One of my suggestion for Guest Posters is writing about favourite childhood books so I thought I would share mine. I first discovered the joy of The Animals of Farthing Wood when I was around 9. I was in Year 5 at school and our teacher clearly had a passion for books. For the first time, we were told stories from novels rather than picture books and I couldn't tell you the amount of books he read us that year. We were enthralled as our teacher was a fantastic storyteller, using different voices for each character.At the time, the BBC were showing the cartoon version of The Animals of Farthing Wood so our teacher brought in his copy of the book and read it to us. We watched the TV episodes after reading that particular section of the book and the teacher bought the copies of Farthing Wood Friends, the magazine that was brought out to accompany the series.
I loved the book, which tells the story of a group of animals who are forced to leave Farthing Wood as humans begin to tear it down. They go off in search of White Deer Park, a nature reserve where they will be safe from the bulldozers. Their journey is epic, with danger lurking around every corner but the unlikely friends stick together to reach their destination.
I loved the book so much, I bought myself a copy - the first book I had ever bought myself - and it cost me a month's worth of pocket money but I've had my money's worth since. I couldn't tell you how many times I've read the book over the years. As a child, Mole was my favourite character as he was so small and sweet and I found his greediness adorable but, as an adult I have grown to respect Adder and his sarcasm and he has become my favourite in the book (sorry, Mole).
I couldn't wait to share the book with my oldest daughter, which I did a few years ago, starting with the illustrated abridged version before moving onto the proper novel a year later. Now I'm waiting (impatiently) to introduce the book to my four year old!
If you'd like to share your own favourite childhood book on the blog, email me at jenniferjoycewrites@gmail.com
How lovely. I've recently recalled my favourite childhood books, and I have deep affection for them all.
ReplyDeleteIt's lovely to look back and think about your favourite childhood books, isn't it?
DeleteThis was my favourite book, too :-)I always liked Fox, though I suspect I'd favour Adder now, too! I've not read it for years, though you've now got me thinking that I should read it again. I am eagerly awaiting the time that my daughter is old enough to read it (she is just coming up to 4, so I think it's going to be a while...!)
ReplyDeleteMy youngest is 4 so I'm (im)patiently waiting until she's old enough to read it with me.
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