Stories From My Childhood: The Ultimate Children's Book List

In the summer of last year, I had an idea to start on a journey to compile together a list of memorable books from my childhood. I loved books—I still do—and growing up, there was no short supply of them. After trips to the library, we would come home, hauling several large bags stuffed full. About a week or so later, we were done; we would go back to the library and check out a couple dozen more. All these books shaped my childhood; they became part of my life. They became part of who I am today.

It was relatively easy to conjure up these stories up from my memory. It's been a decade, maybe more, but they were memorable stories.

There were the books with mysterious illustrations (like "The Only Child" by Guo Jing; and "Tuesday" by David Wiesner). There were the funny books (like Curious George), and the sad ones (like "Each Kindness" by Jacqueline Woodson; and "Fox" by Margaret Wild). There were the scary stories (like "The Tailypo" by Joanna Galdone;"Lon Po Po" by Ed Young); there were the beautiful books, full of illustrated fairy tales.

And so, last summer, I wrote these titles down—all that I could remember, anyway. I've written them down in my little notebook, to remember them, maybe even to refer to them when I have children of my own.

I wanted to share this list with you today. Originally, I'd planned to type them out and copy-paste, or else convert my handwriting into text. But instead I've decided to share pictures of the pages within my notebook. Yes—I know—my handwriting isn't so good, but at least I think it's readable; and I hope it's more fun this way.

Enjoy!

Looking back at that handwritten list, I realize it’s more than a catalog of titles. Each book marks a place I’ve been, the childhood I've lived, the myself of the past. Those stories didn’t just pass the time; they stretched my imagination; they shaped the way I see the world.

There’s something beautiful and grounding about putting them on paper. In a world that moves so quickly and forgets so easily, jotting these titles down feels like planting small seeds in the past, to grow toward the future. These stories mattered a lot to me. They still do.

Stories stay with us, long after the library bags are emptied, long after the pages turn. And if I’m lucky, one day I’ll watch the little hands of my children flip through these very same books. I'll see the story begin all over again.

Have you read some of these stories? Do any of these titles stir up any nostalgia? What are some of your childhood favorites? Let me know in the comments below! :)

-Julie