Children’s Day 2018: As individuals, almost all of us are shaped by our experiences and memories. It is fascinating that every individual we meet is very different from us—physically and psychologically. We are almost like an empty vessel that gets filled with the experiences we make with every different encounter.

Our brain works this way. When we stop doing something, it collects every impression and a reminder of that habit and pushes it to our subconscious. So we almost forget—remembering only bits and pieces, here and there. The funny thing? If you ever redo those things again, it all comes back—the reminiscences, the people associated with it.

All of us have different memories of our childhood. Going back to those times is impossible—maybe some of us would not even want to. But one thing most of us would want? For a trivial amount of time, revisit that era, relive it and when it becomes too much, return.

However, we would need our own fairy godmother to make this wish come true. And since that is not happening anytime soon, maybe we should look at an option that does exactly that. Like a magic box that brings the bright things out and vanishes into thin air when we want it to. Books, when thought about it, do exactly that.

So this Children’s Day, take out the book you loved reading when you were a child, unfold the folded pages and relive your memories through the creases.

Here are some options:

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll

Alice is a seven-year-old girl who lives with her wealthy English family. A very curious girl, she follows the white rabbit down the hole that begins her journey of adventures. As a book, Alice in Wonderland is one of the rare gems that can be read and enjoyed by kids and elders equally. A role model for young girls, Alice is curious, brave and well mannered. Her adventures are out of this world but maybe all of us need an escape from our life to a land where nothing is impossible and Lewis Carroll does exactly that.

Winnie-the-Pooh by AA Milne

All of us have grown up reading or at least watching Winnie-the-Pooh. Milne created the iconic character for his son, Christopher Robin—who also appears as a character in the stories. Pooh is a honey-loving bear who is a loyal friend and has a kind heart. Along with his group of friends–Christopher Robin, Piglet and Tigger, Pooh embarks on different adventures, delighting hundreds of children and adults alike with his perennially popular tales.

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by CS Lewis

One of the most well known of The Chronicles of Narnia, CS Lewis wrote the book for his goddaughter Lucy Barfield. The story takes place in Narnia-a forest that is ruled by Jadis-a white witch. Four siblings travel to Narnia and undergo a journey to save it. A favourite of kids, this book would make for a beautiful reread for adults who want to delve into a world of magic and fantasy.

Swami and Friends by RK Narayan

Swami and Friends is a delightful story of a school going kid, Swaminathan who along with his family lives in a fictional town Malgudi. Published with the help of author Graham Greene, Swami and Friends continue to mesmerize children across the country. Written in a simple language, this book reflects the genius of RK Narayan. The story leaves you with nostalgia, reminding you of simpler days and times.

Harry Potter (The series)

A series of seven fantasy novels written by JK Rowling was about chronicling the life of the young wizard, Harry Potter. He, along with his friends, studies in Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. One of the most translated and best-selling series in history, most of the young people have grown up with it. This is the charm of the series, the characters grew with you and its time you revisit them to remind yourself of the memories.