It is so hard to choose a favourite children's book. The only way that I can begin to decide is to say, "one of my favourite books" is Dogger by Shirley Hughes. I can remember using it when I was on teacher training and then it became a favourite with my own children. I think we can all resonate with a favourite toy and that feeling when you can't find it. I can also empathise with the situation where the character Bella, has no room on her bed as she has too many soft toys. This is definitely an issue in my house. 

The book was also used as a vehicle to talk about how much we would love to have a dog. We got a puppy last year so maybe that is why it is my favourite!  

As a child, I loved reading adventure and mystery based stories, with the Secret Seven books by Enid Blyton a particular favourite. I enjoyed making predictions and piecing the clues together, then checking if I was right at the end. Another book I stumbled across which I've read many times is 'You be the Jury' by Marvin Miller. The book has a number of fictional, child friendly court cases and once you've read the case, you need to examine the exhibits before the actual verdict is revealed. I've shared these with many classes, as well as my 2 daughters!

I've continued to enjoy mystery and crime based books as an adult, with Robert Galbraith's 'Strike' series a particular favourite.

Ever since I was a child, I’ve found comfort and joy in stories. Whether they were funny, adventurous, or a little spooky, books gave me a chance to escape into worlds where anything was possible. I remember the feeling of being read to at bedtime — the soothing sound of a voice, the gentle rhythm of the story, and  the bond between my family. One story that’s always stayed with me is Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. It’s my favourite — full of mystery, magic, and emotion.

Now, as a parent, I get to share that same magic with my little boy. One of our favourite times of the day is bedtime, when we curl up together and explore stories filled with silly characters, wild adventures, or calming tales that help him drift off to sleep. Watching his face light up with curiosity and laughter reminds me of how powerful stories can be — not just for entertainment, but for connection.

Reading together inspires my own creativity, gives me ideas for writing, and keeps that spark of imagination alive every day.

.

HC Anderson’s Fairy tales (Hans Christian Anderson- author)

Wind in The Willows (This book was re-told by Anne McKie and illustrated by Ken McKie)

These two books are my very own originals and were both read to me by my parents as a child. Growing up in Denmark, my mum would read the fairy tales of the Danish author Hans Christian Anderson to me, and this particular book had 40 of his fairy tales to choose from! I remember enjoying the stories The Little Mermaid, Thumbelina and The Princess and The Pea. I would ask my mum to read these over and over again, as I have always loved the escapism fairy tales bring.

The second book, The Wind in The Willows, is actually an original from the year I was born, and I remember my Dad reading this story to me and my little brother during bedtimes, and him using a different voice for each character. We always found this hilarious and still enjoy reminiscing about it today.

As a child, my Mum read me this book (Bagpuss) nearly every night as I loved it so much. She’d put on silly voices for all the characters and sang the song the mice sang. Her doing this and sharing lots of other books with me, gave me a great love of reading, so much so that I now read every night.

I read all books, from fantasy to thrillers, crime & historical novels. I love to escape to other worlds and become different characters. I’ve carried on this with my son, who is now a massive Anthony Horowitz fan.

"Once upon a bicycle, so they say, A jolly postman came one day..."

One of my favourite books as a child was "The Jolly Postman" by Janet and Allan Ahlberg. My Mum would keep this book in a drawer and my brothers and I were only allowed to read it when we were all together. We took it in turns to take the letters out of the envelopes and were always very careful about putting them back safely. I remember feeling that sharing this book together was very special. 

 Now, I love reading bedtime stories to my 2 children. It's my favourite time of the day! We snuggle together and enjoy talking about the stories and pictures. Any book by Julia Donaldson is a favourite in our house at the moment! 

When I get time to read for pleasure, I am reading the Poldark novels by Winston Graham. I'm about to start novel number 4- "Warleggan" My Gran is 92 and is re-reading all of these. When she finishes a novel, she passes it onto me. Whenever we get together, we have a natter about these books and the characters over a cup of tea and a piece of cake!