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Original poster

His Dark Materials has been voted best children's book in 70 years: agree or disagree?

111 replies

compo · 22/06/2007 11:37

I would have gone with The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe myself.

OP posts:
Original poster
compo · 22/06/2007 11:46

I would also argue that Jacqueline Wilson has had a huge impact on children's literature but she never wins any of these public votes. I gues she doesn't have one book that stands out because they are all great.

OP posts:
Enid · 22/06/2007 11:46

I capture the castle

[swoon]

Enid · 22/06/2007 11:46

ooh joan aiken she is fabby

actually I think the hobbit better than HDM

Original poster
compo · 22/06/2007 11:45

oh yes Watership Down. Also Magic Faraway Tree and Dodie Smith's I capture the castle.

OP posts:
dinosaur · 22/06/2007 11:45

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OrmIrian · 22/06/2007 11:45

I'm just rereading Joan Aiken - wonderful writer. (only reading them to see if they're OK for kids obviously )

OrmIrian · 22/06/2007 11:44

His Dark Materials Trilogy then. And of all the Narnia books I prefer Magicians Nephew anyway.

Enid · 22/06/2007 11:44

I loved HDM up to a point

it was too fantastical for me (the Mufala - sorry but wtf)

agree Watership Down is a corker

also Marianne Dreams or Tom's Midnight Garden would be two of my faves

sassy · 22/06/2007 11:42

Surely the Narnia books are far more influential in terms of what followed them/was influenced by them?

Pullman doesn't even think they are children's books - its the publisher who have decided that. And it is 3 books, not 1!

(lists voted for by the public always favour the more recent things - nPrincess Di the 3rd greatest Briton ever, anyone [hmmm]?)

dinosaur · 22/06/2007 11:42

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OrmIrian · 22/06/2007 11:39

OOh no I love all the Narnoa books but Dark Materials beat them I think. However I'm not sure I'd choose either as best ...have to think about it.