5 things childhood books did for us

March 28, 2017 40

Books are the first platforms that teach a child a plethora of skills from the moment they begin to read. If you look back on when you first started to read and thought about what you had learned at the time, you’ll see that not only were you learning to pronounce words you were also developing your imagination, sensory skills, communication skills and social skills.

But that’s not all. From the simplistic and colourful picture books, to the thick childhood novels filled with detailed illustrations, whether we realised it or not books from our childhood taught us real life skills.

Here are 5 things that childhood books did for us:

1. Taught us that life is an adventure – Biff and Chip

Biff and Chip books always involved an adventure of some kind; whether the unsuspecting children ended up in a fantasy land of the dinosaurs, on a pirate ship or underwater in a submarine, they enjoyed the journey and learned a few new things along the way.

2. Have a great attitude at work – The Jolly Postman

From Cinderella to the Big Bad Wolf, the Jolly Postman had a long list of deliveries to make, yet he stayed jolly through it all- even though some of the recipients were scary!

3. Helping a friend in need – Charlotte’s Web

Knowing that the farmer wanted to have rambunctious Wilbour the pig for dinner, after befriending him, Charlotte decided to create a cunning plan and weave praises of Wilbour into her web for the farmer to see; in hopes of distracting him and sparing Wilbour’s life.

4. Have fun (and clean up afterwards) – Cat in the Hat

No one is sillier than the Cat in the Hat himself. With a mission to entertain Sally and her brother on a dreary rainy day, with tricks and fun, this playful cat achieves his goal and gives Sally, her brother and her disapproving pet fish an unforgettable afternoon – and manages to clean up the mess before mum and dad gets home.

5. Don’t stereotype – The B.F.G

Trusting orphan Sophie, spots the Big Friendly Giant one night through her bedroom window. Far from being a gruesome, child chomping giant (unlike the others) Sophie befriends the BFG (a vegetarian who eats snozzcumbers) who later saves her from monstrous giant called the Bloodbottler and with Sophie’s help later convinces the Queen to imprison the naughty giants.

What were your favourite books as a child and what did they teach you?

Written by: Miriam Emenike

Rate it