Category: Top Ten Tuesday

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