Kathrine Rundell Book Review

By: Alice Lentz

10/30/26

What if the books you loved as a child still had something to teach you? In Why You Should Read Children’s Books, Even Though You Are So Old and Wise, Katherine Rundell takes readers back to the beginning of their childhood. She reminds us of the books and fairy tales we loved and, more importantly, how they made us feel.

Rundell explains why adults should continue reading children’s books - not the books that have no lasting effect, but the ones that taught us about hope, courage, and the structure of the world. She encourages readers to “go to children’s fiction to see the world with double eyes: your own, and those of your childhood self.” (Rundell, 2019, Page 63) Children’s books are not simply meant to bring us back to childhood; they can also bring back the lessons we learned from those stories.

Even though we may be older and believe we are much wiser than when we first read these books, their lessons can still apply to our lives. Rundell explains that children’s books can remind us of what we still have when we feel powerless or need to begin again. The stories we grew up with can give us hope when we need it most.

Why You Should Read Children’s Books, Even Though You Are So Old and Wise is a perfect first step into nonfiction, especially for someone who normally finds nonfiction boring. Rundell makes reading about books feel almost like reading fiction. Instead of telling a fictional story, she uses engaging writing to teach readers something real about literature and about themselves.

One of the most interesting ideas in the book is that children’s fiction captures emotions in their simplest forms: “hope, hunger, joy, fear.” Rundell compares children’s books to “literary vodka” - concentrated stories that contain powerful emotions and ideas in an accessible palette. She also explains how fairy tales, myths, and legends are the foundations of so much of the literature we know today.

What makes the book especially enjoyable is its sense of nostalgia. Rundell does not just encourage readers to reread their favorite childhood books; she encourages them to remember how those books made them feel. This makes the book feel personal, even when she is discussing a larger idea about literature.

At only 66 pages, Why You Should Read Children’s Books, Even Though You Are So Old and Wise can easily be read in one sitting. Its short length and engaging writing make it a great choice for someone who does not usually enjoy nonfiction. I would recommend it to anyone, whether you are an enthusiastic reader or someone who rarely picks up a book. In fact, it might just remind you why you loved reading in the first place.