Why you should read Children's Lit. as an adult // My favorite authors and illustrators!

Dearest friends,
In a recent video of mine, "Writing/Illustrating A Book & Figuring Out Life After Art School," I told you all about my decision to become a freelance illustrator and writer! I'm currently working on a middle grade children's story, and it has been the highlight of my days! There's nothing else in the world I'd rather be doing than writing and illustrating this story! YAY!!!
I would like to send a massive THANK YOU to everyone who has been so supportive of my decision, and enthusiastic about eventually reading my book!
The topic of today's video is about the importance of reading children's literature as a child, but even more so, the importance of returning to children's literature as adults! This is something that has been on my mind for a very long time now, especially because of working on my own "children's story." As I've been writing my book, I've been thinking about it's potential readers. How, even though, it's a "children's" story, it's also an everyone's story! Something that I hope people of all ages could read and enjoy! As you may be able to tell, I'm very passionate about this topic and thought it would be fun to make a video about!
This is really just an excuse to chat to you about the great influence certain authors and illustrators have had on my life! (...and of course an excuse to show you their beautiful words and "decorations!") :)
All in all, my plea for you is to please return to children's literature! Just because you're an "adult" doesn't mean you can't reconnect with the child inside of you, and return to the books that shaped you in the very beginning!
If you do still read and love children's lit, I'd love to chat all about it in the comments!
Sending you my very best wishes!
Carolyn Marie :)
***The writing/illustrating vlog mentioned - • Writing/Illustrating A...
***The trailer for the film "Goodbye Christopher Robin" starring Domhnall Gleeson (A.K.A. LEVIN!!!!) as the writer A. A. Milne (a favorite of mine) - • Goodbye Christopher Ro...
***Beatrix Potter documentary - • Who Was The Real Beatr...
***The Art of E H Shepard - • THE ART OF E. H. SHEPARD
***The trailer for the stop motion film of "The Little Prince" (which is one of my top top TOP favorite movies EVER! Please watch it!!!) - • The Little Prince Offi...
My Social Media: CarolynMarieReads
***My Website/Portfolio - carolyncastagn...
***Art/Book Instagram - / carolynmariereads
***GoodReads - / carolynmariereads
***Business inquiries: [e-mail]
***My Etsy Shop (some sold out, but more still available!!! - www.etsy.com/s...
***Want to write to me or send something?
Carolyn Castagna
P. O. Box 773
Greenlawn NY 11740
United States
**Please don't feel like you need to send me anything, but if you'd like to I would be honored!!!** :)
***About me -
I just graduated from college at the Fashion Institute of Technology with my Bachelors of Fine Arts in Illustration with a minor in English/Writing.
My greatest passion in life is combining my two loves, literature and art!
Happy Reading :)
#childrensliterature #childrensbookillustrators #beatrixpotter #aamilne #ehshepard #childrensclassics

[@emmiereads]

you look like an absolute angel 💙💙

[@tejaswinisureshkrishnan4228]

Completely agree!💙

[@CarolynMarieReads]

Says the angel herself! 🥰

[@geovannymorajr.1065]

​​@@CarolynMarieReads Great video. I write and illustrate children's book also. Hi 5 ✋️

[@rae_of_sunlight]

Loved this video! This is a topic so close to my heart: I adore children's books and read them regularly as an adult. There's a quote I love from a book/ manifesto by children's author Katherine Rundell called 'Why You Should Read Children's Books Even Though You Are So Old and Wise.' She says “Children’s novels...spoke and still speak of hope. They say: look, this is what bravery looks like. This is what generosity looks like. [..] Children’s books say: the world is huge. They say: hope counts for something. They say: bravery will matter, wit will matter, empathy will matter, love will matter. These things may or may not be true. I do not know. I hope they are.” I think about this a lot. Children's books, and also classics, tend to get at the heart of what it means to be human and to live life well. Children's books make the world a vastly better place - you've set out on such an important career and I'm so excited for you

[@lydia3328]

Really love Carolyn says “When you read about a scene without an illustration, you can come up with an image for yourself, there is much power and importance in that. But when you are given a picture it gives you a look into one of the possibilities of the written description or just give lives to words” maybe imaginations of those vivid stories no matter reading children’s books or adults’ books through reading is one of the reasons and happiness why we are reading. What an amazing girl🥰

[@wordscaninspire114]

Best wishes for your new book - keep enjoying the writing and illustration process. I had a similar enthused absorption when I wrote my 4 children's story books (set in Cornwall, England) 2 of which sold over 9,000 copies each. I've lost my mojo nowadays, unfortunately. I thoroughly agree with you about the magic of children's literature. I absolutely adore early years illustrated stories. I used to be an primary school teacher, but interestingly I was NEVER read to when I was a child. Probably why I find such literature so precious and magical now 🌷📚🌷

[@sridarao6930]

Oh can you name the books?

[@josephcossey1811]

When I was 5 years old (and a precocious brat no doubt!) I read an illustrated copy of J.M. Barrie's "Peter Pan". Sixty five years later I still have that now rather battered and worn volume and after watching your latest video I fully intend - somewhat belatedly - to re-read it for which I send my sincere and grateful thanks!

[@jennethgraser]

My Dad read Winnie the Pooh and The Little Prince to us when we were small...such tangible memories. I love children's literature and agree with all you say about keeping on reading it and keeping our inner child alive to the world. And my husband and I watched You've got mail 2 nights ago...I'm beginning to know the script off by heart in some places 😂 I too am an old soul and always love to meet kindred souls, thank you for your lovely video and all the best with your writing & illustrating!

[@sarahsperusals]

loved this!!! the hobbit was a pivotal book for me, because my dad always read it to me, and eventually he used it to teach me how to read!!!

[@CarolynMarieReads]

I’m so glad! 🥰 awww that’s wonderful!

[@cutelittlekitten4361]

3:57 The Giving Tree by Shel SilyenStein 4:28 The Little Prince 13:26 Winnie The Pooh 18:54 The Peter Rabbit Library 24:20 Caps For Sale

[@NumMyr]

Thank u for adding timestamps.

[@josephcossey1811]

I remember reading "Alice In Wonderland" as a child. It gave me nightmares for ages! "Off with her head...off with her head." And the croquet scene where flamingoes are used as mallets and hedgehogs as croquet balls traumatised me. Now that I am in my 70th year perhaps I will summon up the courage to give Alice another try!

[@adrienne4028]

My mother read Caps For Sale to me too! and it was my favorite also. I was also influenced by all the Golden books. I went on to teach elementary school for 40 yrs.and have recently retired. For most of that time, I taught Kindergarten and first grade. Of course, I read hundreds of children's lit books to my students. Reading to them was my favorite part of teaching. Some of my other favorites are: Make Way for Ducklings, Sylvester and the Magic Pebble, The Giving Tree, Where the Sidewalk Ends, and so many more! I still read children's lit. and enjoy doing so. Your enthusiasm is infectious! I happily look forward to purchasing your books when thy are published. 😀❤️

[@CarolynMarieReads]

Awww I’m so happy to know that! It’s such a wonderful book! Ooww yes, I also loved the Golden books! I hope you’re enjoying your retirement! Reading hundreds of children’s books sounds like a wonderful job to have! I’m sure your students loved it! 🥰 I also love Where the Sidewalk ends, and I’ll have to add the other to my list! That means the world to me, thank you so much Adrienne! :)

[@jelenaberic4326]

Children's literature is my favourite and I'm so happy to watch this, just what I needed at the end of my day! 💚

[@CarolynMarieReads]

I’m so very glad! I hope you enjoyed it! 🥰

[@LuminousLibro]

I love this so much! I read a lot of children’s books every year, and I’m always rereading my childhood favorites. Thank you for pointing out how important children’s books are to everyone at any age!

[@monikatabak9474]

Awww, Winnie the Pooh! I wrote a translation assignment for my translation class about this book, and I got a distinction. Love this book❤📚, and I like your channel too😍!!!

[@CarolynMarieReads]

Aw that’s amazing, and congratulations on your distinction! 👏🏻 I’m so glad you love it too! 🥰

[@Ophir195]

Thank you for sharing. Through this video, I became more motivated to read english books more. Because I like to improve more on my english!

[@BobLikesPizza99]

The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf. Illustrated by Robert Lawson. Amazing art and story!!!

[@pam8765]

You are so right about these books! Beatrix Potters “Mrs Tiggy-winkle” holds a special place in my heart - I treasure my original book from my childhood. ❤️

[@CarolynMarieReads]

Yes! 🥰

[@mizuki0328]

Your videos always cheer me up and this one especially. I love your enthusiasm and I agree with you so much. I'm rooting that one day a 23 year old will come up to you and tell you how YOUR book has influenced them to become what they are.

[@kristinandj]

Children's literature represents everything to me as reader, I love seeing the same passion I have through your eyes

[@lillieblack9702]

Love this video Carolyn! Children’s books are my favorite thing ever. My shelves with my childhood books are my pride and joy. I’ve always wanted to write and illustrate children’s books. Also I can’t believe we’re the same age, you seem so accomplished haha 😄

[@CarolynMarieReads]

I’m so glad! That’s amazing, and I wish you the best of luck with your children’s literature endeavors! 🥰

[@jmsl910]

yes, to all of these!!! as well, pancakes for breakfast, strega nona, the snowman, and my all time fave The Snowy Day!

[@ErinDarlyn]

To this list, I would add the Anne books, the Little House series, Nancy Drew books and Dr. Seuss. Those were always in my hands!

[@CarolynMarieReads]

Yes!!! I adore the Anne series! One of my very favorites as well! ❤️ I haven’t actually read the Nancy Drew books, though I’ve always been intrigued, especially since the author and I share the same name :) Aw yes Dr. Seuss as well! All wonderful!

[@Noa-cc9ur]

There's nothing i love more them reading children's books. Half of my bookshelf is filled with children's classics most of them are illustrated some with coloured illustrations. They're my most prized possessions. I absolutely love children's books ❤️ It actually became a challenge of mine to read children's classics that isn't as famous in my country and that i didn't get to read as a child. And to get the most beautiful copies available with illustrations of course.

[@CarolynMarieReads]

Yes, I completely agree! Oh very interesting!

[@maiko4130]

My daughter picked up a copy of The Tale of Peter Rabbit in a bookstore a few weeks ago, and told me to buy it for her, so I did. I’ve never read it before so I stopped the video, grabbed the book, and read it as you told me to😁. It was beautiful, and I loved the flow of the words she has! And now I’m back to enjoy the rest of your video😊

[@CarolynMarieReads]

Oh my goodness!!! This makes me so happy! 🥰❤️ I’m very glad to hear you enjoyed it! Thank you for stopping the video to read it! 😂

[@p.quezon]

I'm a year late so it feels silly to comment this but this talk about children's literature and seeing how happy you are talking about it just sparked something in me. The first book I remember ever reading was this massive collection of Hans Christian Anderson stories? I would flick through them and try to find the short ones because my attention span wasn't that great growing up and the story I remember reading and rereading over and over again was The Little Match Girl. Every time I mention this to people they'd usually give me one of two reactions: 1) they'd ask what it's about and then be appalled by the story or 2) they'd already know what it's about and they'd still be kind of weirded out because it's a pretty dark story (and it doesn't help that when people ask me what it's about I usually just say "it's about a girl who tries to sell matches and dies of hypothermia). The thing with me reading this story too is that I was a surprisingly aware and surprisingly morbid child so I wasn't lost on what happened in the story, it's just that I was more focused on the part of the story where she was thinking about her grandma and how much she loved her grandma. I grew up with my grandma because both my parents worked jobs overseas and I would read this story and think about how much I loved my grandma too. I haven't read this in a while and we've definitely lost that old book because it was pretty much falling apart when I got my hands on it, but for sure if I picked it up again all those feelings I had about loving my grandmother would just resurface again.

[@deborahracette9755]

That was a lovely comment!I I loved Hans Christian Anderson. I reread a few of them a couple of years ago. My two favorites were The Match Girl and Hans Brinker and the Silver Skates.

[@MaryAmongStories]

ah this video spoke to my soul, I absolutely loved it and agree with all your recommendations and ideas 💚✨

[@CarolynMarieReads]

Aw I’m so glad Mary! ❤️

[@k____c___]

Love your choice of books there! Two other children's books that are dear to my heart are The Missing Piece by Shel Silverstein and Love You Forever by Robert Munsch. I highly recommend you read them if you haven't :)

[@CarolynMarieReads]

Oh yes! I love The Missing Piece! Such a heartwarming book! Yes, Love You Forever! I could tear up just thinking about it! ❤️

[@The_WriterVerse]

Oh this was so enjoyable to watch! I also love You’ve got Mail! And that quote is breath catching. I have a large handful of books I from my childhood that left a huge impression on my heart. When I think of my idols, at the top of that list are those respective authors. ♥️

[@angie23_lilibeth]

I'm not a reader person to be honest (I got one of your videos on my recommendation page then I subscribed). But now, I feel sort of inspired and I would also like to explore this world you talk about with so much passion.

[@Psycopathicus]

Thoroughly agree - love kids' books; always have; hope to have one of my own on the shelves someday. They are a way of resetting one's mind, and reminding one of what one's priorities SHOULD be, instead of all the miscellaneous crap we crowd into our minds as adults. A distressing amount of authors these days seem to see them as just junior-level propaganda for said crap, so It's good to run across someone who knows the genuine good stuff, and wants to pass it on. For me, I think the main authors that influenced me early on were Roald Dahl and Enid Blyton. My falling-apart copy of 'The BFG' is still one of the most treasured books I own; I credit it with instilling in me a love of wordplay and a weird sense of humor at a young age. As for Blyton, my aunt used to send me big boxes of her books over from England - great, old-school children's adventure; them and a steady diet of 'Tintin made me an adventure fan for life. A bit later on, I would get big into the Oz books and Doctor Dolittle, and those pretty much dominated the rest of my childhood, but yeah; in retrospect, I owe Dahl and Blyton quite a lot.

[@louisacoote2337]

I love The Little Prince, it was the first book I read by myself in French, as I moved to France aged 6 and had to learn French from nothing. When I read it as a child, I just saw it as a quirky adventure. I re-read it recently and I saw so many allegories, so many philosophical themes and moral questions. It is one of my favourites.

[@johnsaxongitno4life588]

I really enjoyed watching this video and i totally agree with you 100 percent please stay safe and enjoy your reading 📖 i am really excited about your book 📖 hope all is going well for you love your Australia fan John

[@sandyrivers3037]

Love Curious George and Gus the Friendly Ghost! The Purple Crayon. I loved this video! I fell in love with the movie Ms. Potter!! I’ve watch it many times over!!! You need to watch it if you haven’t already!

[@Floridiansince94]

You are so sweet ;) The Little Prince is my all time favorite book! I also adore Winnie The Pooh and of course Peter Rabbit- I read them all to my daughter!

[@CarolynMarieReads]

Aw thank you so much! Yes, they’re all wonderful! I’m sure your daughter will grow up to adore them as well! ❤️

[@joelledurben3799]

I have favorite illustrators with my favorite books. AA Milne and Shephard, Roald Dahl and Quentin Blake, Laura Ingalls Wilder and Garth Williams (who was not the original illustrator, but definitely the best). But occasionally I come across an illustration that completely messes with my previous visual imagination.

[@dr.diananoble4190]

Agree🤝100%.... Currently reading my childhood favourite 'Anne of Green Gables' to my kids...🤗

[@tstockto]

Such great books! I've never heard of Caps for Sale but I love the illustrations and colors. Another children's lit favorite of mine with excellent original illustrations is Wind in the Willows.

[@jasminesmith6361]

Yes Caps For Sale!!!!!!! I truly love all of the books that you talked about but I really wasn't expecting to see Caps For Sale! It's one of the books I remember most from my childhood.

[@literaturewhispersasmr9511]

You've inspired me, I absolutely have to go back and re-read my Beatrix Potter!

[@CarolynMarieReads]

That’s wonderful, and I hope you enjoy your revisit!

[@MadhuKumari-ru6gk]

The book I remember is the Charlotte's web , just loved it , the book will really change your perspective towards animals n specially spiders . The most an author or a book can achieve is the influence of that book to the readers n Charlotte's web is the wonderful example of it . Just read it if you haven't, it will definitely leave you sad , Sobbing at some point of it . Loved it!! ❤❤

[@dr.suezettealoysiaandcarla1664]

“Trust your vibes; energy doesn’t lie” Paulo Coelho “Walking distance to the Riverwalk “ 📖 Dr Suez 🤗Dr Carl

[@yvettemaldonado3725]

I have many books both children and adult. There is nothing more beautiful than opening a book full of joy to experience than you feel the sadness of it ending . So of course I must re-read it ❤❤❤❤

[@louisacoote2337]

I find it interesting that Roald Dahl’s books didn’t become publishable/popular until Quentin Blake drew the illustrations for his stories.

[@demonchildofwar]

You have wonderful parents. I love hearing you talk about your dad as Tigger. Tigger was always my favorite. I love reading and Inlove reading to my children. I have trouble getting my son so be interested in it. He is almost 12 so I’ve been trying for a while. My daughter,7, loves book and I catch her reading to her plushies regularly. 💕

[@demonchildofwar]

My daughter also loves to draw. When I put them to bed at night she always asks me if she can draw in bed. How could I say no. I think she is very skilled for her age and loved hearing you talk about your drawing at that age as well.

[@CarolynMarieReads]

This has warmed my heart to read! Tigger is such a wonderful character! He always makes me laugh! ❤️ I’m sure your son will love to read eventually. He just has to find his perfect book, and the rest will be history! I love that your daughter loves to read and draw so much! Maybe she’ll become a writer or illustrator too! 🥰 Best wishes to you and your family!

[@harryjamessmithmusic7762]

Awesome video, Carolyn!

[@MatergaiaMary]

I’ve enjoyed your video, very inspiring! I have been wanting to read more of childrens book. Just feel in love after Having my child and linking heart felt moments being read to as a kid. I love the books you presented. I,have been loving Sophie Blackall Books, Gerda muller and Judith Kerr. Would love you see more childrens books you recommend 😊

[@josephcossey1811]

"And what is the use of a book without pictures...?" - Alice In Wonderland

[@joelledurben3799]

CS Lewis said "A children's story that can only be enjoyed by children is not a good children's story in the slightest"

[@nugrahadwitama2890]

And I like novel by Roald Dahl, easy reading and fantastic story..really enjoy when reading the book.

[@slimphotog]

I think the author of The Little Prince wrote some of the book while living on Long Island, like Carolyn. Saint Exupery was in the town of Asharoken.

[@queensb8478]

My favorite book as a kid was Tom Kitten (I’m not sure if it’s the correct translation to English as I’m not a native speaker) from Beatrix Potter! My mom got me the book and one of the few memories I have of my grandpa is him reading it to me 🤗 and me jumping on my bed instead of sleeping 😅 I also read the other books you mentioned! Thank you for reminding me of these books! Now I wanna read them all again

[@carbonc6065]

~Another treasure!

[@niknakpaddywack121]

💖

[@dac3214]

New to your channel and I love it! This may be random! Can you make a curly hair routine video? I love your curls and my curl pattern is similar. It would be greatly appreciated! -Denise

[@CarolynMarieReads]

Hi Denise! Welcome :) I would definitely consider doing a curly hair routine, though being a bookish/art channel, I’m not sure how well that would go 😂 I can tell you though, I mainly use Cantu products, and their leave-in conditioner is my main product out of the shower! I just section off my hair and apply a ton of the leave-in! Moisture is key for my hair! Hope that helps a bit! :)

[@BOTG_Adventures]

You are bloody adorable. Soo sweet. I love your hair as well.

[@trevorreads]

Childrens lit is major underrated.

[@938quilt]

I like Hats for Sale!

[@marinamarina6149]

📖Taking Care📖

[@MartinDSmith]

That was an impressive drawing for a seven year old:Fagin would have put you to good use,but you chose the path of miss La Creevy😁.

[@neverbored]

Loved this video! :) I wonder, what do you think about Leo's Tolstoy children stories? Trigger warning: they are sad and full of suffering lol (especially "The Lion and the Dog").

[@louisacoote2337]

Oscar Wilde’s short stories (The Selfish Giant, The Happy Prince, The Miller’s Friend amongst others) make me ugly cry every time I read them.

[@siirimirjamii.]

This is a weird question, but if you were dying and your last wish was to re read a book, what book would it be?

[@jamesduggan7200]

It rhymes with 'missy.'

[@dsalet1]

I so wish I could read children’s classics, but I’m physically disabled-if I do, people will think that I’m also mentally disabled.