10 Children’s Books You Didn’t Realize Had Genius Grown-Up Life Lessons
They say millennials are out-reading past generations, and with amazing new books out each month, it’s not hard to see why. When we’re not decking out our apartment in book decor and catching up on the latest must-reads with our favorite book apps, we’re cozying into a snug reading chair and breaking open a good ol’ fashioned paperback. But our love of reading didn’t appear overnight — we were conditioned to become super readers as children by picking up classics like Dr. Seuss and Robert Munsch. Although these books certainly taught us right from wrong as kids, their life lessons transcend into adulthood too. Here are 10 books we all read as kids that could probably teach us a thing or two as adults.
1. The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle ($6): We’ve all felt like the hungry caterpillar at one point in our lives. Sure, the night starts off with one apple, then two plums… but it eventually ends in a full hangry rage with a slice of salami, a lollipop and a big piece of cherry pie. Take a note from this hungry caterpillar and consume your sweets in moderation to avoid a two-week cocoon.
2. The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss ($5): When Sally and her brother find trouble in a mysterious party cat, we all know something bad is about to happen. Learn from Sally and confide in your best friend about your problems (in this case, it’s a fish, but we guess it could be a human too). A true BFF will always have your back and support you, no matter what.
<em>The Little Prince</em>
The Little Prince begs you to take a leap and follow your heart, no matter how gut-wrenchingly scary it might be.<em>Curious George Takes a Train</em>
by Hans Augusto Rey and Margret Rey ($4): Whether you’re more of a George or a Man With the Yellow Hat, Curious George Takes a Train reminds us to not take ourselves too seriously. Go out and explore something amazing, and make a few new friends along the way.5. Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss ($6): Okay, green eggs sound disgusting. But just like the Grouchy Guy, it’s always good to try something new — even if all you get out of it is knowing for a fact you don’t like it.
6. The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch ($6): Anyone who calls themselves a modern-day feminist should go back and read this #girlboss book. After Princess Elizabeth battles a dragon in her paper bag (because the dragon burned her entire wardrobe), Prince Ronald has the audacity to say she doesn’t look like a princess? Please. Anyone who can’t handle your natural, beautiful self does not deserve your precious time.
<em>If You Give a Mouse a Cookie</em>
by Laura Numeroff and Felicia Bond ($9): Today, we always seem to be reaching for more, whether it’s more data on our phone, more job security at work or more money to spend on vacation. If there’s anything we can learn from this classic read, it’s that sometimes if we take a step back and look at what we have now, we might find out that we already have everything we need.8. Love You Forever by Robert Munsch ($4): Better get a Kleenex out, because reading this bedtime story as an adult will make you ugly cry worse than Kim K. Between the sobs, pull out your phone and call your momma. She’ll be glad to know you’re still thinking about her.
9. Oh, the Places You’ll Go! by Dr. Seuss ($11): Whether you read this as a kid or got it as a graduation present (or both!), it has one of the greatest life lessons we could re-learn as adults: Stop worrying about tomorrow. It’s going to be awesome.