5 Reasons Why Adults Should Read Kid Books
Whether you are a child, teen, or adult, reading is an essential skill to have in your life. We all have a book from our childhood that gives us fond memories and reminds us why we have a love for reading in the first place. Think back to that first book that you were excited to read. Did the story make you feel like you were in another world? Were there any characters that you loved and inspired you? What did that book teach you? The books that we read as children brought us so much love. It also provided us with life experiences and lessons. For instance, many children’s books taught us about kindness, courage, friendship, and family. These characters felt like real friends and reminded us that we were not alone.
Even as we read books that are more “age-appropriate” we will always have fond memories of the books we read as kids. It is important to remember that even though we are older, adults should sometimes take the time to reread their childhood books. Let’s give kid books another chance.
Here are five reasons why adults should sometimes take the time to read kids’ books.
1. It strengthens your imagination
Kids’ books can improve our imagination while having no boundaries. There are characters like wizards, monster hunters, talking animals, and demigods. When we read about characters that are different from us, it gives us something to think about? Children’s books demonstrate a creative side of their ideas and thoughts. Goosebumps is an excellent example of using your imagination and giving us an outlet to acknowledge our fears in a safe space. What would you do if you had a haunted mask stuck on your face forever?
2. It reminds you what it’s like being a kid again
Close your eyes and go back to when you were 11 years old. Can you remember what books were your favorite and how they brought you joy while combining other types of emotions? Kids’ books can also be compared to photo albums. Pictures will remind a person of an important event or memory just like a book could. Whenever you scroll through a kids’ book, it feels like you are revisiting an old friend. Do you remember books such as Chronicles of Narnia and how you were able to hold the key to a majestic world with the palm of your hands?
3. It helps you connect with the kids that are in your life.
Do you have any nieces, nephews, or children of your own? Many children become super excited when they are reading their favorite books. They start talking about their favorite characters and likes and dislikes about certain turns of a story. When you take the chance to read one of their favorite books, you can have a conversation and connect with them personally. Kids know when you are genuinely interested in a specific book that they are speaking about. For example, Percy Jackson and the Olympians is a popular kids’ series that conveys friendship and loyalty. Many kids at our library become excited while discussing Percy Jackson and why they recommend it to other individuals.
4. Mood lifter
We all sometimes have a tiring and hard day. Kids’ books are a good mood booster for these types of moments. Kids’ books provide us with an opportunity to feel carefree and put a smile on our faces. Occasionally, we need the simplicity and wholesomeness of a book written for a younger audience. Furthermore, kids’ books bring us hope that even when there are problems, there is still a chance of a happy ending at the end of the book. Kids’ books remind us to validate our feelings in positive ways and will give coping strategies regarding our emotions. For instance, Sam’s Super Seats is a picture book about a girl who has cerebral palsy and who goes school shopping with her mom and best friends. The main protagonist has self-love and friends who care about her. Her experience is universal, because it reminds us of all the excitement we once had when we were ready to reunite with friends for a new school year.
5. It Teaches Us About Problem Solving
Kids’ books will make you want to be a better person. For instance, The Boxcar Children books taught kids to be a better sibling to one another and work together to solve mysteries. Although, children’s books tend to have several happy moments, there are children’s books that show a realistic world, where kids have serious problems. For instance, Matilda from Ronald Dahl’s Matilda had parents that ignored her and a principal who bullied the kids. However, Matilda taught us to stand up for ourselves against bullies.
Check out the YS department to take a trip down memory lane and reread your favorite kid’s book!