By children's books for adults, I mean the books you loved when you were younger and still read now. Some of my favourite books, the books I always return to when I need an escape, are often children's books. I think that's a sign of a truly wonderful novel - a book that remains equally inspiring and engaging when you're 22, as it did when you were 12. And so, if you're ever feeling down or you just want to escape your busy, stressful world for a couple of hours, pick up one of these best children's books for adults.
1 The Harry Potter Series by J K Rowling
If I asked 100 people what they thought were the best children's books for adults, I can guarantee that a notable percentage of them would say the Harry Potter series. Thank you, J K Rowling, for keeping magic alive for us - even as adults.
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2 Coraline by Neil Gaiman
Coraline was, and remains, one of the most subtly scary books I have ever read. It's the story of a girl who finds a parallel world on the other side of a door - but she soon starts to notice that things are quite different there. Oh, and it also includes some very wise words on bravery.
3 Peter Pan by J M Barrie
What better book than one about being young forever to include on this list? Peter Pan teaches us that, in the end, we all have to grow up - and it's not actually that bad. Except for one very special boy, of course!
4 The Little Prince by Antoine De Saint-Exupery
This may be a book for children but the issues dealt with in it will resonate with you whatever age you are. Take, for example, this line: “The most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or touched, they are felt with the heart.”
5 The Little House Books by Laura Ingalls Wilder
These were some of my favourite books as a child and I still read them now when I need to relax and escape for a couple of hours. Despite the harsh winters and the malaria, the pleasures of a self-sufficient, simple life extolled in these books always make me want to up sticks and move to a very rural part of America.
6 Anne of Green Gables by L M Montgomery
In Anne, I found a female character I could look up to - but most importantly, she was, and is, a character I can have fun with. There are few characters as enduring as Anne and if you haven't read this yet, then I think you have a treat in store!
7 Matilda by Roald Dahl
Matilda was my hero when I was little and she still is now. We can all take some inspiration from a girl who, despite a horrible situation and with few people to care for her, cares for others, is determined to do the right thing and takes courage from the books she reads.
8 Looking for Alaska by John Green
Ok, I'm cheating here because this is technically for young adults. However, it's one of my favourite books and I think it's a must-read for anyone who can remember the incomparable feeling of falling in love for the first time.
9 Oh, the Places You'll Go by Dr Seuss
Finally, a book that teaches us that nothing is impossible. If we want something, with hard work, it can and will happen.
I find that children's books often deal with some of life's big questions and experiences in a simpler - but not less inclusive - way than adults' books do. Personally, I think that with this simplicity comes clarity. What favourite books from your childhood do you still read?
