Mitali Perkins on Why Adults Need Children’s Books

June 27, 2026

Why Adults Need Children’s Books More Than Ever, Featuring Mitali Perkins

What if some of the most formative books you’ll ever read were written for children?

In this episode of Guestsplaining, Fr. Bonaventure Chapman sits down with award-winning author Mitali Perkins to explore the enduring power of children’s literature and the role stories play in shaping the human heart. From immigrant childhood experiences in public libraries to raising readers in the digital age, Mitali shares how stories cultivate virtue, deepen empathy, and form the moral imagination. Based on her book Steeped in Stories: Timeless Children’s Novels to Refresh Our Tired Souls, this conversation offers a compelling invitation to revisit the classics that continue to inspire generations.

Together, Fr. Bonaventure and Mitali discuss beloved works such as The Chronicles of Narnia, The Hobbit, Anne of Green Gables, Heidi, Little Women, and A Little Princess, examining how these stories communicate truth, goodness, and beauty in ways that remain relevant long after childhood.

The conversation also explores why reading aloud remains one of the most powerful things parents can do for their children, how stories help us recognize virtue in everyday life, and why adults should consider replacing evening doomscrolling with a good book.

Whether you’re a parent hoping to cultivate a love of reading, an educator interested in character formation, or simply someone longing to rediscover wonder, this episode offers wisdom, practical advice, and a renewed appreciation for the stories that shape us.

Keep in touch with Mitali and browse her published works on mitaliperkins.com