My four favourite children`s books

There can`t be a parent who doesn`t know the importance of reading to their children, of nurturing their interest in stories and literature. After food, warmth and affection, reading may well be be the next activity on the list of parental responsibilities. As a child I was such an avid reader my parents would actually child me for having my nose so often in books. I was encouraged to `get out and play in the fresh air` instead of spending all my free time cooped up indoors reading. When I was put to bed (too early always, as all children are) I would strain my eyes through the darkness to continue reading, and as a result I over strained my vision, ending up wearing thick glasses from about the age of 6.

Any attentive parent wants to ensure their child is reading, but in may be hard for them to select the suitable book. They may of course know any number of books suitable for adults, but when it comes to children`s literature, they might be unsure where to start. Should it be Horrid Henry? The Gruffalo? Or The Very Hungry Caterpillar? I`m afraid I am not particularly knowledgable when it comes to contemporary children`s authors, but what I can do is list my four favourite books from when I was in my last years of primary school:

1. Treasure Island

For a child this book really has it all: adventure, shipwrecks, buried treasure, even a one legged pirate! It really is an exciting story, featuring a host of memorable characters, vividly rendered scenery, and an idyllic island with hidden gold and jewels. The book was written by Robert Lewis Stevenson, and published in 1883 to immediate critical (along with much needed financial) success. Some children might find the language a little dated, but Stevenson writes very clearly and simply, and I believe this book will be a lot more accessible to a primary school child than the works of Dickens, or Wilkie Collins, or any other Victorian authors.

2. The Hobbit

Another classic novel, featuring goblins, elves, a dragon, and a magic ring that causes all kinds of problems in the three later novels that comprise The Lord of the Rings. The great thing about the hobbit is that it beings with the humdrum life of an average character - Bilbo Baggins - and proceeds to turn his existence upside down, as the protagonist agrees (somewhat reluctantly) to embark on a great adventure! For any child with an active imagination, the book is a must read, as it will present them with a fantastical world, while also extolling the virtues of bravery, honour and loyalty, while also being a riveting story! Tolkien wrote more than twenty novels, but the Hobbit remains his best known work.

3. Charlie And the Chocolate Factory

No list of great children`s books would be complete without one of Roald Dahl`s books, his name being virtually synonymous with the genre. The author of about 40 books, including The Enormous Crocodile, Fantastic Mr Fox, and The Twits, he has been called the Shakespeare of Children`s writing. I could have chosen almost any of his stories as a must read - in a way all of them are requisite reading for children - but it is the story about the chocolate factory that first comes to mind when I consider his extensive oeuvre. The tale concerns an eccentric owner of a chocolate factory, who has hidden 5 golden tickets in 5 chocolate bars, which have been scattered amongst all the sweetshops of the country. The tickets permit five children to visit the mysterious factory, which they soon discover to be as bizarre as its creator. From chocolate waterfalls to geese that actually lay golden eggs, the children experience a rollercoaster adventure, with Charlie, and his accompanying grandfather, having their lives changed forever.

4. The Fudge books

The previous three books are perhaps for those in their latter years of primary school - booktrust.org actually classifies the hobbit as having a reading age of 10+ and Charlie and the chocolate factory as best suited for those over 8. I was disappointed not to find Treasure island in their reviews, but I would judge a bright 11 year old to be more than capable of enjoying it.
For younger readers I would recommend the `Fudge` books, written by the American writer Judy Blume. These four books cover the travails of a husband, wife, and their 2 sons. The older son, Peter is cast in a sympathetic light, as he has to endure the riotous behaviour of his younger brother Farley Drexel - or `Fudge` as he prefers to be called. Notable incidents include food fights, destruction of schoolwork, and the consumption by Fudge of the family pet turtle. The books are light hearted, and very funny, and well worth the attention of a child who isn`t interested in grandiose adventure stories.