by Olivia Grey
There are many firm favourites when it comes to Children's Literature. There are the children themselves, who own a favourite book and revel in the fantasy land they learn about at story time or while their parents reads aloud to them before sleep. There are also adults of today who still remember their favourite author with fondness and how they weaved a tale of intrigue that may have accompanied them through childhood.
It is true that there are so many stories that have gripped our attention no matter how old or young, and this list compiles five of those favourites.
There are many firm favourites when it comes to Children's Literature. There are the children themselves, who own a favourite book and revel in the fantasy land they learn about at story time or while their parents reads aloud to them before sleep. There are also adults of today who still remember their favourite author with fondness and how they weaved a tale of intrigue that may have accompanied them through childhood.
It is true that there are so many stories that have gripped our attention no matter how old or young, and this list compiles five of those favourites.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J.K Rowling
The first of Rowling's seven-book saga, Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone is where the magic truly began. Following everyone's favourite boy wizard from the Dursley's house in Surrey to his first year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, it has sparked a worldwide adoration for the Wizarding World.
There have been eight feature-length films, video games and board games, with costumes and memorabilia galore. Kings Cross Station in London has since commemorated the story of Harry Potter with their own 'Platform 9 ¾' and Universal Studios have added the 'Harry Potter World' attraction to its ranks. It is a classic book saga that is loved by both adults and children alike.
The first of Rowling's seven-book saga, Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone is where the magic truly began. Following everyone's favourite boy wizard from the Dursley's house in Surrey to his first year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, it has sparked a worldwide adoration for the Wizarding World.
There have been eight feature-length films, video games and board games, with costumes and memorabilia galore. Kings Cross Station in London has since commemorated the story of Harry Potter with their own 'Platform 9 ¾' and Universal Studios have added the 'Harry Potter World' attraction to its ranks. It is a classic book saga that is loved by both adults and children alike.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
A brilliantly imaginative story which follows the main character of poverty-stricken Charlie Bucket and his once in a lifetime visit to the mysterious but fabulous Chocolate Factory owned by the illusive Willy Wonka.
Dahl is also the author of famous works such as Matilda, James and the Giant Peach and the sequel of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory named Charlie and the Glass Elevator. He planned to follow the sequel with a third instalment, but unfortunately never finished it.
Dahl was largely inspired by his childhood visits to chocolate factories when he was writing this story. Knowing that Cadbury and Rowntree were two of the largest confectioners in the 1920's and that they often tried to steal trade secret by sending spies undercover, and incorporated this into his story with Wonka's eccentric and secretive nature. Since it's release, there have been two film adaptations, a musical, an Opera and a theme park attraction made in celebration of the book.
A brilliantly imaginative story which follows the main character of poverty-stricken Charlie Bucket and his once in a lifetime visit to the mysterious but fabulous Chocolate Factory owned by the illusive Willy Wonka.
Dahl is also the author of famous works such as Matilda, James and the Giant Peach and the sequel of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory named Charlie and the Glass Elevator. He planned to follow the sequel with a third instalment, but unfortunately never finished it.
Dahl was largely inspired by his childhood visits to chocolate factories when he was writing this story. Knowing that Cadbury and Rowntree were two of the largest confectioners in the 1920's and that they often tried to steal trade secret by sending spies undercover, and incorporated this into his story with Wonka's eccentric and secretive nature. Since it's release, there have been two film adaptations, a musical, an Opera and a theme park attraction made in celebration of the book.
The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter
Both written and illustrated by Beatrix Potter, The Tale of Peter Rabbit follows a mischievous and disobedient rabbit who spends his time scampering around a field belonging to the farmer, Mr McGregor.
Originally written for Potter's former Governess' son, five-year-old Noel Moore, Peter Rabbit became a loveable furry friend for every child who read about his escapades, and how he would settle down at night with a camomile tea.
After it's post-publication success, Disney showed interest in making an animated film on the rabbit's tales, but Potter refused Disney the rights due to marketing issues. Since then, the character of Peter Rabbit has been mentioned in films including The Tales of Beatrix Potter and Miss Potter, and also featured in two animated series.
Most recently, children’s TV channel Nickelodeon began to air an animated series titled Peter Rabbit in February 2013, proving the story to be a beloved one, even after more than 100 years.
Both written and illustrated by Beatrix Potter, The Tale of Peter Rabbit follows a mischievous and disobedient rabbit who spends his time scampering around a field belonging to the farmer, Mr McGregor.
Originally written for Potter's former Governess' son, five-year-old Noel Moore, Peter Rabbit became a loveable furry friend for every child who read about his escapades, and how he would settle down at night with a camomile tea.
After it's post-publication success, Disney showed interest in making an animated film on the rabbit's tales, but Potter refused Disney the rights due to marketing issues. Since then, the character of Peter Rabbit has been mentioned in films including The Tales of Beatrix Potter and Miss Potter, and also featured in two animated series.
Most recently, children’s TV channel Nickelodeon began to air an animated series titled Peter Rabbit in February 2013, proving the story to be a beloved one, even after more than 100 years.
The Famous Five by Enid Blyton
These tales followed four children - Julian, Dick, Anne and Georgina (George) and their dog Timmy on their adventures. With 21 novels in total, Blyton created a series which was exciting and imaginative.
Taking place consistently within the school holidays, the group were always provided with an event that would let them discover rural surroundings such as cottages and woods.
Blyton only ever intended to write around 6 to 8 novels at first, but due to her success she went on to write 21 full-length novels, each with different settings and activities for the Five to explore.
Along with this, there have been adaptations for film, audio dramas, game-books, theatre, numerous TV series, comics and parodies.
These tales followed four children - Julian, Dick, Anne and Georgina (George) and their dog Timmy on their adventures. With 21 novels in total, Blyton created a series which was exciting and imaginative.
Taking place consistently within the school holidays, the group were always provided with an event that would let them discover rural surroundings such as cottages and woods.
Blyton only ever intended to write around 6 to 8 novels at first, but due to her success she went on to write 21 full-length novels, each with different settings and activities for the Five to explore.
Along with this, there have been adaptations for film, audio dramas, game-books, theatre, numerous TV series, comics and parodies.
Charlotte's Web by E.B White
A farmyard classic, Charlotte's Web is told from the point of view of Charlotte, the spider who resides in her web overlooking the pig enclosure.
The tale describes her friendship with a pig called Wilbur, who was saved by the farmers daughter when he was born because he was the runt of the litter, and it was common practice for farmers to slaughter such pigs.
When Wilbur is old enough to be separated from his mother, he is then sent to another farm, where he is snubbed by the other animals but unexpectedly befriended by Charlotte, a barn spider. Knowing of the new plan to slaughter Wilbur, Charlotte promises to come up with a plan to save him from his fate.
The story is well-loved for its themes of compassion, friendship and loyalty, and the subject of turning the would-be 'unsightly' creature of a spider into a kind and helpful hero makes it different from most children's books.
Since it's release, there have been two film adaptations (with one having a sequel), and a video game provided for the following gaming platforms; Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS, PlayStation 2 and PC. A well told story which teaches not to judge a books by its cover.
A farmyard classic, Charlotte's Web is told from the point of view of Charlotte, the spider who resides in her web overlooking the pig enclosure.
The tale describes her friendship with a pig called Wilbur, who was saved by the farmers daughter when he was born because he was the runt of the litter, and it was common practice for farmers to slaughter such pigs.
When Wilbur is old enough to be separated from his mother, he is then sent to another farm, where he is snubbed by the other animals but unexpectedly befriended by Charlotte, a barn spider. Knowing of the new plan to slaughter Wilbur, Charlotte promises to come up with a plan to save him from his fate.
The story is well-loved for its themes of compassion, friendship and loyalty, and the subject of turning the would-be 'unsightly' creature of a spider into a kind and helpful hero makes it different from most children's books.
Since it's release, there have been two film adaptations (with one having a sequel), and a video game provided for the following gaming platforms; Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS, PlayStation 2 and PC. A well told story which teaches not to judge a books by its cover.
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