by Katherine Rundell
3 stars
A nice essay that showcases the joy and importance of reading children’s books regardless of how old you are.
This is an expanded version of Rundell’s 2023 article, “Why Adults Should Read Children’s Books”, updated from the 2019 British edition of the book.
The essay includes Rundell’s own lifelong love of reading, a bit of history about children’s literature, and a few ways children’s books can continue to make an impact into adulthood.
Based on the catchy title, I was hoping for a more in-depth look at the benefits of children’s books. I was expecting some references to academic studies or something with more detail on how children’s literature can benefit adults. Instead it is an opinion piece based on her love of children’s books.
As someone who mostly reads children’s books, I wanted more information about the concrete ways children’s books can make complex topics more approachable, broaden perspectives, help connect with modern children, and break up the complexities of adult life. This book is mostly an argument for why we shouldn’t write children’s literature off as unserious, which I agree with, but I don’t think the catchy title really encompasses the small scope of the actual book.
The essay was well-written, informative, and persuasive. It will definitely resonate with people who enjoy children’s literature. A nice little introduction to contradict the assumption that children’s books hold no value for adult readers.
An interesting read, just not what I was expecting. I definitely agree with Rundell’s basic points of the magic of reading, the seriousness that is worked in to children’s books, the importance of libraries, and that adults can benefit from all kinds of books. I just wanted a bit more.
A perfect book to check out from the library, because that $17.99 cover price seems unnecessary.