Do You Believe in Magic? On The Timeless Charm of Children’s Books ‹ Literary Hub

Here's what I've noticed: Even when an adult picks the books, the set of books they pick often includes books they read as children. The books we read as kids are often stick with us more than any others. There is something special about those books you first read for yourself, and those that a beloved parent reads to you. They are the ones you hug to your chest like small animals, trying to get them as close to your heart as you can.

These books are so formative partly because at that age we are very ready to be formed, of course. But there's also the fact that most stories for children are clear and entertaining, short and memorable, and often address our greatest joys and our deepest fears. And they still have all these excellent qualities when you read them as an adult