7 Children’s Books You Should Absolutely Read as an Adult

Who says children’s books are just for children? Not us! Here are seven of the best children’s books that can be enjoyed by little ones and adults alike, curated by Tiffany, the Children and Young People's Collection Lead at the Guille Allès Library.

 

 

1.  The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Mary Lennox has grown up in India, surrounded by colour and life, and people who always do exactly what she wants. When her parents die, she is sent to her uncle's cold and lonely manor on the Yorkshire moors. There she finds the house and the gardens full of secrets. And unearthing them might just lead to the greatest discovery of all.

A beautiful tale of mystery and the importance of friendship, this story stands the test of time and is an undeniable classic.

Borrow here

 

2.  Peter Pan by J M Barrie

The night that Peter Pan flies into the Darling children's nursery is the night that magic flies into their lives. It's the night that Wendy and her brothers follow Peter out of the window and soar through the sky to Neverland. They discover a world of mermaids, fairies, and pirates, of lost boys, and of Captain Hook.

Even grown-ups need a bit of magic in their lives…read this classic to re-live the curiosity and wonder we all experience in our childhood.

Borrow here

 

3.  Danny the Champion of the World by Roald Dahl

Danny thinks the world of his father, but imagine his surprise when he finds out he's been breaking the law! Even grown-ups bend the rules sometimes, but Danny knows his father is still good, kind and clever and full of exciting ideas.

Dahl is famous for his stories full of humour and heart, but this one hits different when reading as an adult. A beautiful exploration of the love between a father and son, Danny is a true classic.

Borrow here

 

4.  Anne of Green Gables by L M Montgomery

When Anne Shirley 'erupts' into their lives, the Cuthberts little guess how fond they will become of the skinny, red-haired orphan. Both entertained and exasperated by her constant chatter and imaginings, they soon find it hard to remember what Green Gables was like without its irrepressible adopted daughter.

An ode to all who are wild at heart, this story of Anne and her antics is sure to continue warming hearts everywhere.

Borrow here

 

5.  His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman

When Lyra's friend Roger disappears, she and her daemon, Pantalaimon, determine to find him. The ensuing quest leads them into the bleak splendour of the North, where armoured bears rule the ice and witch-queens fly through the frozen skies. 

If you’re a fan of Narnia and fantasy fiction, Pullman’s Dark Materials collection is a masterpiece to discover. One of the most beautifully written books (in my opinion), and a story that stays with you for life.

Borrow here or listen to the Audiobook

 

6.  A Bear Called Paddington by Michael Bond

Paddington Bear had travelled all the way from Darkest Peru when the Brown family first met him on Paddington station. Since then their lives have never been quite the same, for ordinary things become quite extraordinary when a bear called Paddington is involved.

Sometimes we all just need a dose of wholesome, and who better to turn to than adorable, little Paddington?

Borrow here

 

7.  Charlotte’s Web by E B White

The unforgettable story of a little girl called Fern who loves a little pig called Wilbur. It tells how Charlotte A. Cavatica, a beautiful grey spider, saves Wilbur from the usual fate of nice pigs, with a wonderfully clever plan - a plan so original that no one else could possibly have thought of it! 

Don’t forget the tissues when reading this one! The tale of Wilbur & friends is a sad but heart-warming classic that should be on everybody’s TBR pile.

Borrow here