Again! Again! Childhood Books We Wore Out

Books On Repeat

It can be difficult for grownups to remember the feeling of wanting to hear/read the same story again and again. It definitely seems to be something that many adults grow out of, but then again, exploring some of the books on these lists reminded us how much we loved them. (We may have even felt the need to order some new copies for our shelves.)

Classics That Never Get Old

You get to know your child's favorite books pretty well. Some days, the words repeat in your brain like a Greek chorus. You may even be tempted to bury these volumes in the yard. But developmentally, it's so beneficial for young children to hear the same stories repeatedly. It helps them develop vocabulary and reading comprehension. They actually need that repetition for language fluency. They memorize the text as well and that helps them start to recognize the look of those words on the page. It also gives them confidence and satisfaction as they "pretend" to read a book they've committed to memory.

Here are five classic stories that we (almost) never get tired of reading.

• Where the Wild Things Are—Maurice Sendak's rollicking tale lets children know that it's okay to have dark moods.
• The Little House—This timeless Caldecott Medal-winner from Virginia Lee Burton is packed with nostalgia and deeper meaning.
• Blueberries for Sal—"Kuplink, kuplank, kuplunk!" Robert McCloskey’s expressive line drawings and subtle humor still resonate.
• The Snowy Day—Ezra Jack Keats captures the magic and wonder of a child in the city experiencing the first snowfall.
• Where the Sidewalk Ends—Jampacked with whimsical pictures and poems, this Shel Silverstein collection entertains older kids too.

Stories That Are Like Best Friends

For older kids reading on their own, book repetition often continues. You may furrow your brow when your 12-year-old is reading the Chronicles of Narnia for the tenth time. But then perhaps you remember yourself at that age, reading The Secret Garden or The Hobbit until the binding split and velvet-worn pages began to come loose.

While the developmental benefits are less obvious for older kids, rereading clearly serves some purpose. Reading a favorite book can be like reconnecting with a beloved friend. It's comfortable, familiar. Growing up can be difficult and scary and these stories, even if we know them by heart, feel like a virtual security blanket. Here are six favorites that we wore out.

• Harriet the Spy—With funny, clever Harriet, Louise Fitzhugh creates a character that many socially awkward kids can relate to.
• Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing—Hilarious and touching Judy Blume tale about the trials and tribulations (and sometimes joys) of siblings.
• The Phantom Tollbooth—Overflowing with witty word play and inventive plot twists, this fantasy from Norton Juster never fails to entertain.
• Emily of New Moon—Although Anne may be L. M. Montgomerey's most famous character, many prefer this trilogy about a similarly sensitive, creative orphan girl.
• The Black Stallion—Walter Farley's moving adventure story about a sad boy and a wild horse who rescue one another.
• The Great Brain—From John D. Fitzgerald, the hilarious exploits of the brilliantly crafty Tom as he endeavors to outsmart the competition.

What books did you read over and over again? Let us know in the comments! And follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for daily book suggestions, book news, and more.

Read more by Ashly Moore Sheldon