If it’s good enough for children ...
Kids’ favourite atherine Rundell takes best author Britsh Book Awards prize
For the first time in six years a children’s writer has won the best author prize at the British Book Awards. Katherine Rundell’s Impossible Creatures also won the Best Children's Book award. The book follows a girl from a mystical land and a boy from our world as they try save a place full of magical creatures.
Like many books for children it is loved just as much by adults. On my shelves, it joins Rundell’s The Explorer and the Good Thieves – they sit next to The Railway Children by E Nesbit and Enid Blyton’s Five Go to Smugglers’ Top.
These are my recommendations for building a collection of children’s books. Notice – no celebrities.
Danny the Champion of the World – Roald Dahl
Danny and his dad – who live in a gipsy caravan – take on developers conniving to destroy the countryside.
The Family from One End Street – Eve Garnett
Oldie but goodie – 1930s classic and an accurate and unusual portrayal of working-class British life.
The Hobbit – JRR Tolkein Riddles, bravery, and an unexpected journey by a little person with a big heart.
Treasure Island – Robert Louis Stevenson
Pirates, a parrot, adventure on the high seas, a young boy and a search for buried treasure.
Moonfleet – J Meade Falkner
A mystery, adventure and a tale of smuggling and seafaring told from the cliffs of Dorset.
The Eagle of the Ninth – Rosemary Sutcliff
The historical fiction brings Roman Britain vividly to life through the adventure-led story.
Stig of the Dump, Clive King
The story of solitary Barney and his best friend, cave-man Stig.