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Children's books

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Original poster

The summer library challenge - I am doing it too, recommendations needed

35 replies

mixedmamameansbusiness · 28/06/2013 12:55

This summer I am doing the library challenge with my DC, the theme is creepy and magical so I need a six book short list. I like classics and know I can find a good few gothic novels amongst them but also want to try something different - I have never read Stephen King for example.

All ideas greatly received to be added to my already huge to read list.

We have never done it before, how will the DC know what they can pick from? Is there a special section etc?

OP posts:
Original poster
mixedmamameansbusiness · 28/06/2013 19:14

Dracula is brilliant though, I really enjoyed it.

OP posts:
fuzzpig · 28/06/2013 16:17

I only thought of it as I recently read DD an Usborne version of Frankenstein (because she has a Lego Minifigure of Frankenstein's Monster, and another of a mad scientist who she has named Frankenstein) - I think she missed the point of it though, as she found it quite funny in places Hmm

I was planning to read Dracula after finishing the Beetle but I can't face the thought of ploughing through it so I might read the children's version :o

Periwinkle007 · 28/06/2013 16:06

thats a good idea about doing the classic version and the child doing a simplified version of it.

Original poster
mixedmamameansbusiness · 28/06/2013 14:26

Fuzzpig that is a good idea.

I also like the idea of Reading the same books too as mentioned re: Pratchett.

Thanks all.

OP posts:
iseenodust · 28/06/2013 14:09

Wilkie Collins - take your pick !
The Water Babies

fuzzpig · 28/06/2013 13:59

Hello, I work in a library :)

DCs can read any 6 books they want - all they need to do is give a brief description or say what they liked about each book (unless there are huge queues in which case they may not have time). It can be non fiction if that's what they prefer, graphic novels, picture books etc. My DD did it last year before she could really read, so we did it for books I'd read at bedtime. Anyway, there's no special set or theme to choose from (though libraries may 'promote' particular series etc, but that would only be to give children ideas IYSWIM)

One fun idea if you like classics could be to read one while your DC read a child's version of it (usborne do loads of these). It's lovely that you are doing this alongside them :)

I am currently reading The Beetle by Richard Marsh, he was a contemporary of Bram Stoker and at the time his book outsold Dracula.

NumTumDeDum · 28/06/2013 13:52

Dianna wynne jones does some great books in this genre.

Cookie804 · 28/06/2013 13:45

Might also be a way of encouraging as you could both read the same author.

Cookie804 · 28/06/2013 13:45

Terry Pratchett does books for adults and younger readers, although I've also read them as well.

The amazing Maurice and his educated rodents
The Wee Free Men
A Hat Full of Sky
Wintersmith
I Shall Wear Midnight

These are part of the Disc World Series which could lead your DC onto a whole series of books.

Periwinkle007 · 28/06/2013 13:37

we did it last year - they just pick whatever they want as far as I am aware. We didn't sign up until there was only a week to go (I had forgotten about it) so they just did their books in 1 week and they just picked anything. they are only small though so perhaps as they get older they are supposed to follow the theme but I don't think so.