Ageless Appeal: Children’s Books Adults Can’t Put Down
Published on September 02, 2025
By Tricia B.
Did you have a favorite series as a child that inspired a love of reading?
As a kid, The Boxcar Children had me hooked. Many adult readers may have a favorite series from their childhood. But children’s books aren’t just for kids; they can be a fun option for adults, too.
If you're looking for a touch of whimsy in your life, there are plenty of children’s series that appeal to readers of all ages.
After their parents’ mysterious death, the three Baudelaire orphans face misadventures while their new guardian—the greedy Count Olaf—tries to steal their inheritance. Full of wit and dark humor, this series is well-loved by adults and children alike.
Beginning with the iconic novel A Wrinkle in Time, this science fiction series follows the Murry family—the siblings Meg and Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin. As they travel through space, time, and alternate dimensions, they battle forces of darkness—literalized as evil, conformity, or despair.
Blending science, theology, and philosophy, The Time Quintet explores themes of love, individuality, free will, and the fight against cosmic evil. The stories combine emotional growth with metaphysical questions, making them resonate deeply across generations.
This heartfelt, animal-centered trilogy begins with The One and Only Ivan, inspired by the true story of a gorilla kept in captivity. The story follows Ivan, a thoughtful and artistic silverback gorilla, as he and his animal friends navigate life, freedom, and friendship.
Told in poetic prose from the animals’ perspectives, the series explores themes of empathy, kindness, and the meaning of home. It’s beloved by both children and adults for its emotional honesty and gentle wisdom.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians is a fast-paced, humorous series that reimagines Greek mythology in the modern world. It follows Percy Jackson, a 12-year-old boy who discovers he’s a demigod—the son of Poseidon—and is thrust into a hidden world of gods, monsters, and ancient prophecies.
Percy trains at Camp Half-Blood and embarks on quests with friends like Annabeth Chase and Grover the satyr. He faces epic battles and mythological challenges, all while trying to prevent a war among the gods. The series blends action, humor, and friendship with deeper themes of identity, loyalty, and fate.
This unique and thought-provoking series uses a dystopian world to explore themes of memory, freedom, individuality, and the human experience. The four loosely connected novels begin with The Giver, a story set in a seemingly perfect society where pain and choice have been eliminated, while emotions and memories are suppressed.
Each book expands and deepens its dismal world and its many questions. Stuck in a society that limits human complexity, four different characters confront the cost of control as they search for truth. The series blends philosophical depth with accessible storytelling, making it a powerful read.
Fast-paced and adventurous, this fantasy series follows the three Grace children—Jared, Simon, and Mallory. After moving into the old Spiderwick Estate, they uncover a secret book revealing the existence of a hidden, magical realm—one with fairies, goblins, and trolls. Soon, the children find themselves caught in dangerous encounters with creatures both mischievous and menacing.
Combining thrilling action, dark folklore, and family dynamics, this series is a favorite among middle-grade readers and adults who enjoy fairy tales with a modern twist.
In a medieval-inspired world, Alanna of Trebond—a determined and courageous girl—disguises herself as a boy in order to train as a knight. Through the trials of combat, magic, and court intrigue, Alanna strives to prove herself in a male-dominated society, while uncovering her own unique powers.
With a blend of coming-of-age, feminist undertones, and classic fantasy, this series celebrates bravery, identity, and the fight against injustice. It’s widely praised for its rich world-building and its relatable heroine, appealing to middle grade readers and up.
Whether you’re hoping to connect with a young reader in your life, or you’re just looking for some whimsical literature, check out one of these series to immerse yourself in the world of children's fiction.