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Children's books

Join in for children's book recommendations.

Original poster

Children's books still enjoyable for adults

86 replies

Tigertots · 05/10/2017 11:06

Anne of Green Gables

Richmal Crompton's William books

Jacqueline Wilson (my own personal faves being Sleepovers, Candyfloss, and Bad Girls)

A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett: I first read it when I was 14, nearly 15, having seen it in WHSmith's, and correctly identified it as a book with "Anne of Green Gables appeal". When my English teacher learned I was reading ALP, she said "That's very young for you; really good stuff, but it is a book for 11-year-olds."

Tom's Midnight Garden by Philippa Pearce, and Cold Christmas by Nina Beachcroft (two very similar books; the latter is, sadly, out-of-print and under-rated).

OP posts:
lolalotta · 30/10/2017 05:32

Following

CountFosco · 07/10/2017 07:23

I think I've enjoyed the Little House books by Laura Ingalls Wilder more as an adult than I did as a child (and I loved them as a child).

Recently re-read Carrie's War and loved that as well, the ending in that is very much for the adults! Agree with Tom's Midnight Garden, we went to see a stage production of it a few years ago and the adults were all in tears at the end and my daughters didn't understand why!

user1485342611 · 06/10/2017 15:37

Most of Noel Streatfeild's books.
Robin Steven's Murder Most Unladylike series.
The Chalet School

Allington · 06/10/2017 10:48

My Friend Flicka

Original poster
Tigertots · 06/10/2017 01:26

I wish I could include Enid Blyton, who was an ingeniously talented lady, and provided many happy childhood memories; but I'm afraid to say that I think her books have to be read when you're a child: in recent years I've attempted to read some that I missed when I was the right age, and I had to admit that the magic had gone.

OP posts:
BigApple11 · 05/10/2017 16:38

Lion Witch and Wardrobe...in fact all of the Narnia books

Caulkheadupnorf · 05/10/2017 16:38

Swallows and Amazons
Narnia
Anything by E Nesbit - esp 5 children and it
Apparently David Walliams ones aren’t but I haven’t read them

IsabelleSE19 · 05/10/2017 16:36

Watership Down is my all-time favourite, first read when I was about 11. I know part of it is nostalgia but I have never read an adult book I love as much as that "children's" book.

Agree with pp on Children of Green Knowe as well.

Ricekrispie22 · 05/10/2017 16:32

Glad I'm not not the only one who enjoys these books. I'm making my way through the Swallows and Amazons series and loving the escapism.

Leeds2 · 05/10/2017 11:45

I love Paddington!
Harry Potter.
Boy In The Striped Pyjamas.
Ballet Shoes.

Bucketsandspoons · 05/10/2017 11:25

I've always loved Cold Christmas!

The Thirteen Days of Christmas by Jenny Overton

The Box of Delights - John Masefield

The Children of Green Knowe - Lucy M. Boston

The Secret Garden - Frances Hodgeson Burnett

Playing Beatie Bow - Ruth Park . Loved this as a kid and still do