That classic we borrowed from the library, too! Nostalgic books that both adults and elementary school kids can enjoy together.

10 years as a kindergarten teacher / elementary school teacher / junior and senior high school teacher / childminderkepiko
Graduated from Kunitachi College of Music, Faculty of Music (now: Department of Music Culture and Education, Early Childhood Music Education major). In elementary school, my homeroom teacher was Jun Kusaba, a game researcher. After graduating from university, I worked for 10 years as a kindergarten teacher and for 7 years as an after-school childcare instructor, then took a post as a music teacher at an international school in Singapore. In addition to music education, I also engaged in activities that shared Japanese culture, traditional games, and recreational play, working with many children. Afterwards, through freelance writing, planning, and editing work at Shogakukan, I met many delightful adults and experienced the joy of communicating and conveying ideas. Leveraging the perspective cultivated in educational settings and my experience as an editor, I aim to deliver practical information—focusing on fields related to music and children—that values both input and output. Hobbies include instruments, singing, handcrafts, toys, drawing, traditional play, the outdoors, books, DIY, and crafts. Special skill: spinning-top tricks.

Have you ever thought, “I want to reread the books I was obsessed with as a child!”? The stories you borrowed from the school library and the picture books you flipped through until they were worn out—books you encountered in your early childhood and elementary school years—are filled with special memories.

In this article, we’ll pick out and introduce nostalgic children’s books and classics that you’ll want to revisit now that you’re an adult.

Even elementary schoolers might find them just a little nostalgic, too.

Open the pages, and you’re sure to remember the excitement you felt back then! Take your time and have a leisurely look.

That classic we borrowed from the library, too! Nostalgic books that both adults and elementary school kids can enjoy together (1–10)

Grimms’ Fairy TalesNEW!Jacob Ludwig Grimm / Wilhelm Karl Grimm

http://www.amazon.co.jp

The Grimms’ Fairy Tales are German folktales collected by the Brothers Grimm.

Including stories such as Little Red Riding Hood, Hansel and Gretel, Rapunzel, and The Wolf and the Seven Young Goats, Grimms’ Fairy Tales contain many stories that appeal to both children and adults, and their beautiful illustrations are also well known.

The popularity of Grimms’ Fairy Tales likely stems not only from the sheer number of works to enjoy, but also from the essential aspects of human nature depicted in the stories and the various lessons one can draw from them.

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Alice in WonderlandNEW!Lewis Carroll

http://www.amazon.co.jp

This work depicts the grand adventure of Alice, who wanders into a mysterious land.

Chasing after the White Rabbit, the girl Alice falls down a hole—and the world she lands in is one where none of the rules of the human world apply.

As she encounters strange and whimsical characters like the Cheshire Cat, the Mad Hatter, and the Queen of Hearts, Alice flits freely about this world.

She drinks a potion to shrink so she can pass through a small door, her tears turn into a pool—these fantasy-tinged scenes are highlights not to be missed!

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Elmer’s AdventureNEW!Ruth Stiles Gannett

http://www.amazon.co.jp

The adventure story “My Father’s Dragon” has been loved for many years.

The protagonist, Elmer, hears from a cat about a baby dragon being held captive.

He sets off for Wild Island to rescue it, but there he finds many frightening animals like lions, rhinoceroses, and tigers…

Will Elmer be able to save the baby dragon? Children are sure to be captivated by the thrilling developments, and they’ll be excited to see how he outwits the fearsome animals using everyday items like rubber bands and toothbrushes!

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That classic we borrowed from the library too! Nostalgic books that both adults and elementary school kids can enjoy together (11–20)

Who Are You, Little Night Owl?NEW!Keiko Sena

http://www.amazon.co.jp

One of the “I Don’t Wanna!” picture book series, Who Doesn’t Want to Go to Bed? has been a big hit with children for over 50 years! At 9 p.m.… who comes to visit children who are still awake? That’s right—the ghosts.

The ghosts take children who won’t sleep away to their world.

It’s a scary story, yet it somehow appears fascinating to kids, and before you know it, they absolutely love it.

Still, it’s best to have a guardian right beside them when reading.

It’s the perfect picture book to enjoy together as a parent and child.

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Robot KamiNEW!Taruhi Furuta

http://www.amazon.co.jp

Published in 1970, Robot Kami is a recommended read for parents and children to enjoy together.

In the story, Takeshi and Yoko make a robot out of cardboard.

When they name it Kami, the robot actually answers back.

Then the mischievous, self-centered robot causes a big commotion! For children, that’s entertaining—and perhaps a way to learn about “things you mustn’t do.” Adults, too, can rediscover Kami’s charm and enjoy returning to a childlike state.

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The Cat That Lived a Million TimesNEW!Yoko Sano

http://www.amazon.co.jp

This is a work depicting a cat that dies 100 times and comes back to life 100 times.

The cat, kept by various owners and living self-centeredly, meets someone it truly loves and its heart begins to change.

For children, the fact that a cat that should have died comes back to life will be surprising and thrilling.

For adults, it may prompt reflection on its satire and the profound themes of life and death.

It’s an engaging picture book whose impact changes depending on the reader’s age.

Please try reading it together as a parent and child.

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I am the kingNEW!Teruo Teramura

http://www.amazon.co.jp

Boku wa Ōsama (I Am the King) is one volume in the eleven-book King series.

The story begins when the king, wanting to make an enormous omelet, orders someone to fetch an elephant egg.

Beyond its unique plot, this is a book to savor for its rich expressions and striking onomatopoeia.

Watching the selfish king, caregivers might find themselves reminded of their own children.

Perhaps that’s one reason it’s hard to dislike this willful king.

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