Today is World Book Day, to mark this we asked our staff what their favourite childhood books were; perhaps you’ve read some of them, if not why don’t you give them a try!

Hannah – Head of Safety and Content
Adventures of Tintin, Hergé,

As a child I loved the Adventures of Tintin, the intrepid boy-reporter created by the Belgian graphic artist Hergé. I loved the thrilling world of adventure, humour and intrigue. My favourite character is Captain Haddock because he’s silly, a bit nutty, flawed and ultimately a loyal friend to Tintin!

One of my favourite books is Tintin in Tibet. One day Tintin reads about a plane crash in the Himalayas. When he discovers that his friend, Chang, was on board, Tintin travels to the crash site in hopes of a rescue.  In later adult life there was nothing was more exciting than travelling overseas to work in the Himalayas where I could create my own experiences and memories.

As a child the Tintin books offered an escape to a thrilling worldof adventure; in adulthood, they provide an effortless return to the comfort zone of youth.

 

Emma – Digital Media and Online Safety Officer
Double Act by Jacqueline Wilson

This book is about two identical twins, Ruby and Garnet. They are ten years old and live with their dad and grandma. They have their own secret language and don’t need to make friends in school because they have each other. Their father gets a new girlfriend and a new job – this means moving and leaving grandma. Everything in their world gets turned upside down.

I liked this book the most because it shows how you leave childhood behind and grow up out of your childhood years, making new friends and moving forward.

I liked both the twins as they both became very different as they grew up. Out of both of them I would pick Ruby as my favourite as she was boisterous, brave and not afraid to speak up and out loud. She ultimately has a heart of gold.

 

Alison – Digital Media and Online Safety Officer
Famous Five by Enid Blyton

The five (including Timmy the dog) always seem to stumble across a mystery, adventure or some lost treasure. I read all the books in primary school and couldn’t wait to find out what their next adventure would be!

My favourite book in the series was ‘Five on a Treasure Island’ set on Kirren island, which has secret caves, an old castle, dungeons and a shipwreck. Here the five discover the lost gold from the shipwreck, however they can’t let the gold fall into the hands of the thieves who are trying to steal it!

My favourite character in the books is George as she is clever, strong and courageous and was just as good at solving mysteries as the boys.

 

Tory – Digital Media and Online Safety Officer
Oh, the Places You’ll Go! by Dr. Seuss

While this might be considered a children’s book, it actually resonated with me more when I graduated from university. It’s a fabulous book that can sit on your shelf from age 1 to age 91 and provide (perhaps, some much-needed!) encouragement at any point in your life.

“On and on you will hike,And I know you’ll hike far and face up to your problems whatever they are.”

 

 

Tara – Youth Advisor
Hetty Feather by Jacqueline Wilson

Set in Victorian times, Hetty is just a tiny baby when her mother leaves her at a hospital for abandoned children. Hetty experiences a lot of heartbreak at the hospital and begins to search for her birth mother. Hetty becomes a bright spark in a dull, hard world.

This book was my favourite because I learnt about what life would be like for a child who has no rights and how harsh daily living was for people in the past. It made me grateful to be a child in the 21st Century.

You laugh and cry along with Hetty. Hetty was my favourite character as she is vibrant, boisterous and never stopped fighting for a better future.

 

Dan – Web Developer
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl

The story is about a young boy named Charlie Bucket, who (along with 4 others) won a trip to look inside the chocolate factory of mysterious owner, Willy Wonka.

This book is filled with thrilling adventures and storylines, and not to mention lots of sweets and chocolate; as a child it let my imagination run wild.

My favourite character is Willy Wonka, whose lines are engaging and funny.