Read These Deeper-Than-You-Remember Children's Books Recently?
C.S. Lewis once said “a children’s story which is enjoyed only by children is a bad children’s story,” and as usual, Mr. Lewis was being brilliant. While there are certainly stories designed solely for young minds that most adults will find a bit tedious (most adults presumably already knowing that everybody poops or that very hungry caterpillars become very beautiful butterflies), many of the books that are designated “for children” are actually just fine stories that are appropriate for kids — but like all fine stories, that means adults can enjoy them just as much. There’s an argument to be made that in the modern age increasing genre stratification has resulted in a firm belief that certain books are for certain age groups, full stop. This is a product of marketing as much as anything else, and while it’s most clearly seen in the “Young Adult” category (itself a genre that often produces work that can be enjoyed by both younger and older readers) it’s also affecting supposed “children’s” literature. The fact is, plenty of books ostensibly considered for children are sophisticated enough for adults, and the best “children’s” books are written with a Pixar-like dual focus on both entertaining kids and keeping the adults who might be reading the book to them interested. To prove the point, here are ten classic books supposedly for children that adults can — and do — enjoy just as much, if not more.1. Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White
One of the most popular children’s books of all time, E.B. White’s story of a piglet named Wilbur befriended and saved from slaughter by a creative and warm-hearted spider who spins messages into her webs to ensure Wilbur’s fame is as melancholy as you can get in a story intended for children. Death haunts the entire story, in fact, as Wilbur is initially spared being made into pork chops by his status as the runt of the litter only to later find himself alone and intended for death anyway. Charlotte, the wise spider who befriends him, later dies after laying her eggs. Although the story has a happy-ish ending, as a few of the baby spiders remain with Wilbur to keep him company, this cycle of death and rebirth is about as adult as you can get. Few people can read this one without tearing up. Read more...
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