Wednesday 25 June 2014

Kids’ books aren’t just for kids!

Danger, moral courage, and the search for the optimum companion - these topics are all covered in children’s literature and carry as much importance as they do in the adult world.

If you look at any adult’s bookshelf you’ll be sure to find least one example of children’s literature - probably more! Here’s why:

Familiar stories give satisfaction

Beloved items from childhood tend to accompany you for the rest of your life. If you’re retired, you may have chosen to downsize and move into a McCarthy and Stone property for comfort and convenience but you’ll probably still have a much loved and raggedy teddy with you, or a well-thumbed copy of a favourite book.

Even if you don’t have these physical mementos, you’ll still have retained the story and memories in your head.

Reassurance and friendship

When things are going wrong in the adult world, it’s immensely satisfying to curl up with a book and immerse yourself in a magical land. Stories such as The Tale of Peter Rabbit remain household favourites and can give you a simple pleasure that helps you forget about modern-day worries.

The teen author, Non Pratt, recently stated in an article in The Guardian that she was proud to still read books for young adults and children. She even ‘flourished’ her copy of Harry Potter on her daily journey – no adult cover designs needed.

Fantasy is valid in the real world

Dystopian fiction has a huge following among adults. This might be because events in the century appear to mirror some of the strangest fantasies on children’s bookshelves, or 21st that sometimes it’s just good to escape and let the imagination run riot.

Many adults recommend The Giver by Lois Lowry as a truly compelling book. Imagine the responsibility of receiving all the world’s memories and storing them to keep your community safe. Unfortunately, you can’t trust many of the world’s current politicians to do the same!

Children’s Book Week is a great way to rediscover old friends

For parents who are able to read to their children on a daily basis, it’s important that the chosen piece of literature isn’t too saccharine, anodyne or just dull. It may end up being thrown across the room by the parent or not interest the child at all!

Every year the Book Trust organises Children’s Book Week in a bid to introduce more kids to the wonderful world of books and this is a great opportunity for you to rediscover old favourites and add some new titles to the mix.

This year, Children’s Book Week will take place between 30 June and 04 July so you still have plenty of time to get involved – you can find out more information about the event on the Book Trust website at http://www.booktrust.org.uk/programmes/primary/childrens-book-week/.

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