Relax and destress by revisiting these nostalgic literary favorites.
Relax and destress by revisiting these nostalgic literary favorites.
Lights out — it’s time for bed.
During the sleepless elementary school nights filled with first-day jitters or excitement for the latest Four-Square competition, the wonders of a late-night reading session offered an imaginative escape before heading off to dreamland.
Little compares to the feelings of comfort crafted by warm, fluffy blankets and comic books illuminated by flashlight. Try tapping into the core memories of grade school delight by revisiting some of these nostalgic series next time you jump under the covers.
‘Magic Tree House’ — Mary Pope Osborne
Whether exploring prehistoric Jurassic landscapes or navigating the ominous crypts of Egyptian pyramids, Mary Pope Osborne’s award-winning “Magic Tree House” series never fails to whisk young readers through a time-twisting journey.
Each tale highlights the merrily magical adventures of sibling duo Jack and Annie, boasting uniquely entertaining stories throughout the growing 60-title collection. Consider revisiting these tales from Frog Creek, Pa. whenever the calling for an imaginative read echoes through the springtime breeze.
‘Goosebumps’ — R.L. Stine
“Reader beware — you’re in for a scare!”
The classic tagline of R.L. Stine’s classic kiddie-horror anthology series “Goosebumps”has been haunting young readers since 1992. Home to bestselling titles like “Night of the Living Dummy” or “The Werewolf of Fever Swamp,” Stine’s hauntingly enjoyable creations are perfect for readers itching to find out what truly lies in their closet when the lights go out.
After shutting the closet door, consider cracking open these frightfully-fun covers — it’s the perfect way to feel dead tired.
‘Geronimo Stilton’ — Geronimo Stilton (Elisabetta Dami)
Who could forget the classic mysteries or fantastical journeys of the No. 1 editor from New Mouse City?
Elisabetta Dami’s pen-name series “Geronimo Stilton” is a legacy collection that filled the elementary bookshelves of fourth grade reading classrooms. Whether exploring the Kingdom of Fantasy or investigating suspicious activity with detective Hercule Poirat, these books never lack in witty mayhem or off-the-wall adventures.
Consider cracking open these covers the next time you want to revisit the mouse trap.
‘A Series of Unfortunate Events’ — Lemony Snicket (Daniel Handler)
It’s unfortunately true this book series is extremely unpleasant.
Written by Daniel Handler under the pen name Lemony Snicket, “A Series of Unfortunate Events” shares the tragic tale of the Baudelaire siblings as they grapple with grief and avoid nefarious plots by the devious Count Olaf.
Various characters seem to dismiss the Baudelaires’ plea for help, but it’s wise to never underestimate the wits of three ingeniously gifted children. Maybe it’s time the siblings’ finally take what’s theirs.
Readers are advised to walk away from this series and find something more pleasant to read — but we all know that’s not going to happen.
‘Harry Potter’ — J.K. Rowling
The problematic author that brought the spellbinding series “Harry Potter” to muggles worldwide touched countless childhood classrooms in one way or another.
The seven chronicles of young sorcerers Harry, Hermione and Ron are fantastically fun, infatuating everyone from young witches to middle-aged wizards. Introducing the iconic Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry to the children’s literature scene, the saga has inspired everything from blockbuster movies to theme parks and over-priced Lego sets.
Despite Rowling’s outspoken and offensive attacks on the trans community, the series’ immersive setting and entrancingly-immersive have cast a spell on pop culture reaching far beyond the author’s views. It’s a magical time — as long as you separate the art from the artist.
‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid’ — Jeff Kinney
Cartoons and comedy collide in the bestselling “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” series from notable author, cartoonist and game developer Jeff Kinney.
Now boasting 21 unique titles with “over 300 million copies sold,” the legendary series follows Greg Heffley as he navigates the good, bad and ugly found within the hallways of middle school.
It’s a hilariously fun time — as long as you don’t get the cheese touch.
‘Kingdom Keepers’ — Ridley Pearson
“When you wish upon a star, your dreams come true,” — right?
Ridley Pearson’s terrifically twisted “Kingdom Keepers” series offers a delightfully devious reading experience for fans of classic Disney villains. As a genre-bending fantasy and science fiction project, the books follow a group of teenagers who attempt to thwart an ominously sinister uprising in the Magic Kingdom.
Try reading this thrilling installation if you’ve ever wondered what Disney is like after dark.
‘The Mysterious Benedict Society’ — Trenton Lee Stewart
“Are you a gifted child looking for special opportunities?” reads the advertisement that captures the attention of Reynie Muldoon, Sticky Washington, Kate Wetherall, Constance Contraire and young readers worldwide.
Trenton Lee Stewart’s mind-bending mystery series “The Mysterious Benedict Society” follows four ingenious orphans as they complete undercover missions only solvable through the innovative perspectives and problem-solving skills children bring to the table.
These nicely-niche titles are ideal for college academics who want to keep their brains stimulated during their times away from campus.
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