"Where the Wild Things Are" by Maurice Sendak: Max's rebellious sail to the land of the Wild Things, with their zany costumes and rumpus-causing ways, was an early lesson in embracing individuality and the power of dreams.
"Charlotte's Web" by E.B. White: Wilbur the pig's unlikely friendship with Charlotte the spider, woven with wit and poignancy, taught me about loyalty, selflessness, and the beauty of life's fleeting moments.
"The Chronicles of Narnia" by C.S. Lewis: Stepping through the wardrobe into Narnia, a land of talking animals, epic battles, and a never-ending winter, fueled my childhood wanderlust and sparked a lifelong love of fantasy.
These books, and countless others, left an indelible mark on my childhood. They nurtured my curiosity, fostered my empathy, and opened doors to endless possibilities. As I revisit them now, I'm reminded of the timeless power of stories to shape who we become.