Katherine Rundell, Why You Should (2019)

Books by Katherine Rundell: Notable works include The Girl Savage, Rooftoppers, The Wolf Wilder, The Explorer, and The Good Thieves. For younger readers: One Christmas Wish.Publication Information: Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing; First Published: 2019 in Great Britain; Copyright: © Katherine Rundell, 2019; ISBN: HB: 978-1-5266-1007-2, eBook: 978-1-5266-1006-5.Why You Should Read Children's Books:

• Personal Experience: Author's favorite place: public library in Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe—an old, dusty library rich with adventures.

• Children's Fiction and Its Politics: Many stories contain political messages; e.g., Mary Poppins critiques capitalism.

• Notable Authors: Edith Nesbit and Ursula Le Guin linked narratives with societal critiques and resistance.

• Importance of Imagination: Children's books rekindle creativity, engaging readers with new perspectives.

• Moral Imaginations: Literature fosters empathy and understanding, encouraging adults to connect with values of hope, bravery, and love.

• Accessibility: Libraries play a crucial role in providing access to literature, but face challenges like budget cuts.

• Value of Libraries: Serve as egalitarian spaces vital for communities amidst inequality.Conclusion: Children’s books resonate with adults, helping maintain wonder and imagination in a complex world.