Growing up, reading was a huge part of my life. Before I could read for myself my dad would read me chapters from various children's books every night. It was a ritual that I cherished and instilled within me a ravenous desire to read. When I was able to on my own I would spend hours in the library collecting stacks of books, and I would sit and read for entire days. Now as an adult, I am taking a class on Children's Literature and understanding just how important this literature is not only to my life, but to all children. The ability to escape reality, learn about new and exotic places, and expand the world around you from somewhere as simple as a corner in your room is what makes children's literature, and all literature for that matter so unique and necessary. Thinking back to my childhood, several authors in particular were most inspiring, here they are:
1. Roald Dahl
Roald Dahl is a classic amongst children's authors, inciting children to feel included in the text, conspiring against parents in some ways. I read a dozen of his children's books when I was younger but the three I favored the most were Matilda, The BFG, and The Witches. All three challenge the notions of what a child is capable of doing while also offering adventure, and some dark undertones. I dreamed of having Matilda's powers, and looked around for signs of witches for weeks. His books put power and challenges into the hands of children, and that was empowering to read as a child.
2. John R. Erickson
Perhaps one of the most nostalgic authors I will discuss is John R. Erickson, because I was never the one to read his books, but my dad read them to me, making me connect these texts to him. Erickson wrote the Hank the Cowdog series, a pivotal part of creating my imagination as a child. These were about the experiences of a dog living on a farm, and as a kid living on a small farm myself I felt connected to Hank. I can still hear my dad doing each voice of the variety of characters from Hank himself to his love interest Beula, to the sneaky Pete the Cat. After years of hearing these stories a book shelf in my house has accumulated well over 20 of these books.
3. Dick King Smith
Dick King Smith is my favorite children's author, hands down. I initially was drawn to him because all of his books were about animals, my obsession as a child, but I inevitably fell in love with the way the books were written, and the quality of each story with unique characters. He wrote the iconic Babe, about a pig who wants to be a sheep dog, among other titles like Ace a Very Important Pig, and Spider Sparrow. My collection of his works is numerous, because he accomplishes bringing serious topics and silly topics together with the help of animals to show that children can achieve so much with imagination and perseverance.
4. J.K Rowling
Harry Potter is iconic. I don't know many who don't feel influenced by the Harry Potter series. She created a massive phenomena and an entirely new world living right alongside the rest of us.
5. Robin Moore
My fourth grade class focused on American History. My teacher would dress up in colonial and Native American traditional outfits and we would have markets where we would sell traditional colonial goods while dressed in old fashioned outfits. Needless to say this experience was special on its own but throughout the year, my teacher would read us Robin Moore's books Maggie Among the Seneca, and I remember how excited we would be just to hear the next chapter in the book. Then, Robin Moore came and visited my school and read a short story I composed, and actually thought I had talent. As a fourth grader I was ecstatic, and I remain a Robin Moore fan even now.
6. Kate Dicamillo
Kate Dicamillo's Because of Winn Dixie was one of my favorite books in adolescence. I related to Opal's shy and eclectic behavior and loved her connection to her dog. This book was probably one of the most beneficial "coming of age" tales I read, as it beautifully intertwined southern ideals, a girl's personal struggles, and the love an animal and human can have for eachother.
