I’m a big believer in making time for fun reads, even in the midst of a busy college semester. I’m not talking about sitting down with a Dr. Seuss book at the JC, but if that’s you’re thing then by all means enjoy Green Eggs and Ham. Anyway, if you’re looking for a short book with an intriguing plot, don’t underestimate giving a children’s book a shot. Hey, there’s some rhyming for you!
These eight classics are worthy of being in your never-ending “Must Read” novel list because even if you’ve cracked them open before, you’re older and wiser now and can get a new perspective on them the second time around. So put down that dull textbook and treat yourself; you’re welcome in advance.
1) Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll.
This book is for the lovers of mysticism and trippy landscapes. Although it’s meant for kids, the dialogue between the kooky characters is surreal and befuddling. In just twelve chapters, Alice encounters plenty of chatty animals, but none of them are very helpful with finding her way back home. So it’ll take the lost little girl plenty of courage to confront the wonderland’s ruthless ruler, the Queen of Hearts: “Off with their heads!”
2) Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
Everybody knows the set up of this story. Willa Wonka has five golden tickets for five very special children: Augustus Gloop, Veruca Salt, Mike Teavee, Violet Beauregare, and last but certainly not least, Charlie Bucket. This classic has a little bit of everything along the way including humor, love and mystery. Read the faults of the greedy and snobby children and how precious little Charlie ended up learning Mr. Wonka’s big secret. Warning: You may develop a sweet tooth after devouring this book.
3) Coraline by Neil Gaiman
This unique story teaches a simple and valuable lesson for kids and adults alike: the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. A young girl named Coraline ~duh~ moves to a new home with her parents and she finds a door that leads to another world that seems much better than reality. She then goes through a thrilling and at times scary journey, all the while learning whom she can trust along the way.
4) Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O’Dell
You know how in Home Alone Kevin’s family forgot to bring him to the family vacation? Right, of course you do. The stakes are a little higher here because Karana’s family left her on an island with only the animals as company (and some as enemies). So year and after year, she has to tough it out by herself. I’m not sure how this book is for kids because it’s a terrifying scenario for young girls to imagine, but it’s beautifully written.
5) The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling
Little Mowgli, fun-loving Baloo, protective Bagheera and the vicious Shere Khan. Everybody knows these names and they bring all sorts of nostalgic feels for Disney fanatics. Although Disney’s adaption was released in the 1960s, the original is a collection of short stories that are over 100 years old. Each one teaches plenty of moral lessons with the help of beloved animal characters.
6) The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
What may seem like normal habits for adults seems quite strange for a wandering, innocent little boy. Why do they become drunks? Why are they so engrossed in their tedious work? He recalls these voyages through strange planets to a pilot who’s stranded in the middle of the desert. As these two isolated characters talk with one another, both the pilot and the readers reflect on how a special inner light is found only in children.
7) Matilda by Roald Dahl
Again, Roald Dahl gave us literary magic for all ages. There are a few differences with this book and the 1996 movie adaption starring Mara Wilson. For example, did you know the original Matilda is British? Now you’ll read the novel with Matilda rolling off facts in an adorable accent. The around 200-page novel also has illustrations narrating Matilda, her misunderstanding parents and the angelic teacher Miss Honey.
8) A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle
A brother, sister and friend are traveling through different dimensions to find an AWOL dad. Med and Charles Wallace’s father has been working on developing the fifth dimension because that’s a completely normal occupation. Although the kids come off way too mature for their ages, they still encounter plenty of uncertainty. Thankfully unlike most adult fiction reads, the lines of good versus evil are clearly drawn out in this plot.
All photos are sourced Flickr Creative Commons:
- Photo #1: Jaione Dagdrommer
- Photo #2: polkadotted1
- Photo #3: Anastasia Alen