Why You Should Read Children's Books, Even Though You Are So Old and Wise Hardcover – August 8, 2019

A few months ago I saw Neil Gaiman posting a tweet about this book. Thirty seconds later, before reading anything Gaiman had to say about it, I had already ordered a copy. ⠀⠀They say you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but when its cover is this good — well, one can be forgiven, I think.⠀⠀And anyway, I didn't immediately purchase it solely because of the cover. I also bought it because of the title, which I think is brilliant, and whimsical, and I just love it so. It's probably my favorite title, of any book, from the last couple of years.⠀⠀Anyhow.⠀⠀What Gaiman wrote about this book was this: "There is so much wisdom and so much that matters inside the covers of this very tiny book." Which is thoroughly accurate. I've yet to read any of Katherine Rundell's books of fiction, but if they are as full of wit and charm as insight as this modest but inspired assertion of children's books, then I am sure to be a fan.⠀⠀"Ignore those who would call it mindless escapism: it's not escapism: it is findism. Children's books are not a hiding place, they are a seeking place." ⠀⠀This book is primarily meant to encourage older readers to find, once again, the joy and magic f children's literature — and that is great and commendable and important — but as someone who also wishes to write stories for kids as well as adults one day, I think this small gem of a book is invaluable.⠀⠀"Those who write for children are trying to arm them for the life ahead with everything we can find that is true. And perhaps, also, secretly, to arm adults against those necessary compromises and necessary heartbreaks that life involves: to remind them that there are and always will be great, sustaining truths to which we can return."⠀⠀And you will find yourself, much like I did, highlighting most of the wisdom and wit contained within.⠀

As someone who adores children's literature more than any adult book, I was immediately drawn to this. In this charming and insightful book, or we can say an essay, Rundell beautifully captures the enduring magic and profound wisdom found within the pages of children's stories. She eloquently argues for the importance of embracing the joy, imagination, and emotional depth present in these narratives, regardless of our age.

Bought this as a gift. I had NOT completely read the description. When it arrived I was shocked by how small it is. So this is just a review of the size of it, not the content or writing.

The book summarizes reasons why children books are good for adults. In turn, it also summarizes why a child’s mind is beautiful, valuable, and necessary.

I enjoyed the written essay and explanation, and I agree with her view points as well as gaining additional insight to reading and writing children’s literature. I may gift this book to others.

Everyone has "that book", the one that made all the difference at exactly the right time. Well, 'Why You Should Read Children's Books, Even Though You Are So Old and Wise' will remind you of what that difference was and why it is still so important.

Still loved what the author was saying, so gave it five stars - was a nice stocking stuffer idea for readers.

Sweet sentiment, but not much meat here. Very short and NO book recommendations! Disappointed.

I was interested in the topic, so I bought the little book. After reading it I recommend it even to those, who are not interested in the topic, because Katherine Rundell is an excellent writer. And latest after reading her book you know why you should read children's books as an adult.

what a con job. miniscule book with nothing interesting in it. Preaching platitudes. Nothing at all enlightening. Horribly overpriced. Don't waste your time and money.

I think this is an excellent book. I’ve given a few as gifts now too. I love reading Katherine Rundell’s fiction and this is equally as good and witty.

This could have been a charming ultrashort pamphlet but it is fatally marred by fashionable policor concerns (Trump bad, Brexit bad!). Worst of all, the author goes against everything she has been arguing about imagination and the power of books to transport and transform readers and make them identify with anything at all, from an old lady to a furry animal, by implicitly concluding that the skin colour of fictional characters should match the skin colour of readers more often. She includes an anecdote about inner-city school children she was teaching who, in her opinion, didn't come up with 'black' names for characters often enough. I find this kind of judgement unnecessarily ideological.

Firstly, let me just say that this is a very short book; in fact it's more of an extended essay on the joys of reading children's fiction, whatever one's age. And it's one with which I would wholeheartedly agree as I still read a fair amount of books aimed at a much younger market than my own - some of which are rereads of books I enjoyed as a child and then there are those that I buy for younger members of my family, which I always read before gifting just to make sure they are suitable for the young person I have purchased them for. Although the books that I remember from my own childhood are those that provide the most pleasure such as books by Edith Nesbit, Nina Bawden, Philippa Pearce, Antonia Forest, Malcolm Saville. and many more, I have also found much to enjoy when reading children's books as an adult, such as those by Philip Pullman, Lucy Strange, Kiran Millwood Hargrave, Eva Ibbotson, Robin Stevens and, indeed, Katherine Rundell, the author of this little book itself - in fact there are many authors who are writing wonderfully imaginative and enjoyable stories for children today, but this most probably isn't the place to list them.As Ms Rundell comments "...children's fiction can reteach you to read with an open heart" - which can be no bad thing; she also says "there will be many who would shame you for reading children's fiction beyond the bright line of your eighteenth birthday...but refuse to be shamed" - well I've never felt the need to apologize for reading children's books as an adult, although I have had my fair share of people questioning my enjoyment of children's literature; however, I actually feel quite sorry for those who cannot appreciate that to take a little time out from adult books in order to read or reread children's literature is actually time well spent. So, if you have an open mind and feel your imagination needs a little exercise - and especially if, during the present time in lockdown you feel the need for something to distract you from present-day life, then take Katherine Rundell's advice and pick up something written for our younger selves. I just wish that Ms Rundell had extended this essay and had also included more recommendations for those who might need a little guidance for their journey into reading and rereading children's literature.4 Stars.