If you hadn’t already noticed, I am on a little bit of a children’s classic’s kick at the moment. The fact that I’m doing weavings inspired by each one is intensifying my love for the books which I already adored as a youngster, and I’ve even discovered some books that I never had the pleasure of as a child. I started sharing a while back some of my favourite authors of classic children’s books. Some books just stand the test of time and mean that whatever your age they still contain some of that magic and spark the imagination, whether you’re reading them yourself or sharing them with your own little ones.
Continuing belatedly in the series, I thought this time I would share some great authors and books which boys and girls will love alike. I had a younger brother and whilst we didn’t share exactly the same taste in books through our whole childhood, these are some we have agreed on- plus some extras which I think are worth exploring.
CS Lewis
If you’ve not heard of the Oxford don who not only penned the Narnia series ( Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe being the best known ) and also many wonderful theological books for adults, you’re missing out. Interestingly my brother didn’t like the title book as much as some the others in the series, but that is definitely one of my favourites. I have a beautiful hardback with the whole collection and spent one summer working my way through them all on our holiday in France. I’m sure these stories will enchant our little ones, and are sure to captivate yours with the magical lands, strange happenings and epic adventures.
Arthur Ransome
Wrote the wonderful adventure series Swallows and Amazons. Set in the Lakes, the children adventure all over on their little sailing boat, making expeditions, setting up camp and meeting many wonderful people and excitement along the way. I’m definitely due a re-read of these ones, and loved going to the bookshop to try to find the next one in the series.
JM Barrie
Of course wrote the wonderful and much adapted Peter Pan. Pirates, the lost boys, an island full of mysteries and a crocodile feature as well as the well known Tinkerbell and Peter Pan’s unique personality. I love this book cover above – I love seeing how different people imagine and interpret the same words, and how they bring that to life too.
Enid Blyton
Particularly the Faraway Tree series, which grabbed our imaginations early on. The children in the book find a tree in the woods by their home which is dwelling place to all kinds of magical people. At the top of the tree is a ladder leading through the clouds to lots of different lands- each one only remains for a day. Delightful places full of sweets and laughter as well as confusing lands where everything happens upside-down, this is truly a delightful collection of tales to share.
You can click on any of the book photos and it will take you straight to Amazon where you can buy any if you like (using that link gives me a tiny affiliate commission at no cost to you). These are all tales that I am enjoying either sharing with my littles now or looking forward to sharing with them soon. Do you do read-a-louds of chapter books with your children? I’m hoping we can do more of this soon, although my idealised imaginings will probably be different to the reality of reading with three little ones!
Which were your favourites of these? Did you dislike any of them?
PS. The Narnian wall hanging is now in the shop!
Linking up with Laura from Laura’s lovely blog
Angela Milnes says
I loved ArTHUR rANSOME AS A CHILD. thIS IS A FAB LIST AND MANY OF WHICH i HAVE READ. Angela from daysinbed .. thanks for linking up to #kltr
Zoe Rose says
I don’t think I ever finished all the Arthur ransoms books, I want to go back and revisit them! They’re so fun aren’t they.
Laura's Lovely Blog says
I loved enid blyton so much as a girl and read some of her books mutiple times. I would also have to add Roald dahl to that list too 🙂 Thanks for linking up to #kltr
Zoe Rose says
Roald Dahl is a great one! I have saved all my Enid Blyton so hopefully some other small people can enjoy them too.