One of my earliest childhood reading memories, this book really is a classic tale that brings to life the magic that children see in their toys! Strangely the book has a message of ‘awakening’ and ‘presence’ too, that I missed at the time but that, perhaps, was a seed planted for me. The memory of it strikes a note of melancholy in my heart for those days of boundless imagination and innocence.

Another 'classic' that really warms the heart! Still, to this day a pleasure to read! No words needed to describe this gem!

This first book (in a series of 12) is set in and around a lake in the English Lake District and tells the stories of a group of children who spend their days sailing, camping, exploring, engaging in occasional acts of ‘piracy’ and generally having fantastic Adventures! These wonderful stories were an inspiration for our own Adventures on the River Thames and I read them over and over.

Another tale guaranteed to tantalize a child’s imagination! They will never look at the nooks and crannies around the house in the same way again! Primarily a record of the interactions of the tiny ‘Borrowers’ (little people) and the "human beans" (the big people . . . us!) who the Borrowers see as the primary cause of trouble. Them and the cat of course! Great fun!

The word ‘classic’ is probably overused (definitely in my list!) when describing children’s books. The Hobbit surely fits that category with no dispute. I read it so many times as a child and again more recently. Generations have been delighted, enthralled, entertained, moved and inspired by the themes of courage, loyalty and selflessness brought to life through the characters introduced here!

May I also introduce ‘Ted’s Simple Truth’ by Mike Brown (that’s me)? The story concerns Ted, an ordinary boy, who is dissatisfied with life but doesn’t know why. An important question sends Ted off on an amazing adventure that reconnects him with nature and helps him rediscover the simple joy of living. Hopefully one day it will appear on other peoples lists of favourite books!