Children's Books: Not Just for Kids

Even though most adults don't get two months' off for summer, they still like to read lighter books during the warmer months. This is why we have the term "beach read". A beach read is something that can be enjoyed while vacationing in some exotic clime or even on a porch swing in the backyard while keeping an eye on the kids. The typical recommendations for beach reads are murder mysteries, chick lit, or Hollywood gossip disguised as a novel a la Jackie Collins. I prefer taking a different route. For light reading, I head straight for the children's section of the library.

Why would I recommend that an adult read children's books? First of all, let me clarify that I am not talking about picture books that you read to your five-year-old. Most of the books I am referring to come from the young adult (YA) shelf, which at my library is in the children's section. They aren't all coming-of-age novels, either. Many popular adult genres such as mysteries can also be found in YA books, downsized a bit with simpler vocabulary. If you think you will be embarrassed carrying a children's book, don't worry. The cover art on a lot of the books is similar to what you see on the chick-lit paperbacks -- brightly-colored with a trendy art style.

The plots of the books aimed at today's children can be just as compelling as books for adults, but without all the sex and swearing. If you are looking for a clean romance novel that will pluck your heart strings, try "Flipped" by Wendelin Van Draanen. It is a story told from the alternating perspectives of the boy and girl involved. Ms. Van Draanen's prose is humorous without ever trying to sound hip and the ending is believable.

Another favorite genre of mine from the children's section is how-to books. For me, warmer weather makes me feel as though I can accomplish almost anything, so it is the perfect time to try out a new hobby. A person learning a new skill wants the easiest instructions she can find, so why not grab a kids' book on the subject? Whenever an acquaintance wants to learn to knit, I recommend "Kids Knitting" by Melanie Falick. It is a bright, colorful book with easy-to-follow illustrations. The projects are quick and simple and result in useful items such as socks and sweaters.

Do you feel left out when a reference is made to a classic book because you have never read it? The children's section can come to your rescue! There are plenty of series such as Great Illustrated Classics and Graphic Classics that can give you the gist of stories like "Romeo and Juliet" and "Moby Dick". Sure, the books are abridged and to some that is cheating, but we aren't in school anymore. You can always go back and read the full version later when you have time.

If you are a parent, one of the best reasons to skip your usual summer reading choices is to get an idea of what your children are reading. A whole library of children's books have been published since I was in school, and teachers are taking advantage of them. They aren't sticking to the old classics. I took a look at my kids' summer reading lists and only saw one or two books that I had read before. Having a real conversation about a book that you have both read is more gratifying than sitting and listening to your kid run down the plot. Also, if you make a habit of investigating children's book offerings on your own, you can recommend good books to your kids.

Hopefully, I have convinced you to give children's and YA books a try. They are a light, clean, and fun alternative to adult fare. Switch things up this summer and let your inner child pick the books!