15 children's books that enrich us with profound wisdom

C.S. Lewis once said, “Clearly one must read every good book at least once every ten years.” The categorization of books sort of restricts and limits the audience which in turn may hinder one's path to wisdom. Avoiding a book simply because it is tagged as a children's book is merely stupidity as there is a lot to gain from such treasures of knowledge. There are numerous books written for children that are equally admired by the adults. Let's take a look into these stories written for children that entertain and educate even adults, time and again.

The book features a group of wild rabbits journeying into the unknown world searching for a safe haven in an attempt to survive the imminent human invasion. Set in the blissful rural landscape of England Downs, “Watership Down” is a riveting tale of adventure and courage bringing to light the sad reality of man being a threat to nature.
Picture Credit: Scribner

Roald Dahl, the master of children fiction, created the iconic character of Matilda with an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. Dahl has generously added his creative imagination to entertain and contain the reader's attention. Though ignored and disliked by many, Matilda manages to find an ally. The lively book is worth a re-read.
Picture Credit:Editions Larousse

Dinah’s anxiety over fitting in with her foster siblings disappears after her first day at school. She has a bigger worry. She is creeped out by the robotic well-behaved attitude her foster siblings adopt around the hideous Headmaster. Smelling a rat, Dinah sets out to investigate. All tables are turned for worse when Dinah gets controlled. Ahead lies the task of stopping the evil Headmaster.
Picture Credit: Penguin random House

This is an imperishable classic by J.M. Barrie narrating the charming adventures of the boy who couldn't grow up, secretly giving wings to the oft-occurring idea of remaining a child forever. Allow Peter Pan to be your portal to the magical domains of childhood.
Picture Credit:Kingman Books

Enid Blyton has poured a lot of magic, effort and imagination in creating the eccentric yet heart-warming characters of the Faraway Tree series. Hop on the fantasy adventure ride with three little children who have met a marvellous tree that changes their life forever. It gives us hope that life is full of happy surprises waiting to be discovered.
Picture Credit:Egmont Books Ltd; UK edition

Judy Moody portrays the power to make things happen; the ignorant pre-teen girl always finds a way to accomplish the goals that she sets for herself. Full of life, Judy focuses on the small things that can make a big difference. Reading Megan McDonald’s book will surely give you a reason to smile.
Picture Credit:Candlewick; Reprint edition

Phillip Pullman conjured world after world with rattling finesse; each so distinct yet intricately weaved descriptions making them believable. The book showcases fierce emotions topped with tender beauty of innocence and goodwill. Take the journey with Lyra towards the Northern Lights and the world beyond.
Picture Credit:Yearling Books

Winnie the pooh, our adorable childhood friend- the piglet is the figment of A. A. Milne’s imagination. After 91 years of creation, he still represents the eager smiles, the innocent efforts and the enchanting tales that spoke to the soul, imparting essential life values.
Picture Credit: Dutton Books for Young Readers

Instead of shying away from the cruel and sad truths, Ballet Shoes, a fantasy novel, craftily exposes them. Bursting with excitement, the book introduces powerful and real women protagonists sans the promise of superhuman flawlessness. Watch it unveil the nitty-gritty of money matters neatly tucked in the superficial veneer of glamour dancing and feminine chatter.
Picture Credit:Yearling Books

Featuring ‘The boy who lived’, the Harry Potter series is well equipped with life values and delicately crafted characters. Each word captures the reader deeper into the trance. J K Rowling has excelled in creating a parallel universe that most of us wish we lived in. Waiting for the Hogwarts letter has become a reality for many. Descriptions so exemplary they blur the lines between fiction and reality.
Picture Credit: Scholastic

An elegant narrative by Ruskin Bond, “The Blue Umbrella” is a simple tale of an innocent girl, Bina. She is kindness and nativity personified that speaks of humble origins and childlike intentions. Though fascinated by the umbrella, she finds it in herself to part with it when the need be. The book is bound to transport you to the beautiful valley that Dehradun used to be before development set in.
Picture Credit: Rupa/ Red Turtle

“Anne of Green Gables” is a book much ahead of its time. Lucy Montgomery has subtly talked of gender equality through Anne, an 11-year-old orphan girl. Her belief in friendship and the necessity of fun are radical. The book, through the character of Marilla, teaches that love can melt even the hardest of hearts. Full of altruism and hidden messages, the book is waiting to be read again.
Picture Credit: Virago

E. B. White’s “Charlotte’s Web” is another endearing tale of friendship, helpfulness and hope. It shows how friendship sprouts at the most unlikely places. The book fills you with the much needed but drying compassion towards animals in our times.
Picture Credit: Harper Collins

The brainchild of Frances Hudgson Burnett, "A Little Princess" has a lesson worth revisiting to share. When faced with adversities, Sara, the protagonist uses the power of imagination to combat tough times. Let the words freshen you anew with childhood memories and inspiration.
Picture Credit: Amazon Classics

Full of adventure, action and suspense on the surface, “The Borrowers” has some unpleasant, deep-seated truths to share. Away from the focus Mary Norton addresses the issues of prejudice, class and growing up. While it is highly debatable whether or not the borrowers exist, the book remains a spell-bounding coming-of-age reads.
Picture Credit: HMH Books for Young Readers