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Children's books

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Original poster

Books set in Oxford

14 replies

IndigoNZ1 · 22/08/2023 19:29

Does anyone know of any children’s books set in Oxford? My friend is moving there and I’d like to get his DC a present. Google searches just come up with the millions of books published by Oxford University Press etc.! Ideally for 1-8 year olds

OP posts:
Highlyflavouredgravy · 22/08/2023 19:32

I was going to say ' the warden's niece' by Gillian Avery. Absolutely brilliant book- quite old fashioned . Set in the 1800s about a girl who lives in an Oxford college with her uncle and gas adventures with the boys next door but it is for older children. Say 11?

redskytwonight · 22/08/2023 19:53

"Oxford by a very Oxford cat" - but again I think it's for an older age range.

Needmorelego · 22/08/2023 20:00

Phillip Pullman’s His Dark Materials series - but again for much older readers.
The only thing I can think of is there is a Horrible History Guide to Oxford.
Alice in Wonderland, Lord of the Rings and Narnia have links through their authors.
There’s an old book I remember set in a stately house which might be near Oxford - I will google the one I am thinking of.

PermanentTemporary · 22/08/2023 20:03

Maybe choose a book written by an Oxford author? That's going to be easier... The Firework Makers Daughter by Phillip Pullman, or Dotty Detective by Clara Vuillamy?

Needmorelego · 22/08/2023 20:04

No…the book I was thinking of is set in Warwickshire.

HowardKirksConscience · 22/08/2023 20:04

The House in Norham Gardens - although it’s for older children.

I’m sure there are more…

Snowflake760 · 22/08/2023 20:04

How about ringing Blackwells or Waterstones and asking ? Quite often there are displays with local authors and you could then order on line.

EBearhug · 22/08/2023 20:05

Or the local public library.

exexpat · 22/08/2023 20:06

The House in Norham Gardens by Penelope Lively, but that may be aimed at slightly older than age 8.

SwingsAndRoundabouts22 · 22/08/2023 20:08

Snowflake760 · 22/08/2023 20:04

How about ringing Blackwells or Waterstones and asking ? Quite often there are displays with local authors and you could then order on line.

Or the lovely folk at The Story Museum!
https://www.storymuseum.org.uk/

The Story Museum | Family Museum In Oxford

The Story Museum is the most unusual museum in Oxford. Through immersive exhibitions, gallery spaces & events, we celebrate story in all forms.

https://www.storymuseum.org.uk

Ahhbeecee · 22/08/2023 20:10

The star outside my window. By. Onjali Q Raúf. But is for 8+

Original poster
IndigoNZ1 · 23/08/2023 18:29

Thanks so much for the creative suggestions! And the Story Museum looks amazing! Shame he seems a bit too young for most things but I will follow those leads…

OP posts:
StamppotAndGravy · 23/08/2023 19:32

I love the house on Norham Gardens as an adult, although it's quite scary if you've got a good imagination. I had friends who lived in Norham Gardens. Alice in Wonderland might also be an option

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