Any reader can tell you that their love of books started with just one—one book that opened their eyes and imagination to the world. Most of those books are probably children’s books; books we loved that never really left us. Here are a few that were recommended by members at the University Press.
Where the Wild Things Are By: Maurice Sendak
“Oh, please don’t go—we’ll eat you up—we love you so!” — Where the Wild Things Are
This beloved children’s book follows a young boy named Max who gets into trouble, and is forced to go to bed without dinner. That night his imagination takes him to the Island of the Wild Things where he makes new friends, and they make him their king. But he misses home and knows he must return.
“This book started my love of reading because it encouraged the imagination to soar and to have adventures, but also know that at the end of the day home is where you belong, where people love you.” –Toni Guest
Beauty and the Beast By: Teddy Slater and Ric Gonzalez
“Once upon a time” –Beauty and the Beast
This classic Disney fairytale tells of Belle who longs for adventure and loves to read and Beast who lives in an enchanted castle with a talking teapot, clock, and candlestick. They must learn to look beyond the surface to find true love and break the evil curse.
“It has always been my favorite. She had brown hair, I had brown hair, she loved to read, and so did I. I don’t know, I wanted to be a princess and stumble upon my own castle in the woods” –Amber Paige Lee
Bridge to Terabithia By: Katherine Paterson
“It was up to him to pay back to the world in beauty and caring what Leslie had loaned him in vision and strength.” –Bridge to Terabithia
When newcomer Leslie beats Jess in the school-yard race, they soon become friends. He helps the city-girl acclimate to suburbia Virginia, and she opens his mind to imagination. Together they enter a magical world known as Terabithia where they are safe from bullies and everyday life. When tragedy strikes Jess must have courage to rule over Terabithia alone.
“I liked it because it had fantasy along with the common feelings we all run into in life. I liked how Paterson described Terabithia; it was a nice escape from the real world.” –Kristin Hiler
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz By: L. Frank Baum
“There is no place like home.” –The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
This timeless classic follows the adventure of Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion as they follow the yellow brick road toward Emerald City to see the great and powerful Oz in order to have their greatest desires come true. Along the way they safe the Wicked Witch of the West and her flying monkeys who try and steal Dorothy’s ruby red slippers.
“I’m sure [my] fascination with the book (and the subsequent sequels) stemmed from the ever-popular 1939 movie. My mom recorded the movie when it was on TV (commercials and all) when I was about three-years-old, and I wore that VHS out. My Oz obsession has actually spilled over into my adulthood. –April Loebick
The Mists of Avalon By: Marion Zimmer Bradley
“There is no such thing as a true tale. Truth has many faces and the truth is like to the old road to Avalon; it depends on your own will, and your own thoughts, whither the road will take you.” –The Mists of Avalon
The Legend of King Arthur comes to life! Told from the points of view by the women behind the throne—Morgaine (Morgan Le Fay) and Gwenhwyfar (Guinevere). It tells of the rise and fall of Camelot due to politics and the incoming of Christianity to the British Isles. Bradley adds a new perspective to the mythic tale.
“Between fifth grade and ninth grade, I read it about twenty times.” –Chris Shull
What was your favorite book as a child that helped to foster your love of reading?
Toni Guest