130,000+ Books, Games & Puzzles in-stock 🇳🇿

Overnight NZ-wide delivery 🚀 Auckland Bookstore • Open 7 days, 8:30am–5pm

Why You Should Read Children's Books, Even Though You Are So Old and Wise

Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Why You Should Read Children's Books, Even Though You Are So Old and Wise by Katherine Rundell explores the myriad joys and benefits of reading children's literature regardless of age. Rundell passionately argues that these books offer fresh perspectives, inspire creativity, and evoke wonder, encouraging adults to rediscover the simple yet profound lessons they can impart. It's a charming and thought-provoking invitation to reconnect with the books of our youth.
Read More
Format: Hardback
TEMPORARILY OUT OF STOCK Please add to wishlist to be notified when back in stock

Sorry, we're currently out of stock of Why You Should Read Children's Books, Even Though You Are So Old and Wise. Please add to your Wishlist and we'll send you an email as soon as it's back in stock.

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you are curious about the magic and wisdom hidden within children's literature, and how these tales can enrich the lives of readers of any age. Its insights might appeal to those who appreciate a fresh perspective on the significance of art and culture in storytelling.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

_______________

A pocket-sized, unmissable essay on the importance of children's literature by the bestselling and award-winning author, Katherine Rundell.

_______________

'It’s a very short book but it packs a real punch... A real delight' - Financial Times

'Rundell is the real deal, a writer of boundless gifts and extraordinary imaginative power whose novels will be read, cherished and reread long after most so-called “serious” novels are forgotten' - Observer

'Rundell's pen is gold-tipped' - Sunday Times

_______________

Why You Should Read Children's Books, Even Though You Are So Old and Wise by Katherine Rundell – Fellow of All Souls College, Oxford, and prize-winning author of five novels for children – explores how children’s books ignite, and can re-ignite, the imagination; how children's fiction, with its unabashed emotion and playfulness, can awaken old hungers and create new perspectives on the world. This delightful and persuasive essay is for adult readers.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Katherine Rundell's Why You Should Read Children's Books, Even Though You Are So Old and Wise has been warmly received, with reviews praising her ability to present a persuasive argument for why adults should continue reading children's literature. The book is described as a charming and impactful treatise that highlights the insight and perspective embedded in children's books, encouraging readers to reconnect with their sense of wonder and imagination. Reviewers appreciate Rundell's eloquent and compelling style, calling it a delightful and thought-provoking read.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781526610072

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 08 August 2019

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 14.0mm

Width: 112.0mm

Height: 152.0mm

Weight: 120g

Pages: 80

About the Author

Katherine Rundell is the million-copy bestselling author of five children’s novels and has won the Costa Children’s Book Award, the Blue Peter Book Award and the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize amongst many others. Katherine spent her childhood in Africa and Europe before taking her degree at the University of Oxford and becoming a Fellow of All Souls College. As well as writing, she studies Renaissance literature and is learning, very slowly, to fly a small aeroplane. Katherine will be a World Book Day author for 2021.

Also by Katherine Rundell

View all
  • Impossible Creatures
    ‘There was Tolkien, there is Pullman and now there is Katherine Rundell. Wondrous invention, marvellous writing.' – Michael Morpurgo ‘Rundell’s first foray into fantasy is both a deft, rich homage to the greats of children’s literature and an absorbing, profoundly poignant quest story for those aged 9+ – quite possibly her best yet’ – The Guardian 'A book stuffed full...
    Paperback
    $1999
    Elsewhere:
    $2299
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • The Poisoned King
    The dragons call out, and the ratatoskas tell of murder. Come with us now. There is justice to be done. Return to the magic of the Archipelago... The Poisoned King is the dazzling second book in Katherine Rundell's epic and bestselling Impossible Creatures series. 'There was Tolkien, there is Pullman and now there is Katherine Rundell' – Michael Morpurgo When...
    Paperback
    $2000
    Elsewhere:
    $2299
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • Impossible Creatures
    There was Tolkien, there is Pullman and now there is Katherine Rundell. Wondrous invention, marvellous writing. – Michael Morpurgo ‘Rundell’s first foray into fantasy is both a deft, rich homage to the greats of children’s literature and an absorbing, profoundly poignant quest story for those aged 9+ – quite possibly her best yet’ – The Guardian A book stuffed full...
    Paperback
    $2000
    Elsewhere:
    $2299
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • Super-Infinite
    A sparkling and very modern biography of John Donne: the poet of love, sex, and death, shortlisted for the Baillie Gifford Prize and now in paperback. Shortlisted for the Baillie Gifford Prize 2022 A Sunday Times top ten bestseller 'Masterly.' - Observer 'Wonderful, joyous.' - Maggie O'Farrell 'Frankly brilliant.' - Sunday Times 'Unmissable.' - Simon Jenkins 'Every page sparkles.' -...
    Paperback
    $2799
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • The Golden Mole
    The Golden Mole by Katherine Rundell offers a richly painted tapestry of the natural world, brimming with enchantment, wonder, and urgency. This captivating non-fiction work takes readers on an extraordinary journey across the globe, shedding light on some of the planet's most bizarre and remarkable creatures. From the elusive pangolins and the steadfast wombats to the graceful lemurs and the...
    Paperback
    $2799
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • The Poisoned King
    Katherine Rundell returns with a perfect fantasy Telegraph The unmissable new story in the No.1 Sunday Times bestselling Impossible Creatures series, ideal for fans of Philip Pullman, Percy Jackson, and Skandar. There was Tolkien, there is Pullman and now there is Katherine Rundell – Michael Morpurgo When Christopher Forrester is unexpectedly woken by a miniature dragon chewing on his face,...
    Hardback
    $2499
    Elsewhere:
    $2699
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • Impossible Creatures
    ‘There was Tolkien, there is Pullman and now there is Katherine Rundell. Wondrous invention, marvellous writing.' – Michael Morpurgo ‘Rundell’s first foray into fantasy is both a deft, rich homage to the greats of children’s literature and an absorbing, profoundly poignant quest story for those aged 9+ – quite possibly her best yet’ – The Guardian A book stuffed full...
    Hardback
    $2499
    Elsewhere:
    $2699
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • Rooftoppers
    Winner of the Waterstones Children's Book Prize Winner of the Blue Peter Book Award Shortlisted for the CILIP Carnegie Medal From the winner of the Costa Children's Book Prize 'A writer with an utterly distinctive voice and a wild imagination' – Philip Pullman Everyone tells Sophie that she was orphaned in a shipwreck – found floating in a cello case...
    Paperback
    $2899
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • The Wolf Wilder
    'A writer with an utterly distinctive voice and a wild imagination' - Philip Pullman 'A truly compelling read … totally original and yet has the familiar feel of an established classic' - Jacqueline Wilson A story of friendship, hope and sweeping adventure in the snowy wilds of Russia, The Wolf Wilder is a modern classic from internationally bestselling author Katherine...
    Paperback
    $2499
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • The Zebra's Great Escape
    A TIMES CHILDREN'S BOOK OF THE WEEK The year's most magnificent adventure - Guardian Fizzing with anarchic energy - Daily Mail An intoxicating adventure - Observer Utterly engaging - Sunday Times Mink doesn’t believe in rules. She loves running wild and free. So, when a zebra appears in the square where she lives and she finds out that his parents...
    Paperback
    $1999
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • The Good Thieves
    'An amazing adventure story, told with sparkling style and sleight of hand' - Jacqueline Wilson FOYLES CHILDREN'S BOOK OF THE YEAR 2019 A glittering, page-turning adventure set amidst the streets of New York, The Good Thieves is a modern classic from internationally bestselling author Katherine Rundell. Fresh off the boat from England, Vita Marlowe has a job to do. Her...
    Paperback
    $2499
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • The Golden Mole
    A lavish edition of Katherine Rundell's gloriously illustrated and fascinating bestiary, featuring three new additions to the treasure trove of vanishing wonders. 'Exquisite and timely.' Maggie O'Farrell 'A rare and magical book. I didn't want it to end.' Bill Bryson 'A witty, intoxicating paean to Earth's wondrous creatures.' Observer 'A total miracle.' Max Porter A Sunday Times Bestseller Shortlisted for...
    Hardback
    $4500
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow

More from Arts & Culture

View all
  • Dylan's Pick
    Bold Types
    A tribute to 32 truly independent bookshops throughout Aotearoa New Zealand, from north of Auckland down to Dunedin, and coast to coast. Jane Ussher's photographs show every bookstore in its unique nature - including behind the counter, smoko rooms, the mess which tells the hardworking story behind the joy of matching books with customers. Jemma Moreira's careful editing has crafted...
    Hardback
    $5999
    Elsewhere:
    $7000
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • New Release
    I’ll Believe in Anything
    From Jacob Tierney, the creator of Heated Rivalry, in partnership with Brendan Brady and Accent Aigu, comes I’ll Believe in Anything, an official and complete collection of annotated scripts for the biggest cultural sensation of the year, with all new exclusive behind-the-scenes content.Based on Rachel Reid’s blockbuster Game Changers book series, Heated Rivalry premiered on Crave and HBO in late 2025 and immediately took the world by storm. I’ll...
    Hardback
    $5499
    Elsewhere:
    $6000
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • On Sale
    16% off
    New Release
    Home Again
    Join rock-legend, former Shihad frontman and lead singer of The Adults, Jon Toogood in this unflinching and no-holds-barred memoir Home Again.This is more than a rock story. Toogood looks back on a 37-year career that helped define New Zealand rock music, and the personal cost that came with it. From a music-obsessed childhood in Wellington to the deafening roar of international stages, this...
    Paperback
    $2700
    Elsewhere:
    $3999
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • On Sale
    20% off
    The Odyssey
    Composed at the rosy-fingered dawn of world literature almost three millennia ago, The Odyssey is a poem about violence and the aftermath of war; about wealth, poverty and power; about marriage and family; about travellers, hospitality, and the yearning for home. This fresh, authoritative translation captures the beauty of this ancient poem as well as the drama of its narrative....
    By Homer
    Paperback
    $2400
    Elsewhere:
    $3599
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • On Sale
    21% off
    The Iliad
    When Emily Wilson's translation of The Odyssey appeared in 2017—revealing the ancient poem in a contemporary idiom that was "fresh, unpretentious and lean" (Madeline Miller, Washington Post)—critics lauded it as "a revelation" (Susan Chira, New York Times) and "a cultural landmark" (Charlotte Higgins, Guardian) that would forever change how Homer is read in English. Now Wilson has returned with an...
    By Homer
    Paperback
    $2600
    Elsewhere:
    $3799
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • Disney Moana: The Official Cookbook
    On Sale
    20% off
    Disney Moana: The Official Cookbook
    Embark on a culinary adventure with Moana of Motunui with Pacific recipes inspired by Moana and Moana 2! After a long day of sailing to see how far you’ll go or keeping the demigod Maui out of trouble with Te Fiti, catch a break with the delicious dishes in Moana: The Official Cookbook! Featuring more than 50 recipes spanning the...
    Hardback
    $3600
    Elsewhere:
    $5299
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • New Release
    A Life in Lyrics
    Freddie Mercury was one of the greatest showmen of the twentieth century. With his unparalleled voice and searing on-stage energy, he was a great pretender, a killer queen and a champion of the world. But behind the glamour lived a musician and lyricist talented beyond measure, and the creative force behind one of the most culturally significant and musically diverse...
    Hardback
    $5000
    Elsewhere:
    $6500
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • Birdlands Birdlands
    New Release
    Birdlands
    A rare, intimate journey into the wild islands where Aotearoa's birds live beyond the reach of most human lives. In the most remote outposts of Aotearoa, our islands are populated not with people, but with birds. From the storm-lashed Subantarctic Islands in the deep south to the scattered volcanic islands of Tikapa Moana/Hauraki Gulf in the north, Birdlands offers a...
    Hardback
    $4199
    Elsewhere:
    $5000
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • On Sale
    21% off
    This Angry Pen of Mine
    This Angry Pen of Mine by Layne Staley invites you to dive into the untold creative world of Layne Staley, the legendary voice behind Alice in Chains. This extraordinary collection showcases his handwritten lyrics, deeply personal poetry, stunning original artwork, rare photos, fan tributes, and so much more. Step into the world of Layne Staley like never before. For the...
    Hardback
    $5800
    Elsewhere:
    $8999
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • Mah Jong Player's Companion
    Since the arrival on the market of Patricia Thompson and Betty Maloney's two previous books, The Game of Mah Jong Illustrated and Improve Your Mah Jong, a wide range of hands from many parts of the world has been sent to them. In this player's companion, the authors have put together a cross-filled reference guide where over 120 hands, illustrated...
    Paperback
    $1999
    Elsewhere:
    $2299
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • Split Enz
    New Release
    Split Enz
    'My favourite band. Ever! And certainly the best dressed.' Sam Neill Split Enz were never designed to fit. Emerging from art school mischief in early-1970s New Zealand, they turned pop into surreal theatre: costume, character and melody colliding in a rock band that refused to behave like one. At the centre of that vision was Noel Crombie—percussionist, performer and the...
    Hardback
    $5199
    Elsewhere:
    $6500
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • The Artist's Way
    The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron is a transformative guidebook that has captivated millions, including luminaries such as Elizabeth Gilbert and Tim Ferriss. With its profound ability to inspire and elevate, this book invites readers to embark on an enriching creative journey, fostering a deeper connection to one's artistic process and sense of purpose. The heart of Cameron's groundbreaking programme...
    Paperback
    $3700
    Elsewhere:
    $4500
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow

Why buy from us?

Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!

Service & Delivery

Service & Delivery

Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 100,000 books, toys, board games and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.

Auckland Bookstore

Auckland Bookstore

We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.

Our Gifting Service

Our Gifting Service

Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.