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The lasting joy of our favourite childhood books
As World Book Day approaches during this special Year of Reading 2026, we thought it would be a great opportunity here at Findel to revisit the stories that first sparked our love of books.
These childhood favourites often still hold a unique kind of magic and in many cases are the ones that have shaped and inspired us, so much so, that we want to pass them on to our own, or other children.
Whether they were being read to us as we lay cosily in bed, or perhaps the first ones we chose to read for ourselves, here is our special selection, chosen by 8 of us (and we were only allowed one each!)
What would your choice be?
Beverley – Education Specialist
I cannot describe how much this book meant to me as a young child. I borrowed it from the library close to my house so many times. The plot had everything I wanted – an element of danger (but not too much), children outwitting adults, magic, and a lot of humour!
I can still remember the thrill of being able to read it myself, and the black and white illustrations are so evocative that I can almost taste the egg and salad cream butties I ate so often then.
Eventually, I couldn’t bear to part with it, so I kept it, with the excuse that I’d had an infectious illness, so it wouldn’t be safe to return!
Natalie – Senior Marketing Manager
I remember my grandad was an avid reader, he always relaxed with a book and used to - every now and then - bring home books for me. I particularly remember The Complete Works of Lewis Carroll - it was a big, hefty red 'real book'. I just loved it. We would make pots of tea and little sandwiches, and he would read to me making silly voices.
I still love anything Alice in Wonderland related now and my son bought me a small Alice in Wonderland book for Mother’s Day a couple of years ago.
The big red book had so many different stories, language that made me laugh and wonder. I still browsed the pages when I was older. I just googled, and these images came up - this is the exact version!!
Jack – Educational Partnerships and Innovation
My favourite book came at the recommendation of my secondary school librarian. At the age of 11, I asked her for a grand story with a journey and some excitement, to which she pulled off her back shelf a copy of Mortal Engines by Philip Reeve. It is a superb story, full of action, adventure and drama and a setting I had never heard of before (a moving mechanical carnivorous city). It was the first book I can remember picking up and being unable to put down. It is always my first recommendation to late primary/early secondary aged children and adults alike.
Pete – Head of Creative
Not a book from my childhood but one that I read over and over with my 3 kids is The Monkey with the Bright Blue Bottom by Steve Smallman. I could probably still recite it word for word now 10+ years later, but it had to be read at least once a night at bedtime and all of them loved it!
Ashley – Marketing Manager
My favourite childhood book is The Farthest Away Mountain by Lynne Reid Banks. It’s the story of a 14-year-old girl who goes on a journey to visit the farthest away mountain, meet a gargoyle and marry a prince!
Gareth – Marketing Manager
So, the book that always stands out for me when I look back on my childhood is The Mona Lisa Mystery by Pat Hutchins. Coming from a half French family we used to go over to France a lot, but never Paris, and I remember reading this wanting to go there and also thinking how cool it would be to be a detective. I haven’t read it in about 30 years or more but always remember the twist!
Win – Marketing Manager
The BFG – It was magical and funny, and it felt like anything was possible. It was one of those stories that made the world feel bigger, brighter, and full of adventure.
Jacqui – Education Specialist
My favourite book (by far!) as a child was The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle. I loved the fact that some of the pages were cut out to show the fruit he ate through and then I was utterly mesmerised by the food he ate on Saturday. It always made me hungry! (ha-ha). And the very colourful ending was always a delight. A simple book that has stood the test of time!
Mike is a primary teacher and a member of the EuHu teacher board.
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EuHu is Findel’s digital learning platform designed to support teachers with high-quality resources, CPD, and curriculum content. Our mission is to make teaching easier by providing practical tools and ideas that reflect the realities of the classroom.
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