Have you ever revisited a childhood favorite book only to find that it doesn’t quite live up to your memories? You’re not alone. Many adults seeking to share the magic of their favorite tales with the next generation find themselves in a similar predicament. Thankfully, the Children’s Department librarians have some excellent modern alternatives that capture the same spirit.
Picture Books
Original Favorite: The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss
Why It Charmed: Engaging language and playful art
Today’s Pick: The Doghouse by Jan Thomas
Original Favorite: Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister
Why It Charmed: A story about sharing, highlighted by vibrant illustrations
Today’s Pick: Bear Says Thanks by Karma Wilson
Original Favorite: The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
Why It Charmed: Promoted generosity
Today’s Picks: Extra Yarn by Mac Barnett and The Big Umbrella by Amy June Bates
Original Favorite: Babar by Jean de Brunhoff
Why It Charmed: Everyday wonders with simple illustrations
Today’s Pick: Maisy series by Lucy Cousins
Original Favorite: Tikki Tikki Tembo by Arlene Mosel
Why It Charmed: Introduction to cultural elements
Today’s Pick: Ten Little Dumplings by Larissa Fan
Novels
Original Favorite: The Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder
Why It Charmed: Historical immersion and simple prose
Today’s Pick: Prairie Lotus by Linda Sue Park
Original Favorite: The Indian in the Cupboard by Lynne Reid Banks
Why It Charmed: Animated playtime and discovery
Today’s Picks: The Winter of the Dollhouse by Laura Amy Schlitz and The Robber Girl by Franny Billingsley
Original Favorite: A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett
Why It Charmed: Rediscovering love and friendship
Today’s Pick: The Gilded Girl by Alyssa Colman
Original Favorite: The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
Why It Charmed: Mysterious family secrets in an old mansion
Today’s Pick: The Carrefour Curse by Dianna K. Salerni
Original Favorite: Heidi by Johanna Spyri
Why It Charmed: Found family, home, and healing
Today’s Picks: Heidi: A Graphic Novel by Mariah Marsden and The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
Original Favorite: Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie
Why It Charmed: Magical adventures and growth
Today’s Picks: The Secret Library by Kekla Magoon and The Happy Shop by Brittany Long Olsen
Original Favorite: Julie of the Wolves by Jean Craighead George
Why It Charmed: Survival against the odds
Today’s Pick: Across the Desert by Dusti Bowling
Original Favorite: Roald Dahl’s books
Why They Charmed: Unique characters and imaginative plots
Today’s Picks: Leeva at Last by Sara Pennypacker, The Swifts: A Dictionary of Scoundrels by Beth Lincoln, Grimwood by Nadia Shireen, and The Bad Beginning by Lemony Snicket
Original Favorite: Redwall by Brian Jacques
Why It Charmed: Courageous animal heroes
Today’s Pick: Warriors by Erin Hunter
Original Favorite: Johnny Tremaine by Esther Forbes
Why It Charmed: Historical fiction adventure
Today’s Pick: Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson
Original Favorite: Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
Why It Charmed: A mystical world of magic and mystery
Today’s Pick: Nic Blake and the Remarkables series by Angie Thomas, or explore more from this list
Original Favorite: The Borrowers by Mary Norton
Why It Charmed: A miniature world exploration
Today’s Pick: The Mossheart’s Promise by Rebecca Mix
Original Favorite: Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
Why It Charmed: A whimsical journey in a fantastical world
Today’s Pick: The Labyrinth of Souls by Leslie Vedder
Original Favorite: The Dark Is Rising series by Susan Cooper
Why It Charmed: Folktale-inspired adventures
Today’s Pick: The Blight Harbor series by Lora Senf
Original Favorite: Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren
Why It Charmed: A main character with a wild imagination
Today’s Pick: Dory Fantasmagory by Abby Hanlon
Original Favorite: The Hobbit/The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
Why It Charmed: Rich fantasy worlds with epic tales
Today’s Pick: Wings of Fire by Tui Sutherland
Original Favorite: Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
Why It Charmed: The warmth of family life
Today’s Pick: The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street by Karina Yan Glaser
Original Favorite: The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame
Why It Charmed: Animal adventures with human traits
Today’s Pick: Skunk and Badger by Amy Timberlake
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