Image ‘Person sitting on sofa while reading book photo’ by Lareised Leneseur, via Unsplash, free to use under the Unsplash licence.
Writing for The Spectator, Sadie Nicholas writes: ‘Reading children’s literature as adults can elicit benefits for us too. It is said to help boost creativity, reduce stress, promote escapism, unleash our imaginations and reconnect us to our own childhoods’ (2023).
Picture story books were an integral part of our childhood: they allowed us to escape into faraway worlds with magic, power, and inspiring characters; they inspired us to vouch for the good guys (or bad!), placing ourselves into their shoes as we read alongside their journeys; they taught us that reading is a quick and easy way to step away from the every day for just a moment.
As the end of term and the school year draws close, stepping away from exam study or assignment pressures for just a moment is an incredibly beneficial tool. By relaxing and resetting your mind for just a moment, you may find a newfound sense of clarity when returning to your work.
This is where picture story books come in! They’re quick reads, fulfilling, and enable us to ‘return to the familiar’ (Nicholas 2023), making them the perfect mode of text to pick up aside from your studies!
Here are some of our favourite (and most nostalgic!) picture books available in the library:
Pig the Pug by Aaron Blabey
Follow the hilariously greedy, beady-eyed Pig the Pug as he learns the importance of sharing. With rhyme, dialogue, and action-packed illustrations, Pig’s story was shortlisted for The Children’s Book Council of Australia’s list.
Available from the City Campus library.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
A staple in everyone’s childhood, The Very Hungry Caterpillar follows the journey of metamorphosis with vivid and colourful collage illustrations. A simple story, the text is excitingly engaging with finger-sized holes as the caterpillar “chews” through each page.
Available from the City Campus library.
The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister
About friendship, happiness, and sharing, this pocket-sized classic emphasises the value of being an individual. With metallic scales to catch your eye, The Rainbow Fish lets us swim back into the memories of our childhood friendships.
Available from the City Campus library.
The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter
Naughty Peter Rabbit heads into Mr. McGregor’s garden one day with perhaps too much curiosity. His hasty adventure, thankfully, lands him back at home with his mother and siblings, making this a serene, easy-to-read tale of excitement.
Available from the City Campus library.
The Lorax by Dr Seuss
Our childhood eco-warrior, The Lorax follows the greedy Once-ler, looking to destroy the majestic, colourful forest. We see environmental destruction and consumerism at the heart of the story, with playful rhyme and detailed illustrations to guide you through the story.
Available from the City Campus library.
There’s a Wocket in my Pocket by Dr Seuss
Using Dr Seuss’ signature rhyming with made-up words, There’s a Wocket in my Pocket features a little boy as he guides the reader through his house full of strange creatures: from the noothgrush on the toothbrush to the Wellar in the Cellar and more.
Available from the City Campus library.
Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
A core tale about wildness, childhood creativity, and emotions, Where the Wild Things Are follows Max as he rides out his “rumpus” thoughts in his bedroom jungle with the wild things. A much-loved classic, Max’s imagination transports the reader with such ease and vivid creativity.
Available from the City Campus library.
Wombat Stew by Marcia Vaughan & Pamela Lofts
With the perhaps forgotten childhood anthem—‘wombat stew, wombat stew, gooey, brewy, yummy, chewy, wombat stew’—this book follows a clever dingo as he puts together a wombat stew. Deceived by a range of identifiable Australian animals who seek to save the wombat, the dingo’s tale is extraordinarily reminiscent of the bush.
Available from the City Campus library.
Words by Ashlee Simpson, Digital & Library Engagement Officer.
References:
Nicholas S (22 March 2023) Why adults should read children’s books, The Spectator, accessed 04 September 2023.
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