From Childhood Favourites to Hidden Gems: Reading Children’s Literature as an Adult

I love reading children’s books! Whether revisiting a story from my childhood or exploring new releases, middle grade novels have been some of my favourite reads in recent years. Children’s books have helped me get out of reading slumps, provided quick reads during busy times in my life, and given me an escape from the stresses of the adult world. Today, children’s publishing is more diverse than ever with great stories for every reader to discover. Whether you are interested in fantasy infused with global mythologies, a reimagining of a classic story, an emotional novel in verse, or exploring a familiar genre, there are surprising stories waiting to be discovered.

Venturing into the world of children’s literature brings up interesting questions. What makes books from our childhood so memorable? What are kids reading these days? Should grown-ups read books that are written for kids? Where can you find great children’s books?

Whether you are an avid reader of children’s books or curious about why grown-ups should read books for kids, our upcoming book chat invites you to discuss favourite stories from your childhood and rediscover the joy of reading children’s literature. We’ll talk about the history of children’s publishing, share reflections on memorable titles, and highlight great reads hiding in our junior fiction collection.