Childhood Books

I am currently re-reading some of my fave books from childhood. Last week it was The Secret Garden and last night I finished Charlotte's Web.

Reading them as a adult did not diminish the magic and joy I got from the stories as a kid. Reading The Secret Garden I felt I was once again in the garden with Mary Lennox, watching her and Colin transform from horrible brats into happy playful children. Just as the garden transforms from being dead and neglected to alive, full and magically. This story truly is the most special to me from my childhood and is always the one I think of as my favourite children's book. Despite this I have never read any other Frances Hodgson Burnett books but I have seen the movie of The Little Princess and the book of that and Little Lord Fauntleroy are in my Amazon Wish List.

Charlotte's Web is a book that was read to me at school and being a life long animal lover I adored it. It's a short simple story of friendship, justice and of how anyone can make anything happen. I have often thought about calling pets Wilbur and Fern, (in fact, I probably still will at some point) and spookily as I finished reading it last night a dog whose owner was visiting my neighbour ran into my house. It's owner was calling it, can you beleive the dog was called Wilbur!!!!! Spooky but true. Like The Secret Garden I can't watch the movie of this book. I did see the animated version that is years old but I haven't seen the new live action movie and probably never will.

Tonight I am starting the Roald Dahl classic Danny Champion of the World which was also from my school days and then Little Women - oh joy, how I love that novel. Then I need to buy the series of The Worst Witch (I do have this movie from way back with Tim Curry on DVD and I love it) and the series of The Naughtiest Girl in School by the best childrens author of all time Enid Blyton.

I will let you know how I get on with Danny, Mildred and Elizabeth as well as Jo and co.