"I don't just read good books, I climb inside them and live there."
If you were wondering what writers read - now you can find out! Our special guests during Writers' Week have all chosen a book which they think you should make a bee-line for...
Helen East - The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
The one children's book I would choose to name - though not necessarily put at the top of my list for children nowadays (for that I'd probably choose Frances Fisher because it was co written with so many children) is 'The Lion the Witch and The Wardrobe'.
It influenced me so much when I first read it at 7 (many many years ago). For the first time, I came across death in a childrens story - Aslan - I was inconsolable...
But it's beginning, through the wardrobe, is the most inspirational entry through everyday doors into the parallel world of magic...(though Philip Pullman's Subtle Knife comes close).
Alex Milway - Julius Zebra
I'd recommend: Julius Zebra by Gary Northfield. It's about a zebra gladiator who must defeat the Romans.
It's hilarious, and filled with brilliant illustrations.
David Alric - Just William
Wonderful insights into child and adult psychology. Simple plots, beautifully constructed with good grammar and vocabulary. Wonderful freedom of children compared with now: woods and fields... His parents didn’t know what he was up to and didn’t want to know!
Liz Beardsworth - Comet in Moominland
If you read just one book, it should be Comet In Moominland by Tove Jansson. The Moomin novels are in my opinion the best children's books there are (and there is much in there for the adult reader, too).
From Moomintroll himself to bohemian poet and philosopher Snufkin, the stamp-collecting Hemulen to the whimsical Hattifatteners, who spend their lives trying to reach the horizon (but, of course, are doomed never to), the characters are all so distinctive and relatable that you will instantly fall in love with them. Their happy-sad adventures always have something to teach us about, perhaps ironically, being human, even though few of the key 'cast' actually are! Comet In Moominland is a particular favourite because it's a really exciting adventure, too. One day Moomin and his pal, Sniff, see strange symbols appearing in Moominland, a star with a tail. As it becomes clear something scary and dangerous is heading to Earth, it's up to the friends to try and find somewhere to shelter when it hits – and along the way they meet lots of new friends and get into all sorts of scrapes. I read it (or was read it) first when I was about five, and I read it most recently last year, it's wonderful every time.
Steven Short - Oh The Places You'll Go
My friend Linda gave this to me when I went travelling to Australia for a year (as a grown up) and it offers indispensable advice for when you are away from home. It's full of funny advice about mishaps you might have while you're away and how to deal with them, but also a reminder that life is an adventure. It's a short book so it's easy to carry / pack, and the cartoons that go with it are great. Any of Miroslav Sasek's books about the great cities of the world. This is London, This is New York etc.
