World Book Day

We've been celebrating World Book Day in school today and it's good to know that most of our youngsters still love books and can easily choose a favourite to discuss in class. Horrid Henry is very popular with my 7 year olds.
It made me think about my favourite books:

Throughout my life I have loved to read. My bookshelves are over flowing and our loft is full of my children's books that we couldn't bear to give away. I've loved lots of books, and could easily write lists of those I have enjoyed, but on reflection I think these books are dearest to my heart.

I just loved this book ... I read it over and over again and to this day I can remember everything about it.

When I had my own little girl I tracked it down, and while I loved it all over again, I was disappointed to discover it held no magic for her whatsoever.

A little older, I inherited some well loved books from my auntie ... What Katy Did, Little Women, all the classics which I really enjoyed  ... but the one that stood out for me was The Railway Children. I so wanted to be Bobbie! The only thing that puzzled me was that when they became poor they managed to live in a massive house compared to mine. We must have been very, very poor!

At school we read Pride and Prejudice and as a fifteen year old, I didn't really appreciate it at all. Over the years I have grown to love this book. Jane Austen's wise words and witty characters are wonderful and still hold true today.

I didn't know about this when I was a child myself, but I stumbled upon it as a young teacher. Narnia  holds a very special place in our hearts as both my children were enchanted by the tales of Aslan. I think my daughter 'grew' up in Narnia as she could quote the dialogue word perfect when watching the superb BBC series.

Oh, another enchanting read ... I came upon this as a teenager, after seeing the film starring Julie Christie and Terence Stamp and I had to read the book. Again every scene is stamped upon my heart as I have read it so much. I went on to read all the works of Thomas Hardy ... but this is my favourite.

I have returned to this book many times. I generally enjoy historical novels, but I love the way this depicts Richard III as a sensitive and loving character. Who knows ... it may be true!

What can I say about this book .... British librarians have recently said that it it should be read by every adult before they die.... who am I to disagree?

What are your favourite books?