Children’s books are the epicenter of imagination. They gave us something to believe in and somewhere to escape to. As we grew older, the love for imagination and storytelling stayed with some of us and channeled into a love for reading as adults. 

My love for books is rooted in the endless minefield of stories I was captured by as a child. Here are some of my favorites.

“Magic Tree House” Series : 4/5 nostalgia

This wildly fantastical children’s book series is about siblings, Jack and Annie, who travel through time using a magic treehouse. It’s as easy as pointing a finger to a book and Jack and Annie are on their way to a different time. The places and time periods the siblings visit throughout this series give young readers a unique insight into history, other cultures, and social justice issues. 

“The Magic Treehouse” books were frequently read to my classmates and I after recess, during snack time. I can still taste the salty, baked flavor of goldfish and feel the thick, fuzzy, blue, alphabet carpet beneath my legs as my eyes danced around the room, envisioning Jack and Annie and their adventures, hoping I’d have some of my own one day. 

“A Series of Unfortunate Events” Series:  4.5/5 nostalgia

This three-book series follows three newly orphaned siblings, Violet, Klaus, and Sunny Baudelaire as they are sent to live with a distant relative, Count Olaf, who tries to steal the fortune that was left to them by their parents.

This book series was also read to me and my classmates during snack time. I remember being captivated by this tragic story and determined to read ahead of the class. I needed to know what happened to the three orphans, undeserving of the cruel and cold punishment they received by Count Olaf. A truly beautiful depiction of enduring sibling love.

“The Dork Diaries” Series:  4.2/5 nostalgia

This series follows Nikki Maxwell, an awkward girl in middle school, through her diary. Nikki writes about boys, friendships, enemies, fitting in, and awkward situations she finds herself in daily.

“The Dork Diaries” never failed to put a smile on my face and feed my desire for gossip with fictional drama; much better than the real thing. The books in this series accurately depict what goes through the minds of young girls as they reinvent who they are and rediscover who they want to be.

“Junie B. Jones” Series:  4.3/5 nostalgia

Junie B. Jones is a fiery and sassy 5-year-old who recounts every thought that goes through her head. The series is told through Junie B.’s point of view, easily connecting with young readers her age. 

I adored these books and still have stacks of them stowed away at the top of my closet. I admired Junie B. for standing up to people of authority like her parents and teachers and for asking the important questions. Junie B. was sort of a role model for me, also her outfits were incredibly fashionable for a five-year-old, inspiring my collection of pants in every color.

“Diary of a Wimpy Kid” Series:  4.4/5 nostalgia

Greg Heffley is a middle school student who documents his experiences and interactions in a diary. Similar to ‘The Dork Diaries,” but this time through a boy’s perspective. Hilarious, and engaging, anyone can read these books, even those who don’t enjoy reading. 

As an obnoxious child who enjoyed stories and wanted to share the ones I loved, I gathered my friends around and read them “The Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days”, my favorite book of the series. I probably read this book five times over and had so much fun doing it. 

“The Doll People” Series:  5/5 nostalgia

A group of dolls come alive when there are no humans around. A tale told before in a multitude of different ways, this story focuses on a family of antique dolls who are over 100-years-old. Annabelle, a doll and the main character of the series, goes on dangerous adventures to save her family and friends all the while having to hide that she’s alive from her humans.

This was an intriguing story that I was enthralled by immediately. I came across it in the library and continued to read the rest of the series. The risks Annabelle took to save the ones she loved fueled me to keep reading. 

The bumps throughout her journeys were unique to her life as a doll and added to a story that could’ve been tired and overdone but was refreshed in a captivating way.

“The Giving Tree”:  4.9/5 nostalgia

This tale spoke directly to my heart and taught me the most important of lessons It follows a boy who grows up loving and adoring this tree. As he grows older his love becomes selfish and taxing to the tree, but the tree never stops loving the boy the way it always had. 

I was gifted this book as a young girl and still cherish it. Through this book, I learned that it’s important to remember where you come from and to not overlook the love you receive. Love works best as a two-way street.

“The Books of Elsewhere” Series:  4.6/5 nostalgia

After Olive Dunwoody and her family move houses, Olive quickly realizes there is something strange going on: she can travel through pre-existing paintings in her house. The series follows Olive as she solves mysteries and navigates through worlds unbeknownst to her or anyone else. 

This series reminds me of “Coraline” and “Narnia” since it’s a different take on traveling to different worlds. “The Books of Elsewhere” holds magical and eerie elements to it, which lured me to the series as a kid fascinated by the supernatural. This series is one of my most memorable and favorite reads of my childhood, and I’d pick it up again today. 

“The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane”:  4.7/5 nostalgia

A tale about a porcelain china doll rabbit, Edward Tulane, who falls overboard on a cruise ship and loses its owner. Edward goes on a journey where he meets all sorts of people and discovers that you can find love after loss.

Edward’s disposition throughout the book is altered by the experiences he has after falling overboard. One of the greatest joys I remember feeling while reading this book is watching Edward’s heart go from cold to warm, and how he learns from all the people he meets along the way.

“Goodnight Moon”:  4.8/5 nostalgia

A classic bedtime story, where a young rabbit is getting ready to go to bed while listing off things in their room, saying goodnight to every single one of them, helping the rabbit nod off to sleep. 

“Goodnight Moon” is the earliest book I remember reading and loving. The repetitive and simple style of writing aligned with the story of a cute rabbit snuggling into a bed at night instantly makes me feel cozy and like I’m back in my childhood bed getting ready to sleep.