5 Reasons why Adults should read Children's Books

The world of books often is like a quiet peaceful island in the noisy ocean full of hustle-bustle of daily chores. Books are more than often categorized on the basis of content, and/or targeted readership. “Children’s books” is a rather hot category and many people simply fall in love with the amazing new world which can be created by reading Children’s books.

(This hub was originally created as an answer to the question at HubPages, “When am I too old to read children’s books”. It has had a major update after that.)

First things first, let’s see why would one think of being too old, or is it the other way round, why would one think Children’s books not apt for his/her reading. (So these would be the arguments given by the opposition. Be prepared, you should be with answers for points against the notion before presenting your original arguments)

Some Children’s books may be written in language far too simple to keep an adult author hooked. Moreover, some might find the unrealistic fantasies of fairy tales too much to digest. (The people being discussed here will fall into category of strictly Layman readers - or those who read solely for entertainment)*

With all due respect to personal preferences of those who strictly prefer non-fiction and the no-nonsense realism, note that ‘idioms often don’t make sense literally’. But, you use them too often for better expression, for creating humor, for creating interest.

Similarly, it’s often the innuendos and allusions which are game players in children’s books (and many fiction oriented books) rather than straightforward-stating-the-facts style of authoring. The symbolism can be subtle, but the real world applicability is amazing. After all, one major motive of children's books' authors (as is expected) is to make the children learn something good out of the book.

So it’s a matter of developing the right taste buds, and then be rest assured, delicious mouth watering dishes, er... books are waiting for you.

My fellow hubber Giselle (no longer on HubPages) also chose to answer this question via a hub. In fact, it was her hub that brought me to this question. She has shared some absolutely amazing thoughts about benefits of reading children’s books. There are different sections and each one describes a positive aspect from her unique perspective.

I couldn't agree more with "Take a break from the complexity of this world", as Harry Potter series did exactly that for me when I was re-reading it. The magical Hogwartz took me to another planet, where I could simply remain lost for sometime. When I used to emerge back, I felt more than fit to face the problems. After all, “We can’t solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.” ~ Einstein

While I was reading the section - "You can get more out of a children's book when you read it with an adult perspective", I couldn't help noticing, that how many times has this happened with me. Since we want to teach the children good things (although most of the adults have rather greater requirement of being preached), authors use amazing symbolism of the good, the bad and those who refuse to take sides too. Sometimes you can directly map the stuff (situations, characters, decisions, consequences) to the world around you... such literature really helps you in becoming better human being.

#1 Better Mingling with Youngsters

Sometimes, you would find yourself talking to a bunch of youngsters, looking for appropriate topics to initiate conversation. What would be better than a contemporary hit children’s book? While you’ll be successful in making your audience feel at home, there opinions and choices will help you understand and know them better - could be exactly what you’re looking for.

#2 Learning the Art of Story Telling

While children’s books have all above advantages for layman readers, the list just keeps growing if you are at all interested in authoring your own books. Specially for creating fiction, popular children books can be fantastic case studies because of a few subtle reasons.They have to be excellent in story telling, cause there are very few ways that you can keep the children hooked - kids’ lives are full of fascinating distractions after all, and they are under no obligation of finishing a book. Adults might sometimes feel, okay this part is boring, but I’ve come this far, all the time I’ve invested would be wasted if I don’t finish it. But kids would be quick to quit and find a better pastime.

#3 Improving Your Characters

The character description has to be subtle, children won’t like direct, detailed descriptions, but author has to make sure that kids subconsciously realize the flaws and strengths of the characters. You don't need this imaginary characters only if you're an author. Simple public speaking/presentations might demand examples featuring imaginary characters - this art can be really handy.

#4 Creating Contextual Humor

All Adults have been children at some point of time. Excellent contextual humor can be designed around well known / popular stories’ characters, incidences etc. But off course the author should be well and freshly acquainted with the contemporary and/or old children's stories for any kind of contextual reference.

#5 Relive the Golden Days, with Better Understanding

Last but not the least, there are so many beautiful memories attached to things associated with childhood... A book which you’ve read as a child can bring back all those memories and you can feel the innocence, carefreeness of the wonderful period of life. And with your better understanding than those early days, you might get new perspectives into your favorites stories, heroes, characters.

So go ahead, and get some great books for the new section of your book shelf. I’ve named mine as, “Kids’ books for the kid in me”. Happy Reading!