The World of Children’s Books

A few weeks back I was at a children’s book festival called Bookaroo. Here I came across a lady who seemed to be in her 40’s. She was lugging around two large bags full of children’s book.(what is termed as kid’s books).

I grinned and asked her, if her children actually read that much. She smiled back and told me the books were really for her. Now a lot of people may find it funny, but  I didn’t because I am just like her. And I have actually come across many people who read kid’s literature. I still walk into a book store and head to the YA section. 

Some of the best the most poignant and heartfelt books which are actually very spiritually alive, I have always found in this very section. I will start with my favourite pick, The Little Prince. It is probably the most selling children’s book ever. Honestly, I think it was meant more for grown-ups, than kids.  Because it’s us grown-ups that forget life. Not them.

“And now here is my secret, a very simple secret: It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.”

This is just one of the few lines from the book, but every time I read it. it’s like a balm to the soul. This book changes your life. 

Now the second one Winnie the Pooh, there are many books in this series. There are delightful drawings and there are some lovely poems as well. 

“Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart”

This book does exactly that, take up a lot of room in the heart. Absolutely beautifully written, the simplest things with the wisest thoughts.

There is a set of short stories by Oscar Wilde, The Selfish Giant and other stories. It’s like the most beautiful bouquet of flowers. No wonder that man was jailed in his lifetime. Not many people would get it.

“Surely love is a wonderful thing”

And I assure you, you will fall in love with these stories. In fact they no longer have a copyright I think, so you can actually read it online.

The list is endless but I will share two more books. The Catcher in the Rye .

“Among other things, you’ll find that you’re not the first person who was ever confused and frightened and even sickened by human behavior.”

You will never get bored of this book. 

There is another delightful book, which you will love to read every now and then, that is Mr.God this is Anna.

“The difference from a person and an angel is easy. Most of an angel is in the inside and most of a person is on the outside.”

These are just some books, but there is a whole universe out there. And I truly recommend you try out kid lit for a change. It really is a different dimension that no adult book can open up for you. This weekend if you pick up a book, do try one that is not meant for your age. You will be pleasantly surprised.

Do let me know if you are one of those people who actually shops for books in the YA section.