All you do is to look at a page in this book because that’s where we always will be. No book ever ends when it’s full of your friends.

Roald Dahl, The Giraffe and the Pelly and Me

The Wind in the Willows

Despite his annoying ways, there is something about Toad that makes him so endearing. Maybe it’s the fact that he means no malice and he really is very kind at heart. Nothing seems to wear the patience of long-suffering and Mole’s childlike enthusiasm about practically everything is so cheering. Then there’s strict but big-hearted Badger, that calming and stable presence we all need. No matter how many times I read it, I never tire of this masterpiece by Kenneth Grahame and Toad’s antics always have me in stitches. There is a very good audio book version read by Richard Briers.

The Horse and His Boy

If you have read C.S. Lewis’ autobiography, Surprised By Joy, you will find that The Horse and His Boy echoes many of his childhood experiences. But even though you haven’t read Surprised by Joy, I’m sure you’ll find that The Horse and His Boy speaks to the core of who we are- that something deep inside us that knows that we are made for something greater than ourselves.

The other day I came across some “revision notes” that said that the book is misogynist! (???) On the contrary! (I mean, seriously…?!) While the book would be enjoyed by everyone, male and female, young and old, I think that boys would particularly enjoy it. It does have a masculine theme which many boys would benefit from. But that doesn’t make it misogynist!

There is a good audio version read by Alex Jennings. The book was published in 1954 and is part of The Chronicles of Narnia.

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