13 BEST Children’s Books for Adults + Collectors Editions (2024)

Dive into the magical world of children’s books, because who says they’re not for adults, too?

Looking for the best children’s books for adults? I’ve got you! I’m an avid reader and a lover of all kinds of books, so I’m an expert!

Going back to basics in your reading schedule can have so many benefits – it can boost creativity, aid in focus and decrease anxiety, and even reduce stress.

The books I chose are the most joyful children’s books for adults to take you back to the past and reconnect you with a childhood spent with your nose in colorful worlds. 

No time to scroll? No worries, here are my TOP picks from this list for a grab n’ go!

1. Brambly Hedge – for a beautiful escape

This gorgeous rendition of the intimate lives of a community of mice in the English countryside just HAD to be number 1 on this list. Brambly Hedge, written by Jill Barklem, stole my heart when I was a little girl and it still pulls me back today.

Originally produced in single books dedicated to each season, you can buy the Complete Brambly Hedge series in one book, featuring Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter.

One of the reasons this book feels so timeless is that the illustrations are just exquisite. After reading a page describing the tiny living quarters inside the oak trees, you can delve into the picture for all the tiny details and just get lost in it.

Brambly Hedge is an excellent option if you’re looking for some escapism and a chance to get out of your reality for a while. And one of the perks is that there are no nasty characters in the stories – it’s just a world of wholesome, positive vibes 😊 

If you haven’t read it and want to know more, you can meet the mice here!

2. Milly-Molly-Mandy – for an easy read

The Milly-Molly-Mandy stories, by Joyce Lancaster Brisley, are an absolute joy to read. They chronicle the day-to-day diaries of village life for a young girl and her friends, Billy Blunt and Little-Friend-Susan.

First published in 1928, Milly-Molly-Mandy channels the slow, heartfelt storytelling of old times past. There are no quick quips, frustrating cliffhangers, or negative angles; it’s just a pure and simple story. 

I promise you, if you haven’t read Milly-Molly-Mandy, I highly recommend it for light reading. It’s perfect for summer days spent in the garden with a glass of wine on a blanket. Trust me – you’ll love it!

FUN FACT: The author of Milly-Molly-Mandy both wrote and illustrated the stories!

3. A Little Princess – for a tearful story

If you love a good cry, A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett is an excellent choice. Sad without being too heavy, this absolute gem will steal your heart and soul.

A Little Princess is about a young, rich English girl from colonized India who is sent to boarding school in London. She’s a rather spoilt soul – but the cruel treatment that awaits her at the school coupled with her sharp personality will win you over pretty quick!

There’s a lesson to be learned with this gorgeous novel. Sara always endeavors to behave like a princess, even when life is against her. She’ll teach you that every child can be a prince(ss), no matter where they’re from or what their circumstances are.

A likely ending? You’ll walk away from this book reflecting on what’s most important in life. 

4. The Secret Garden – for the imaginative soul

One of the reasons I adored this book as a child (and still do) is the beautiful descriptions of the English countryside. 

The Secret Garden just awakened something in my soul, and now, when I think of the story, I still conjure up this picture in my head of the same secret hidden door I used to imagine as a child. Now that’s a sign of real storytelling! 

I used to live in a house with a secret garden as a child, around the same time I read this book for the first time!

So for those of you who love haunting, descriptive writing that’s still simple and easy to digest, The Secret Garden will surely stay with you forever. 

5. The Magic Faraway Tree – a weird and wonderful escape

This book was probably one of the most memorable stories of my childhood. Written by famed author Enid Blyton (a veritable genius, if you ask me), The Magic Faraway Tree is, quite literally, magic!

The story follows a group of siblings exploring the woods around their house, and they stumble upon a gorgeous tree full of magical creatures in other fantasy lands in clouds far above. 

It’s a beautiful book to inspire little children and let them float off into faraway worlds, but it’s also an opportunity for adults to find some much-needed escapism. 

FUN FACT: escapism is a fantastic way to manage your stress! Hard day at work? An escape into another world through the Magic Faraway Tree is the perfect way to unwind.

6. The Very Hungry Caterpillar – for the artwork

If you’re a fan of beautiful illustrations and simple stories, I promise you, The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle is perfect. And yes – it can be ideal for adults, too!

It doesn’t exactly take very long to finish this book as it’s only about 30 short pages, so if you want something cute and quick to admire before bed, you’ll definitely enjoy TVHC. 

The message of this little gem is to eat food that will help your health in the long term, rather than indulge in foods that give you short-term relief. That message is pretty important – and not just for kids!

Did you know that TVHC is still used to this day to teach kids about healthy eating? With those gorgeous illustrations, I’d use it for my kids, too!

I recommend watching the animated film on YouTube. It’s only 6 minutes long and the narrator’s voice is so calming!

7. Hans Christian Andersen Fairy Tales – for the dreamer

Hans Christian Andersen was a super busy man. He produced over 150 short fairy tales, and many of them you can find in the complete gift editions that are just so beautiful to hold. 

Most loved stories from Hans Christian Andersen include Thumbelina, The Snow Queen, The Emperor’s New Clothes, and Little Ida’s Flowers. 

The most perfect way to enjoy these gorgeous stories is to choose one story each bedtime, a mindful way to help you drift off to sleep with your imagination flying. His stories transcend beyond pure words and are incredibly intricate, and you may even find solace in the relatability of the tales.

Many of Hans Christian Andersen’s tales were derived from his own experiences! The Ugly Duckling is a great example of this, a story of reflection on his personal feelings of isolation and loneliness. 

8. Grimms’ Fairy Tales – for the morbid souls

A collection of stories written by the Grimm brothers in the 19th century, these have stood the test of time. If you’re looking for children’s books with adult themes, you’ll love this. Some of these are not for the faint of heart, that’s for sure! 

Stories of revenge, infanticide, severed limbs, and endless twists and strange events are the most prominent markers of these fairy tales – so they’re definitely suitable for adults!

Many of these tales were adapted by Disney and the stories changed to be suitable for children, the most notable of which is Cinderella! In the original story, Cinderella cuts off her toe so the shoe would fit and the stepmother was forced to dance in heavy, hot iron shoes until she died. Yep – talk about grim!

Although some of these adult children’s books are a little grim, they’re the perfect way to escape into another world. With a plethora of twists and turns that feed into our morbid fascination, it’s an epic choice. 

9. Matilda – for the nostalgic reader

Ah, Matilda. Who doesn’t love Matilda!?

If you haven’t read Matilda and you’ve only seen the movie, you’re missing out. While the movie is absolutely wonderful, the book (by Roald Dahl) is brilliant. It’s well-written, intricate, creative, and inspirational in so many ways. Better yet – it’s an easy read!

Something you’ll take out of Matilda is a yearning to read more! It’ll inspire you to get lost in books more often, which is a great outcome for any book.

Roald Dahl wrote some other brilliant books, too, including The Witches, Danny the Champion of the World, and James and the Giant Peach. All of these make great reads for adults!

I recommend buying the original books as the illustrations were done by Sir Quentin Blake, an absolute legend of his time! His sketches are instantly recognizable, so even if you haven’t read any Road Dahl, you’ve probably seen his illustrations before! 

10. The Tales of Peter Rabbit – for animal lovers

In my eyes, the stories of Peter Rabbit from the legendary Beatrix Potter never get old. There are so many Peter Rabbit stories to choose from, including: 

• The Tale of Benjamin Bunny
• The Tale of the Flopsy Bunnies
• Tales from the Countryside
• The Tale of Tom Kitten
• The Tailor of Gloucester
• The Tale of Jeremy Fisher
• The Tale of Mrs Tiggy-Winkle
• The Tale of Mrs Tittlemouse – and so many more!

Whichever one you choose, they’re all divine. My favorite way to enjoy these stories is with a coffee in the morning – it helps to warm your heart and start your day off right. 

The famed Peter Rabbit was inspired by the author’s pet rabbit, Peter Piper! She used to walk him and draw sketches of him bouncing around the house 🐰

11. Charlotte’s Web – to see beauty in ordinary things

A story of true friendship by E. B. White, you’ll be glad you picked up Charlotte’s Web! The story follows the piglet Wilbur, the runt of his litter, and his friendship with the friendly barn Spider, Charlotte. 

Considered an absolute classic by anyone who’s read it, Charlotte’s Web is an unusual and intimate tale of companionship and survival.

The story was actually inspired by true events on White’s farm, and it delicately balances an easy read with a tale of the circle of life. 

White also wrote Stuart Little, another highly recommended children’s book for adults. The movie is great, too!

12. What Katy Did – for a relatable read

What Katy Did, by Susan Coolidge, is an incredibly relatable story of a young girl who is very sweet and means well, but not very good at “being good” and is forever getting into trouble.

Her adventures begin as a messy, tomboyish teenager until she gets into an accident that teaches her to be a good, kind version of herself. It’s a story of redemption, self-improvement, courage, and patience. 

There are a few books from this series, so go nuts! It makes for a great read with a glass of wine and some snacks – and it’ll no doubt make you think of your own childhood.

Coolidge modeled Katy on herself as a child! Her story resonates with many people, including myself. It’s witty, cheerful, and a simple read. So what will you take away from all this? That kindness fixes everything 😊

13. The Wind in the Willows – for a timeless read

Looking for the best kid’s books for adults to read? We saved the best ‘til last! A masterpiece in its own right and homage to the ideals of childhood, The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame is one of the most timeless, authentic pieces of literature ever written.

Following the journey of 4 friends, the story centers on their lives in the English countryside and their highly entertaining misadventures.

It’s a light, lyrical story with no strict storyline, which makes it perfect for imaginative readers. It’s just Mr Toad and his friends getting into mishaps and wearing tweed – a most utopian, romantic, and impractical story book. 

The Wind in the Willows is perfect for adults, as well as children, mostly because it is timeless, a lot because it is hopeful, and just a bit because it will drag you out of that reading slump like a breath of fresh air. 

FAQs about the best children’s books for adults

📖 Can adults read children’s books? 

Yes! As an adult, there are so many benefits to reading nostalgic children’s books. It can help you rewind and increase your serotonin, which is your happy hormone!

📚 What are the benefits of reading children’s books for adults?

There are so many benefits for adults reading children’s books, including increased creativity, focus, and reduced stress and anxiety. Reading these simple stories gives adults a refuge from the tough realities of life. 

😜 What is the best funny children’s book for adults to read?

Looking for an easy laugh? Brambly Hedge has some comic moments! Roald Dahl is also great for humor, so I highly recommend reading The Twits if you want a laugh!

📙 Which are the most inspirational children’s books for adults?

The most inspirational children’s books for adults are The Velveteen Rabbit, Anne of Green Gables, Charlotte’s Web, and Matilda.

📒 What is the best kid’s book of all time?

The best children’s book of all time is, without a doubt, The Wind in the Willows. It is ageless and somehow still relevant, despite its lack of storyline and animal characters wearing tweed. Love!

Conclusion

Well, there you have it! 13 of the best children’s books for adults, one for every mood and type of reader.

I love reading so much. It takes me back to when I was a kid and didn’t have any real worries – a simpler time, for sure. It’s so nice to have a reminder of that sometimes, so I hope you feel the same way!

Hopefully this list inspired you to pick up a book! There are countless benefits to getting back into reading, so I hope you love it. 

If you want any more recommendations, just drop me a comment! 

Happy reading,

Lizzie

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