Humanity Hallows Issue 5 Out Now
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By Pierangelly del Rio

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”

This quote, from Dr. Seuss’s I Can Read With My Eyes Closed, has stayed with me for many years, not only because of its clever rhymes but also the meaning it holds: to read is not just a pastime but a tool that allows people to learn and develop their creativity. To mark 2017 World Book Day, here are some books that had a huge impact on me during my childhood, made me love reading and that also inspired me to study Creative Writing.

The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

This French novella has been one of the most translated and distributed books ever. The story of a little prince who travels the universe and visits quirky planets was one of the first stories I heard before I knew how to read. As I child, I never tired of the prince’s adventures and exchanges with the planets’ inhabitants: the drunkard, the lamplighter, the business man or the king. The little prince’s adventures can be read as stand-alone stories, and, more than just children’s tales, are a reflection of human nature.

Frog and Toad by Arnold Lobel

This story, written and illustrated by Arnold Lobel, was one of the first books I ever purchased for school, marking my journey as a reader.  Frog and Toad, as the title suggests, depicts the lives of two frogs, as they deal with every-day problems, such as the struggle to make a kite fly or cleaning Toad’s extremely untidy house. Nevertheless, the book also touched deeper topics, such as the desire to be alone from time to time, and overall, the power of friendship.

Goosebumps by R. L. Stine

American writer R. L. Stine has written about 63 Goosebumps stories, which follow the adventures of teenagers confronting terrifying and fantastical creatures such as mummies, werewolves, evil dummies and more.
Each story is about 100 to 200 pages long. In my school, the books were banned by teachers, who were afraid students wouldn’t engage in “more serious reading.” This ban, however, only increased our love for the horrifying Goosebumps.

The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis

After 2005’s film adaptation, The Chronicles of Narnia definitely gained more fame. Which child didn’t wish to travel to a magical world through their wardrobe? C. S. Lewis’ fantastic saga offers a wider story than the one of the big screen, following the lives of the Pevensey siblings and other characters such as Prince Caspian and the wardrobe’s creator Digory Kirke among others.

The Spiderwick Chronicles by Tony DiTerlizzi

A perhaps less known fantasy saga, published in 2003. What drew my attention to this book was the beautiful cover and illustrations, and the amazing story kept me hooked in. The Spiderwick Chronicles follows the Grace children as they move to the Spiderwick Estate and discover the existence of fairies and other magical creatures. The Arthur Spiderwick’s Field Guide to the Fantastical World Around You is the children’s guide to unravelling the hidden world around them but will also put them in severe danger.

Three Investigators by Robert Arthur Jr

Teenagers Jupiter, Peter and Bob resolve impossible cases in a Sherlock Holmes fashion. Three Investigators, also known as ‘Drei ???’  has been in circulation since the 60s, with over one hundred published stories. The detectives solve cases involving whispering mummies, haunted castles and mysterious treasures.

The Harry Potter Saga by J. K. Rowling

Harry Potter marked the childhood of many people over the world. Even ten years after the publication of the last book, The Deathly Hallows, and conclusion of the cinematic saga, the story of “the boy who lived”  keeps captivating readers of all ages. What I loved the most about the Harry Potter books is that they grew in complexity as I grew up. Also, that, in spite of it coming to an end, I always find my way back to the story and its unforgettable characters.