Who Should Read Children’s Books?
Posted on: May 1, 2022
- In: Books | guest posts | Writing
- 52 Comments
Today I am a guest on Karen Sanderson’s blog where I talk about reading children’s books, at any age.
Are Children’s Books Just for Children?
by Darlene Foster
I write children’s books. Actually, I should correct that. I write books suitable for children. But they are books any age can read and enjoy.
Recently I listened to an interview with Lawrence Hill, author of the award-winning novel, The Book of Negroes.He discussed his latest release, Beatrice and Croc Harry, which he describes as a story for children and adults. He mentioned there should be no separation between children’s and adults’ books. He mentioned that as authors, we should not shy away from including serious and painful issues in children’s stories as they can handle them. He also mentioned, and I agree, many adults enjoy reading from a child’s point of view.
Read more of the article here
52 Responses to "Who Should Read Children’s Books?"
May 1, 2022 at 10:29 pm
I agree with everything you said in the article. Why limit ourselves to books aimed for the adult reader? 🙂
May 1, 2022 at 10:39 pm
Just think of all the wonderful stories we would have missed if we didn’t read kids’ books from time to time.
May 1, 2022 at 10:45 pm
Some of my favorite books, I have found in the children’s section of the library.
May 1, 2022 at 11:02 pm
Way, way back, one could have been forgiven for thinking that many of the children’s stories by the Bros. Grimm were written for adults they were so gruesome and frightening. I read several, aged eight, and apart from the odd nightmare emerged OK. It’s totally understandable if adults are curious as to what is being written for children today. They would be pleasantly surprised if they read Darlene’s entertaining stories.
May 1, 2022 at 11:09 pm
Thanks, Joy. The Three Bears gave me nightmares as a small child. I was convinced a bear would break into our house. On the prairies, we didn’t even have bears around!
May 1, 2022 at 11:12 pm
This is true. I personally love reading children books too. Aren’t they full of fun, i mean from a kid’s perspective the way you say it. 👏😊💖
May 1, 2022 at 11:15 pm
They are fun and sometimes sad, but kids look at things differently and it is refreshing to see things through their eyes.
May 2, 2022 at 12:39 am
You’re right ✅ I sometimes even wonder how humbling the writers have to bring themselves down to fit into the kid’s psychological basket. It’s amazing and wonderful ❤
May 1, 2022 at 11:29 pm
I couldn’t agree more Darlene. I find your books and other ‘childrens’ books every bit as enjoyable.
May 2, 2022 at 8:19 am
I just re-read a children’s book, You Are My Friend by Aimee Reid, which tells the story of Mr. Rogers and His Neighborhood, actually a biography in a nutshell.
A well-written children’s book works for all ages!
May 2, 2022 at 11:51 am
I’m with you, Darlene! Sharing the good news–reading is fundamental for all ages and adults enjoy many of today’s picture books as well the the children they read to/with. Happy Writing & Reading every day! ❤ xo
May 2, 2022 at 1:17 pm
Great post, Darlene. You make an excellent point. I’m going to look for more stories in this genre.
May 4, 2022 at 7:12 am
You have the perfect excuse for reading children’s books as you share them with your granddaughter!
13 | Who Should Read Children’s Books? — Darlene Foster’s Blog | Barbara Crane Navarro
May 2, 2022 at 8:15 pm
[…] Who Should Read Children’s Books? — Darlene Foster’s Blog […]
May 2, 2022 at 8:33 pm
On my shelves there is no separation between books for children and adults
May 4, 2022 at 5:17 am
I love that Derrick! I can just imagine Harry Potter beside War and Peace, Charlotte’s Web beside Lord of the Rings and The Wizard of Oz tucked between The Grapes of Wrath and The Complete Works of Shakespeare.
May 2, 2022 at 9:56 pm
I couldn’t agree more. It’s always great to see and read things from a different perspective.
May 4, 2022 at 5:13 am
So true. I used to limit the type of books I read but once I became open to all sorts of genres, age groups and topics, it broadened my thinking.
May 3, 2022 at 8:29 am
Oh, we always have the child inside of us (thank goodness!), so yes, I agree. children’s books are for adults as well.
May 3, 2022 at 10:31 am
Loved this post Darlene!! You are so right and glad to see a post reminding adults!!
May 4, 2022 at 5:11 am
I am often surprised to find an adult embarrassed to say they read books designed for children. Glad you enjoyed the post.
May 3, 2022 at 1:01 pm
Wonderful feature Darlene. Agreed, anyone can ready any genre, children’s books should just be stated suitable for children 🙂 x
May 3, 2022 at 5:38 pm
That is a great idea. It reminds me of when my young daughter went to rent a movie and asked the sales clerk if it was an immature movie. The poor guy suppressed a laugh, avoided my eyes and said, “It is suitable for children.”
May 4, 2022 at 4:57 am
I agree with you, Darlene. I read children’s books all the time. After I wrote my first children’s book, I was especially interested in how other children’s books writers write their books, so I read with special attention. 🙂
May 4, 2022 at 5:09 am
As a children’s author, it is important to read books written by other children’s authors for research as well as enjoyment.
May 4, 2022 at 6:03 am
“I don’t believe children’s books are just for children. I think I need to change my tag line to—I write books for everyone to enjoy! Because, let’s face it, we are all children at heart.” I’m keeping this quote on my computer, Darlene. And excellent article that reminded me about how books have influenced my life from early childhood. I laughed out loud when I heard that you mother hid books from you. So did mine!
May 4, 2022 at 7:16 am
LOL! I think many mothers did that. The thing is, I eventually found them, read them, and carefully put them back. (How else would I know they had been hidden?) They didn’t damage me in any way. I am honoured to be quoted by you. Thanks!
May 4, 2022 at 10:51 pm
This was fabulous, Darlene! It hits the nail on the head. Good children’s books aren’t just for children.
May 5, 2022 at 11:37 am
That is an excellent question with a surprising answer. Even books for the youngest carry some truths that the adult me has forgotten.
May 5, 2022 at 5:33 pm
This is so true and reading a book geared for children is a good reminder. Thanks, Jacqui!
May 13, 2022 at 6:12 am
Visiting you from Esme’s Senior Salon. I love reading (and reviewing) children’s books!
May 29, 2022 at 1:08 am
Children’s books are fun. I especially like picture books because sometimes the art is amazing!
May 29, 2022 at 1:30 am
That is so true. The art is wonderful in many picture books. I admire anyone who can tell a meaningful story in such a few words.
Darlene Foster's Blog 
May 1, 2022 at 10:16 pm
Excellent! I absolutely agree!
May 1, 2022 at 10:18 pm
Thanks, Barbara!