
7. It allows you to read across genres. Children’s books aren’t limited to mystery OR science fiction OR fantasy OR literary fiction. They can have it all.
8. It’s like time travel - it’s an easy way to remember the child that you once were, when you first read a book.
9. It’s often inspirational - reading about heroes and bravery and loyalty makes you want to be a better person. And couldn’t we all do with some of that?
10. Did I mention that it’s fun?

Another reason why I’m so fascinated with this list is because I’m about to write a script for a children’s drama for my Radio Production class. I realize that as we grow up, we lose touch of ourselves. Our mindset becomes tuned to other “bigger” issues like work, relationships and other adult matters.

However, once in a while, it’s nice to relax and allow thoughts to float back to the simpler things in life. I believe children’s books do provide some sort of therapy, especially for those who are living a fast-paced life.

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One Response

  1. Jen Robinson

    25|Sep|2007

    Thanks so much for finding (and writing about) my list. I hope that children’s books do help you to keep in touch with that inner self. And best of luck with your children’s drama script. Sounds fun!


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