Growing up I have always loved to read. There is something magical about books that can take a person into the depths of their own imaginations and into a world that we have never known before. As I have aged my love for literature has only grown and I continue to discover new pieces and authors that change my life in so many ways. However, some days I need to slow down and revert back to my literary roots. Every now and then I find myself getting lost in an array of children's books that I deem as classic from my childhood. These collections of tales have always held a special place in my heart due to how their lessons and motifs can still be applied to my daily life. Therefore I have compiled a list of beloved children's books that I think every adult should reread and enjoy.

1. "The Giving Tree" by Shel Silverstein

You better get out from the rock you have been living under if you have never read "The Giving Tree" by Shel Silverstein. This book reminds us all not only of the power of friendship, but generosity that stretches beyond human compassion. Motifs such as the preservation of the environment and selfishness of man also makes an appearance and can reteach us many life lessons that we may have forgotten.

2. "The Lorax" by Dr. Seuss

Dr. Seuss is a beloved children's author whose books are filled nonsensical whimsy. Although this book also contains unique characters and imaginative artwork, this piece also portrays a valuable lesson: take care of your environment and all living things before it's too late, "Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not".

3. "You Are Special" by Max Lucado

This is a tale about Punchinello, and how Eli helps him learn that he is special no matter what anyone else may think. Growing up is hard enough as is, and it becomes that much more difficult when the world is telling you to conform to a certain mold. This book reminds everyone that it is okay to be different, and to celebrate that we all are.

4. "Where the Sidewalk Ends" by Shel Silverstein

Seriously you can never go wrong with Shel Silverstein. Although some of his poems are intended for pure amusement purposes, many of his others carry a deeper connotation. Themes from love, friendship, exploration, youth, and many more can be found and make you remember how life is from a child's perspective.

5. "The Paper Bag Princess" by Robert Munsch

This is a more modern twist on your not-so-average fairy tale. You have your basic princess who is dying to get married to the guy of her dreams. That is until he gets captured and carried away by the fierce fire breathing dragon. So now it is up to the paper bag princess to not only rescue her man, but to defeat this ferocious beast as well. It is a charming tale about how men aren't the only ones who can save the day, and that girl power has been around longer than what we thought.

6. "Ferdinand the Bull" by Munro Leaf

Many can recall this classic tale of the large bull who wanted nothing more than to sit under the shade of his favorite tree and just smell the flowers. Why reread this book as an adult? Author Munro Leaf reminds readers that we do not have to mold into the archetypes that others set for us, and to not be afraid to be nothing but who we actually are.

7. "Grimm's Fairy Tales" by the Brothers Grimm

I feel that we all need to know where Walt Disney received most of his inspiration from. This cornucopia of classic stories was originally woven together by the Grimm brothers and they are far from what the films portray. These stories were originally intended to teach children that life is all about harsh lessons and consequences from certain behaviors. Trust me when I say these were not meant to be bedtime stories and you'll have quite a different outlook when you learn the truth behind these fairy tales.

8. "Chrysanthemum" by Kevin Henkes

Have I emphasized enough that it is okay to be different? The story of a young mouse with a most extraordinary name and how she learns to accept that she has a unique quality that is different from her friends. Another beautifully told tale about celebrating what makes an individual special and how we can accept others for being themselves.

9. "Matilda" by Roald Dahl

Roald Dahl has to be another one of my favorite children's authors of all time. His books are not only original and ingenious, but filled with humor with a touch of crass. What makes this novel stand out from his other pieces? The main character herself is relatable. She like many of us have conflicts with our families. Where many children's books convey family as loving and supportive, Dahl turns to a different approach and illustrates how that's not always how life is. The book also shares motifs such as freedom, youth, education, violence, and good vs. evil.

10. "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day" by Judith Vjorst

Let's face it, we've all had that bad day where all we want to do is pack all of our things and move to Australia. This book serves as a wonderful reminder that one, everyone will have their share of awful days, and two, that we can eventually overcome them. Nonetheless Australia still sounds like a good idea regardless.

Sometimes a little bit of nostalgia is all we need to brighten our days. If you have never read one or more of these books I strongly suggest that you pick them up right away because they are appropriate for all ages. Books are simply doors that we open that allows our imaginations to take hold. Let yourself get lost in one today.