Illustrations by: LDR

We believe in the power of stories and its abilities to shape lives and develop the mindset of its readers. As a child, we were introduced to books that helped establish a good foundation of our thinking and development of our personality. For this article, we made a list of children’s books that we continue to re-read and go back to until now so we can be reminded of some of the great lessons we were thought when we were younger.

If you aren’t yet familiar with the books listed below, we recommend that you start giving these books a read – similarly, in case you have forgotten the story or the substance of these books, then perhaps it’s good to take the time and revisit them. Happy reading!

CAPTAIN UNDERPANTS

Now with more than 80 million books sold, this children’s novel written and illustrated by Dav Pilkey has likewise made its animated feature film adaptation with DreamWorks.

In the story, Captain Underpants is a character from a comic book made by best friends George and Harold who happen to be fourth-grade students being known for their pranks, antics, and mischievous activities. Being in a school who allegedly discourages fun and imagination, the both of them are often scolded by their principal Mr. Krupp who dislikes children.

With a snap of a finger, Mr. Krupp is hypnotized and then transforms into Captain Underpants who dons a white brief, red cape and embodies the opposite personality as he is nice and kind to everyone especially the children. This is a book that will crack you up and have you laughing in no time. It’s a series of fun adventures that leave you wanting more.

THE ALCHEMIST

First published in 1988 and originally written in Portuguese, this book written by greatly decorated novelist and author Paulo Coelho was done in only two weeks because according to him, the story was already written in his soul.

Others say that this book’s theme is to find and align with your purpose, calling, and destiny while some determine it as self-help book. The core of the story’s philosophy is about all of the universe conspiring to help you achieve something you want and it’s an excellent read that can help enlighten its reader. The Alchemist is a story where one can draw both inspiration and motivation reading it can aid us in fulfilling our own Personal Legend.

THE LITTLE PRINCE

The oldest children’s book in this list being published in 1943 – this story by French writer and poet Antoine de Saint-Exupéry has been nominated as the best book of the 20th century in France and is translated in about 300 languages and dialects and to date sells nearly two million copies each year.

Applying his observations about life and human nature, Saint-Exupéry writes a highly captivating tale of friendship, love, loss and the things in between. Circling through a time he had with a young boy when he was stuck in the middle of a desert which he then calls The Little Prince, he learns how simple things can manifest a great impact and recounts his appraisal of humanity.

DIARY OF A WIMPY KID

Dating back in the late 90’s, author and cartoonist Jeff Kinney started the Diary of a Wimpy Kid through the internet before it came in print and hit the big screens. They say Kinney worked on his first book for almost eight years before it was published – now he has successfully produced more than 10 books and was hailed as one of the World’s Most Influential People by TIME Magazine.

Given the title, the story revolves around a wimpy middle-schooler who writes about his daily adventures and personal life. If you’re looking for a feel-good book to read or a movie to watch, then you should consider this one for it will surely hit you with extreme youth feels.

GERONIMO STILTON

Translated in over 30 languages and having sold more than 140 million copies worldwide, this book written by Italian author Elisabetta Dami under book publisher Edizioni Piemme – is about an anthropomorphic mouse who works as a journalist and editor of a fictional newspaper and would prefer to live a rather quiet life but somehow keeps getting tangled and involved in the adventures entered into by his family.

Elisabetta started her writing career at the early age of 13 and gained the inspiration to write Geronimo Stilton from her experience working as a volunteer for a children’s hospital. She concurred to the idea that kids needed to have fun and laughter to get better and it prompted her to write stories that will make kids experience that by reading her books.

GOOSEBUMPS

Alright, maybe you kids are into something that’s spooky will give a little more thrill. Well, it’s good thing we have horror fiction novels that will entertain and give you Goosebumps!

This book written by R.L. Stine back in the 90s is another series which was made and translated into film in 2005 and was one of which was starred by highly coveted actor Jack Black. – It is said that at his peak, Stine was known to complete a story so quick that it will only take him less than a week to write and finish one.

Even if the series falls under the horror genre, Stine does not promote death in his novels and never places the children in his stories in situations that are considered too serious, neither is violence and depravity present in this particular work of his that is why he is a notable author. He can maintain great thrill and fright despite the absence of such factors.