Children’s Books You Need to Reread As An Adult

You’re never too old to enjoy a good children’s book! Rereading children’s books as an adult can be very rewarding. The stories you knew and grew to love as a kid provide comfort, stress reduction, and the reward of rediscovering a youthful you. Rereading a children’s book as an adult also provides an outlet to reflect on your memories and experiences that got you to where you are now.

Don’t let your age stand in the way, and reread these all-time favorite children’s books.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling

J.K. Rowling sparked interest in an entire generation with her very first book in the Harry Potter series. Being alone, and an outcast in the Muggle world, Harry thrives in the wizarding one. A feeling many kids and teens can identify with. While one will never know what it was like to be in Professor Snape’s potions class, you can undoubtedly identify with some of the social aspects Rowling expresses in her award-winning writing.

Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White

The tender-hearted tale of Charlotte’s Web shows children what compassion looks like, even though they might not know what that word means. As an adult to reread the measures friends took to save little Wilber is a gentle reminder about work-life balance and to always be there for a friend in need.

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

A wonderfully told and illustrated book, The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein is a story that many readers hold dear to their heart. To read this as a child, you may think differently than if you were to read it as an adult. The idea of giving something and in return getting love may not be apparent to a child. But as an adult, you probably have experienced many of these times where rereading this story will tug at your heartstrings.

Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs by Judi and Ronald Barrett

Get a good chuckle in and enjoy Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs as an adult. The movie is fun too, but as they always say in the literary world, the book was better.

Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder

History came alive with Laura Ingalls Wilder’s true story, Little House on the Prairie. Set in 1871, children quickly learn that living life in the outskirts of town is hard work. The story shows how when families come together, you can make the best out of every tough situation — something beautiful to remind yourself in your adult years.

Oh, The Places You’ll Go by Dr. Seuss

Oh, The Places You’ll Go is the last book published in Dr. Seuss’s lifetime. Through the eyes of a child, it is a bunch of silly rhymes and pictures. But when you reread it as an adult, you’ll fall in love with the message Dr. Seuss offers to children, “You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who’ll decide where to go.”

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Everyone goes through an enlightening experience at one point in their lives. Could be when you’re young, maybe it’s when you’re old. It could be both! The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett takes you through what that is like in a mysterious wonderland. At the heart of this incredible story is an underlying message important to children and adults, be honest, compassionate, and kind to others.

A Wrinkle In Time by Madeline L’Engle

Not knowing who you are or where you fit in as a kid is something everyone goes through. But what L’Engle teaches is that for some those feelings never go away. Especially in today’s world, it can be tough reaching the job market and realizing that the career you picked isn’t the right career for you.

There is always something new you’ll come across when you reread your favorite children’s book. The things you pick up on as an adult will undoubtedly surprise you! This summer, add a kids book or two to your reading list. You’ll enjoy the break from reality and get to be a kid again!

What’s your favorite read? What kind of impact did it have on you? Let us know in the comments below!