Today’s Top Ten Tuesday at That Artsy Reader Girl blog.
The topic this week is top ten childhood favorites. (Linked covers from Amazon, where I’m an affiliate).
1. Both my sister and I loved, loved, loved The Princess and the Goblin by George MacDonald.
It was the first book I remember reading where the author spoke directly to the reader. I have never re-read it because I’m afraid to change the wonderful memories I have of it.
2. Mother Goose Rhymes
Probably the earliest book I can remember. Our copy became very tattered from use over the years.
3. Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss
I remember first reading this one at my cousin’s house. We all giggled.
4. Charlotte’s Web by E. B. White
A teacher read this to my class, which wasn’t fair because some of us cried in front of our classmates.
5. Nancy Drew Mysteries by Carolyn Keene
I’m showing my age, I’m afraid. These definitely shaped my early interest in reading mysteries, along with Agatha Christie.
6. Black Beauty by Anna Sewell
Sometimes a book stands out not because it is wonderful, but because the content is disturbing and it requires further processing. Black Beauty is definitely one of those.
It’s amazing that so many of these older favorites are still available.
7. Disclaimer: I was a precocious and voracious reader, so some of the ones that stand out in my memory probably aren’t traditional young children’s books, like my grandfather’s Zane Grey books.
I distinctly remember the descriptions of the western landscape. I felt like I was riding right along with the main character. Looking back now, I’m not sure how much else I got out of them.
8. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
Spoiler: Clearest memory from the book is the girl who turned into a giant blueberry.
9. My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George
I’m not sure how well this one stands the test of time, but I remember it being thrilling when I read it as a child.
10. The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame
Don’t think I ever read Charlotte’s Web, but the animated film was a favorite. Never read the Nancy Drew books either, but bought a TON as gifts for a cousin. 🙂
Charlotte’s Web has one of the best first lines ever. Well worth reading.
I loved Charlott’e Web and Nancy Drew, too! And my papa always read the Zane Grey books, but I don’t remember every picking one up.
The Little House on your list brings back such great memories. Love the illustrations.
I’m reading Charlotte’s Web to my class at the moment! Excellent list.
It’s great to see how some of these books have remained relevant and popular over the years.
Charlotte’s Web still makes me cry. It’s such a sweet, beautiful book. Great list.
It really has stood the test of time, too.
I loved Mother Goose stories as a kid, too.
My TTT.
Glad to see I wasn’t the only one who read things like the dictionary and adult books.
Nancy Drew made my list as well! Green Eggs and Ham is a classic. My kids love it! I had teacher read Charlotte’s Web to my class, and several of us cried. Here is my Top Ten Tuesday.
Nancy drew did make quite a few lists. Wonder how they are to read now…
I don’t know how I managed to forget about Dr. Seuss books. Haha. I was more of a fan of Berenstain Bears and Disney when I was younger I guess.
My TTT: https://thebookdutchesses.com/2019/07/02/ttt-86-childhood-favorites/
Candyce, For some reason I couldn’t leave a comment on your post. I hope you find a copy of Max Chases the Moon. It looks absolutely delightful.
The Wind in the Willows was one of my few books. But I don’t recall much about it. You have a fun list. My Childhood favorites
Saw Chronicle of Narnia on your list. Great books. How did I forget those?
So many people have mentioned Charlotte’s Web and I’m so bummed that I forgot about that! Even Nancy Drew as well! I love your post. There are some of these books that I’ve never read but they all look pretty interesting.
It is interesting to see some generational differences in the choices. For example, I didn’t choose Harry Potter because it came out after I was an adult.
My dh read My Side of the Mountain to all of us a few years ago. I remember reading a ton of horse books as a kid, but it was mostly Black Stallion books.
Horse books were pretty popular at my house, too.
And kudos that you have a plan for next week already. I’m eager to see what everyone comes up with.
Great list! I loved Charlotte’s Web too.
I don’t remember many books from my first 10-12 years, although I know as soon as I learned to read I read everything I could get ahold of. I loved it when the Scholastic book order forms came out each fall and spring!
Books I do remember were My Side of The Mountain (Jean Craighead George), Little Women (Louisa May Alcott – I read the whole series multiple times), Misty of Chincoteague (Marguerite Henry), Heidi (Joanna Spyri), The Von Trapp Family story (The Sound of Music), and a biography of Jane Addams and her founding of Hull House.
I wish I could remember the title of one of the first books I read with adult topics of love, adultery, sibling rivalry, and murder. I’m pretty sure it had “Thunder Mountain” in the title. I still think of it all these years later and wonder how it would stand the test of time were I to read it again.