random, on reading as a professional exercise..
if you're a writer like me who believes that reading a large volume of books over time is part of the craft, here's one simple strategy that has helped me 👉🏾 read children's books too.
i know it might sound strange at first, but hear me out.
let's say you've set yourself a goal of reading 1,000 books over several years. try making at least 10% of that list children's books. this does a few wonderful things.
because children's books are generally shorter, you'll finish them more quickly. watching your reading count steadily climb is surprisingly motivating, and you'll appreciate those momentum boosts on the days your larger reading goals begin to feel overwhelming.
you get to read children's stories—which is simply fun. you feed your inner child while also paying attention to what today's children are being fed. don't underestimate how valuable this is. children's literature teaches clarity, imagination, emotional honesty, and economy of language better than many books written for adults. it may even inspire you to write a few children's books of your own someday.
so seriously, consider making children's books part of your regular reading practice. there's an entire world of stories waiting for you there, and chances are you'll enjoy the process just as much as the lessons. like i said, win-win!
