What Are the Best First Books to Read?
We’ve asked seven professionals, ranging from CEOs to authors, about the first book they remember reading and what made it stand out. From the resilience and resourcefulness in Robinson Crusoe to the theme of acceptance and self-value in Corduroy, join us as we delve into these cherished literary memories and the lessons they imparted.
- Robinson Crusoe: Resilience and Resourcefulness
- The Six Bullerby Children: Idyllic Countryside and Innocence
- The Cat in the Hat: Whimsical and Imaginative
- Matilda: Empowering, Humorous, and Relatable
- Caps for Sale: Colorful with Clever Problem-Solving
- Where’s Waldo?: Interactive and Engaging
- Corduroy: Theme of Acceptance and Self-Value
Robinson Crusoe: Resilience and Resourcefulness
The first book I vividly remember reading is Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe. I was immediately captivated by the story of a man stranded on an uninhabited island, using his wit and the scarce resources around him to survive. The concept was exciting and completely new to me as a young reader, igniting my imagination like no book had done before.
What truly stood out about this book was its depiction of human resilience and resourcefulness. Crusoe’s story of survival against the odds taught me important life lessons about persistence, creativity, and the power of the human spirit. The compelling narrative and richly detailed descriptions sparked a deep love for literature in me, setting a high benchmark for all the books I would read in the years to come.
Martin Potocki
CEO, Jobera
The Six Bullerby Children: Idyllic Countryside and Innocence
The first book I remember delving into was The Six Bullerby Children. This enchanting tale whisked me away to a picturesque village in Sweden, where a group of children embarked on adventures that ignited my imagination.
Within the pages of this book, the narrative unfolded effortlessly, revealing everyday joys. From playful games to imaginative escapades, I was captivated by the pure essence of childhood innocence and the boundless happiness in life’s simplest pleasures.
Even after two decades, what remains etched in my memory is the vivid portrayal of the idyllic countryside that served as the backdrop for captivating tales. Lindgren’s masterful storytelling painted a vibrant picture of Bullerby, where nature’s beauty harmonized with the close-knit community. The author transported me to this world, enveloping me in a comforting warmth and evoking a sense of nostalgia that resonates within me today. This book undoubtedly left an indelible mark on my literary journey.
Nina Paczka
Community Manager, Resume Now
The Cat in the Hat: Whimsical and Imaginative
The first book I remember reading is The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss. This iconic children’s book stood out to me because of its whimsical illustrations, playful rhymes, and the mischievous character of the Cat in the Hat.
It made reading fun and sparked my imagination. The book’s simple yet engaging storyline, combined with its colorful and lively illustrations, created a lasting impression on me. The Cat in the Hat not only introduced me to the joy of reading but also ignited my love for storytelling and creativity at a young age.
Lukasz Zelezny
SEO Consultant, SEO Consultant London
Matilda: Empowering, Humorous, and Relatable
Matilda, written by Roald Dahl, is the first book I remember reading. What stood out about this particular book was its empowering storyline and the perfect blend of humor and relatability. Matilda, a precocious young girl with extraordinary abilities, faces adversity in her life but overcomes it through her intelligence and determination.
The characters in the book are vividly portrayed, and the narrative is laced with Dahl’s signature humor. For example, Matilda’s interactions with her hilariously awful parents and the cruel headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, are incredibly entertaining. This book encourages readers, especially young children, to embrace their uniqueness and stand up against injustice.
Matilda’s character remains an inspiration, promoting the values of intelligence, empathy, and inner strength. Overall, Matilda undoubtedly leaves a lasting impression with its empowering message and delightful storytelling.
Yoana Wong
Co-founder, Secret Florists
Caps for Sale: Colorful with Clever Problem-Solving
The book’s use of color and illustrations make it visually appealing, and its repetitive nature and clever solution to the problem make it a unique and memorable choice.
The story follows a cap peddler whose caps are stolen by a group of mischievous monkeys. The peddler cleverly gets his caps back by copying the monkeys’ actions, and this solution makes the story stand out. Overall, the book’s simplicity and humor make it a great choice for young readers.
Jason Cheung
Operations Manager, Credit KO
Where’s Waldo?: Interactive and Engaging
Where’s Waldo? was probably the first book I recall reading. It was large, filled with colors, and immediately grabbed my attention. All the kids around me seemed to be engrossed in it, searching for Waldo.
Their excitement piqued my curiosity, and I too wanted to find Waldo. The challenge of spotting him was just right for kids—not too difficult to become frustrated but engaging enough to keep me entertained. It felt more like a game or an interactive activity than a normal reading book. All the kids in school adored it, and it provided loads of fun.
Al Tran, Realtor, Blogger, Author, DS Inspire
Corduroy: Theme of Acceptance and Self-Value
Corduroy by Don Freeman stood out to me as the first book I remember reading because of the theme of acceptance and finding value in oneself, despite imperfections. The story about a teddy bear who was missing a button and feeling incomplete until he found a new home with a loving owner was heartwarming and impactful. It teaches children the importance of self-love and accepting others for who they are.
For example, when Corduroy realizes that Lisa loves him just the way he is, it shows that true friendship and love come from accepting others for who they are, rather than trying to change them. This lesson is timeless and applies to children and adults alike.
Ben Lau
Founder, Featured SEO Company
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