Like Peter Pan, I don’t want to grow up.

OK, so that ship has sailed.

But rereading the books of my childhood with my children while discovering the hundreds of charming new stories that have been added to library shelves in the decades since my small-kid days has brought me evenings of endless pleasure.

I felt just as happy as my boys did as we unraveled the mysteries of “Encyclopedia Brown” and decrypted the enigmatic poems of “The Diamond in the Window.” I can’t believe how long I went between trips through the wardrobe to Narnia, yet Aslan hadn’t changed a bit.

Even dear “Peter Pan” was waiting right where I left him in the pages of J.M. Barrie’s classic, as well as in some new places, the fairy tale reimagined in “Peter and the Starcatchers” and more recently in Chris Colfer’s fractured fairy tale series, “The Land of Stories.”

I’m not ready to leave it all behind again. But my children have not spent any time in the age-halting Neverland, and so they are growing up and leaving the stories of childhood behind.

The easy-reader shelves have long been abandoned by my boys, ages 14 and 10. And while I’m thrilled they are both avid readers and progressing through age-appropriate literature, I already miss the beautiful watercolors and intricate artwork of the picture books of their preschool days.

An author’s talent for telling a compelling story in rhythmic cadence and perfect rhyme is unneeded at the chapter-book stage, as is help from Mom and Dad to read a story. Those early chapter books mark the beginning of independence and self-reliance — traits we want our kids to have, indeed — but I have so many more books to share!

I really enjoyed the silly friendship of “Elephant and Piggie” right along with my kids, and I understand why the coming-of-age antics of “The Wimpy Kid” have edged out Judy Blume for this generation.

Back when I was reciting “Hop on Pop” for the umpteenth time between loads of baby laundry, I never thought this day would come. I admit I even cringed at times when my son would ask me to reread “The Lorax.” “The Lorax” is too long to finish before bedtime, I’d say. How’s about “The Runaway Bunny” or some funny Sandra Boynton books?

But although audiobooks streamed on my Libby library app are still a part of our commute home each week, I miss snuggling in bed with my little ones and watching their expressions while we read, all the while anticipating the plea for one more book or one more chapter. I already miss this stage of childhood though the early-reader chapter of life has just come to a close.

But sometimes the story continues.

Unlike in the films, Peter Pan’s story doesn’t end with Wendy Darling. Peter goes on to visit generation after generation of Darling children, spiriting them away for adventures with the Lost Boys.

And perhaps in this way, many years from now, I will also have the opportunity to excite another eager listener as I lead them on a literary trip to Neverland.

“She Speaks” is a column by women writers of the Honolulu Star-Advertiser. Reach Donica Kaneshiro at dkaneshiro@staradvertiser.com.