When I close my eyes, I can just picture it. A small classroom, about twenty children sitting on the magic carpet where we convened. I hear my teacher’s raspy voice as she reads to us aloud. I’m antsy and can’t sit in the same place for too long. I cross my legs, uncross my legs, lean forward, lean back, put my head in my hands. When will this story be over, I wonder. I had no patience for the lesson that the book entails. I just know that I want to go back to my desk and sit in my chair.

Another place another time; I’m laying in my bed with my mother beside me. She opens up a book, I don’t remember how we settled on this particular narrative but it was decided ahead of time that she would be the one to read it to me. She takes her time, her presentation voice clear as day. She has the same voice now, it's the voice she uses over the phone so people will hear her loud and clear. I remember being enthralled with the narrative, and just her reading to me. When she’d finish, I’d say, “Again, mommy.” Sometimes she complied, sometimes. Though, once I learned how to read she stopped reading to me and I began to read to her.

It was then that I started paying attention to the lessons in the books I read. Some about friendship, unconditional love, inner beauty, new experiences and opportunities, and so much more.

Here are 8 children’s books that taught childhood lessons:

1. The Giving Tree

This book though it seems to be about a boy who just takes and takes from a self-less tree has a stronger message about unconditional love. The tree loves the boy without looking for anything in return, just like a parent unconditionally loves their child.

2. Love You Forever

It’s all in the title. This was one of the first books that I ever read and it would be one that I’d re-read continuously. A mother’s love for her child and then the child's love in return. It is a testament to the life stages and life cycle.

3. The Rainbow Fish

The biggest message in this book is, sharing is caring.

4. Oh, the Places You'll Go!

Another all in the title kind of book. This Dr. Seuss masterpiece takes the reader on an adventure and ultimately ends with a blank, up for interpretation kind of ending, implying it's up to the reader where they will go next.

5. The Velveteen Rabbit

Another story about love, only this relationship is about the love a toy has for a boy and the boys love for his toy rabbit. A very lovely and sentimental read.

6. The Very Hungry Caterpillar

While essentially about a very hungry caterpillar as the title suggests, the caterpillar turns into a beautiful butterfly. The message seemingly refers to inner beauty and change, you’ll eventually become who you’re meant to be.

7. The Lorax

The moral of this story is fairly obvious if you’ve read the book or have seen the movie adaption, it is all about environmental protection and just being environmentally conscious. I think that is important especially from a book that was published in 1971.

8. Charlotte’s Web

Platonic love between a spider and a pig, “Charlotte’s Web” is a story of an unconventional friendship, but friendship nonetheless. She saves his life and he saves her legacy. There’s no doubt about it, these two were true friends.