By MICHELLE WILLSON
Editorial Editor
Can Adults learn things from children’s books? Yes and No, I feel we can relearn from them. We already have these lessons in our mind but sometimes we need to be reminded of them. It also helps you escape from the adult world and get back to your roots and remember what it is like to feel like a child again.
March 2nd is Read across America Day and Dr. Seuss’s Birthday. I think we should take part of the day to enjoy the stories we loved as children. I feel that as children, we followed the story but as adults or young adults, we tend to find the meaning behind the story. We now have the capability to analyze the actions of the characters and author.
TheAtlantic.com stated, “To a child, The Little Prince is the story of a boy who falls from the sky, meets lots of funny people on his travels, and then returns to his star. Bu take a closer look and you find as clear a commentary on everything that’s wrong with modern life—and what can be done to fix it—as you would in the most biting social satire”. (The Atlantic)
Around this time every year, I help my mom decorate her daycare for Dr. Seuss day. We like to make it Dr. Seuss month. My favorite part is reading the books to the daycare kids. It is funny to read the things you notice as an adult that went right over your head as children. Think about the story of The Lorax, it is not just saving the environment it is also about learning how to become an advocate, to use your voice, and speak for those who cannot speak for themselves. I feel especially with all the movements going on this is an especially good lesson to remind yourself of. Even if the action does not directly affect you. You should always use your voice to help others.
I also feel that books can give aid to you in your life’s journey, even if it is just giving you the ambition to try new things. I do not know about you, but I am a very “quote driven” person. I feel like Dr. Seuss has some of the best quotes to live by. In Happy Birthday to You, Dr. Seuss writes, “Today you are you, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.” Dr. Seuss uses this quote to remind you to be yourself. As adults, we can see the reasons for the quotes and analyze the words. What seems like a fun rhyme as a kid is actually great life advice that can help you when you are having a bad day.
I am a little bias because I absolutely adore Dr. Seuss, but there are plenty of well written children and even young teen books that you should read or reread from your childhood. Most of the books give life advice through the adventures of the characters portrayed and even if there is not a stand out lesson to learn, at least it’s a little escape from your adult responsibility’s.
I propose that we should get rid of any maximum age limit on books. There is no reason that a 16 or even someone 24 or older should feel embarrassed to check out their favorite book from the library even if it is “Oh the thinks You can Think” or “James and The Giant Peach”. I do not care if it says ages 5-9 if I want to read it as a 19 year old it is not weird.
So since March 2 is “National Read around America Day.” I say you should go and pick up your favorite book, No matter what the content or size, and read it. The entire book or even just your favorite page. Get back to your childhood and get some of the genuine childlike nature back.