There’s always a sense of elation being reminded of childhood and the fun associated with it’s memories. ‘Children’s Day’ should be celebrated in schools with gusto to signify the importance of being a child and what wonders lie ahead for them to be discovered. On this day, why not leave the routine studies and share a great story with the pupils.
It’s a bit archaic but our childhood (in the 1960s) revolved around school, homework & playing with friends & neighbours. Also we’d devour as many story books as we’d lay hands on, during long vacations. How many kids would list ‘reading’ as a hobby now is unpredictable but in our time, teachers & parents encouraged this as a wonderful habit.
Flashback to the past for many of my peers, is in keeping with the famous opening lines ‘I remember as if it were yesterday..’ from RL Stevenson’s ‘Treasure Island’ that was a favourite book for young boys. I can even recall that my best friend had gifted the classic to me on my 9th birthday. Both of us immediately tore the gift wrap and started reading. My tryst with reading humbly started with the ‘Enid Blyton’ mysteries, the ‘Biggles’ adventures and ‘Phantom’ comics but my literary surroundings created love for classics !
Let me share some all time favourites for those below age 12, that must not be missed :
*Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland : This is a timeless story of a young girl named Alice who tumbles down a rabbit hole into a fantastical world and discovers a vast world of zany absurdity with characters like the “The Mad Hatter’ and the ‘Walrus’.
* Wizard of Oz : A classic that many kids (and adults) know only as a movie. The book provides an even more complex look at Dorothy’s journey to find home and the friends she meets along the way.
*The Swiss Family Robinson : Who survive a shipwreck and find themselves stranded on a tropical island with nothing but their ship of supplies, survival skills, and sense of humor. Adventures abound for this family as they deal with the dangers of island life.
*Treasure Island : Full of action, mutiny, adventure, and loot, this fast-paced story also reveals deep lessons about the human spirit through legendary characters like Jim Hawkins and Long John Silver.
* Adventures of Robin Hood : His beloved tale of social justice follows the escapades of Robin Hood and his band of Merry Men who use trickery and humor to rob from the rich and give to those in need.
* Adventures of Tom Sawyer & Huckleberry Finn : Both absolute gems of literature – where Tom, growing up along the Mississippi River has several adventures with Finn.
Truly, there is a vast ocean of knowledge and joy as we delve into the world of books. The habit of reading starts early and catches on, often converting avid readers into prolific writers !
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