What makes children’s books memorable? Think back to your favorite childhood books. What type of stories did you like best? More importantly, how did they make you feel? Do you remember feeling happy, excited, surprised, or maybe even sad? Did rhyming books make you feel as though someone was singing to you? Did you feel excited by the books that had surprise endings?
Stories that create an emotional attachment always seem to be remembered the most. While part of this can be attributed to a good plot, interesting characters, and appealing illustrations, there is another important element that is hard to measure. If you were lucky enough to be read to as a child, a large part of your feelings were created by just sitting close to the person who was reading to you. Nothing can replace the warmth of a lap or that snuggle in bed while being read to by someone you love.
For me, the cherished memories are of my father reading The Saggy, Baggy Elephant and The Pokey Little Puppy to me over and over and over again. To this day, when I see these books on a bookstore shelf, I feel a calmness and sense of nostalgia wash over me.
Yes, I realize that the 21st century is here and yes, I know about the internet, e-books and the like. However, I hope people will still hold their kids, read to them and create the warm feelings and emotional attachment that will never fade away.
I hope that my own children's books will become childhood favorites for many children.
Bobbie Hinman(a sentimental grandmother who always has time for one more bedtime story) http://bestfairybooks.com
