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Every Adult Should Read Children's Books


I don't have time to read a full novel. Family, classes, and work devour most of my time. Budgeting my time allows me a few hours a week to work on my novel rewrite. But, I don't really get time to read a 75,000 word book for enjoyment. 

That's why children's books are my best friends.

At work, I get to pick a handful of books from the extensive collection and read aloud to a half a dozen toddlers. I look forward to those afternoons and those kids faces when they hear me read. These stories simple and short, but the chance to read them excites me. 

Many children's stories contain a huge message contained into the simple plot and characters. 

Today, I read a story about the fact that's okay to be sad and scared, but that there is always someone to come alongside and love you. Change scares me, but I can always rely on my God to love me. My parents are always there to point me to His love.

I read a story about crayons that disliked each other because they were different colors, but they learned to care for one another when they saw the beautiful picture they made by working together. Two of my soon to be brothers are biracial, and though I've never disliked them because their are different, this book simply reminded me of how awesome it is that God made us visually unique and special. 

My favorite children's book is about the value of books and the healing they bring to a broken world. A well written story is magic, changing hearts and lives. Books can change you, but only if you open them and read. 

Not every children's book is going to hit a soft spot in your heart, but many can boil all life's pains, stresses, and struggles down to a simple twenty page, illustrated, book. 

We often think that our complex life takes a complex novel to impact. But, the reality is that our life really isn't that complicated at all. It's stressful and overwhelming, absolutely, but kids need help coping with their new-found emotions too. They hit new stages in their life with fears and uncertainties. They struggle with dealing with new friends and old enemies. They fight the need to accept change just like we often do. 

Read a children's book. 

They can calm your soul, clear your mind, and remind you of the basics of life's complexities.
~ Alyson 


Comments

  1. Hannah Joy1/31/15, 8:13 PM

    Oooh ooh I love picture books! (And just generally children's books). You should read The Friend by Sarah Stewart. It's soooooooo beautiful. I cry when I read it! :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Alyson Schroll2/1/15, 6:18 PM

      I will look it up. Thanks for the suggestion!

      Delete

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