Pure Imagination: Children's Books with Imagination for the Young and Old
Hello Lovely Readers! Spring has sprung...mostly. It seems the weather in Virginia cannot make up its mind so I have decided (at least for myself) that spring is here! I hope that ya'll are enjoying some time outside, going for walks and seeing the flowers begin to bloom. Despite the cozy cold weather season is passing away, I bring a happy reminder that reading is an all year hobby we can all enjoy! Take those books outside! Now onto today's article (which I had so much fun writing)!
**For those of you who are new, in addition to this blog I also am a 2026 writer in residence for the Slow Living Home Magazine. This magazine is “An online magazine & mentoring community of women & homemakers, intentionally holding space for awareness & stability in a rushed and insecure world.” (from the website). I have a lovely column called the Book Nook, where I write book related content based on a monthly theme. For March, the theme was Imagination. With the permission of the lovely Melissa, I am allowed to post my articles here on the blog. Just know there are so many other wonderful articles/columns in this magazine including health, fitness, scripture, recipes, and more! If you are interested in becoming a subscriber (and you definitely should!), here is the link: https://www.patreon.com/cw/slowlivinghomemagazine
When the world feels too loud and drenched in darkness, I find the greatest of comforts in children’s books. Books filled with wonder and imagination, where I don’t need to wonder if I will come across explicit scenes, foul language, or gory violence. That being said, not all children’s books are created equal. Two of my favorite quotes about children’s literature come from CS Lewis where he states “A children's story that can only be enjoyed by children is not a good children's story in the slightest.” and "No book is really worth reading at age of ten which is not equally (and often far more) worth reading at the age of fifty." I will add there are some exceptions to this; for example, the simple board books I read to my young daughter would not capture my 32 year old attention. However, good stories that will stand the test of time should spark joy in the minds of both the young and the old. Today, I am going to look at some wonderful children’s chapter books whose imaginative language, world building, and fantastic characters can be enjoyed by readers of all ages.
Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass by Lewis Carroll
Like many of my generation, I was first introduced to Wonderland through the 1951 Disney animated film Alice in Wonderland. As soon as I had the ability to read chapter books, I ventured into Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass on my own. Such a fantastical and often absurd world entranced me (and confused me at times). For those who have never had the pleasure, the books follow a little girl named Alice who, following a white rabbit in a waistcoat, falls down a rabbit hole into a world filled with nonsensical characters, playing cards, a smiling cat, and an anger filled queen. Both books have a wonderful sense of delighting in the absurd, truly transporting children and adults alike. I am due for a reread of these classics- are you?
The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster
I did not grow up with this book but man I wish I had! I was recommended this book while working at a library and devoured it over a weekend. A few years later, I bought my own copy and read it aloud to my husband, who also enjoyed it. Similar framework to Alice in Wonderland, a boy named Milo is bored, that is until a tollbooth arrives in his bedroom. Driving into it brings him into the pun filled world of the Lands Beyond. Here he finds the Kingdoms of Dictionopolis and Digitopolis in conflict, which he must stop by rescuing the Princesses Rhyme and Reason. Children will love the wonderful, wacky mix of characters and adults will enjoy the wit of the writing and world building. A must read for all!
ANYTHING by Roald Dahl
So I know this is not a book but rather an author but how can I write an article celebrating imagination and not include Roald Dahl? This British author has written 43 books which includes a mixture of novels, short story collections, and poetry. Each work is well thought out and takes the readers on an adventure. Some of his most popular works include Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (and its sequel), James and the Giant Peach, The BFG, and The Witches. My personal favorite is Matilda- a kind, telepathic book lover, sign me up! I cannot wait to read these books to my daughter when she is older and I have no doubt we will both delight in them.
Baker’s Magic by Diane Zahler
I found this book completely by accident. I was watching my toddler in the library and out of the corner of my idea, I saw this chapter book. I was in a bit of a slump and took a chance on it- I am so glad I did! This contemporary middle grade book follows an orphan named Bea who discovers she has magical baking abilities, specifically that she can bake her emotions into her goods. This wonderful fantasy novel is creative and filled with adventure, where she must help a princess save the kingdom. The themes of found family and bravery are endearing without being sappy. Truly, I think this lesser known book can and should be enjoyed by readers of all ages.
The Village Beyond the Mist by Sachiko Kashiwaba
One of the most imaginative film makers of the modern era is Hayao Miyazaki. I grew up with his beautifully animated movies, my favorites being Kiki’s Delivery Service and Howl’s Moving Castle. As an adult I found that many of his movies were based on children’s books, so over the years I have tried to find and read them whenever possible. The Village Beyond the Mist was a huge inspiration (so it is said) for Spirited Away and when I saw a copy at the library I snatched it up. The plot has little to do with the movie but I found myself enchanted by it, loving it more than its movie. This fantasy book follows a young girl named Lina, who is sent to a rural village for the summer by her father. She finds herself in a wonderful, magical town with odd and endearing residents. Through working at the various shops in town, Lina finds friendship and little life lessons. This is one of the coziest books I have ever read and believe me when I say both children and adults will fall in love with this book.
Unfortunately, I can not expand on all the wonderfully imaginative books that I would recommend, so here are some other reads to check out:
-Escape From Lemencello’s Library by Chris Grabenstein
-Narnia series by CS Lewis
-Howl’s Moving Castle by Dianna Wynne Jones
-Kiki’s Delivery Service by Eiko Kadono
-The Hobbit by JRR Tolkien
-Coraline by Neil Gaiman
-The Wizard of Oz series by L. Frank Baum
-Heidi by Johanna Spyri
-The Swiss Family Robinson by Johann David Wyss
-The Mary Poppins Series by PL Travers
-Baron Munchausen's Narrative of His Marvellous Travels and Campaigns in Russia by Rudolph Erike Raspe
-Caddie Woodlawn by Carol Ryrie Brink
-A Girl of Limberlost by Gene Stratton-Porter
-Nutcracker by E.T.A Hoffman
May you never turn your nose up at children’s books and may such books make you fall in love with reading all over again.
Well that is all for now! I would love to hear some of your favorite imagination filled recommendations in the comments. Don't forget to check us out on Instagram (@ladybookishblog), Facebook (Lady Bookish), or email me ladybookishblog@gmail.com . Also please consider subscribing so you will never miss a post as it goes directly to your email.
Many posts are in the works so stay tuned!
Happy Reading!
Lady Bookish