BEST CHILDREN’S BOOKS OF ALL TIME REVEALED AHEAD OF WORLD BOOK DAY

The Famous Five series is the nation’s most loved children’s books of all time.

First published in 1942, the 21 novels follow four adventurous young children, Julian, Dick, Anne and Georgina, and her dog, Timmy.

The popular series topped the poll of beloved novels from the nation’s childhoods, beating the likes of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, which appeared in 17th place.

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory complete the top three.

While The Railway Children, The Very Hungry Caterpillar and The Wind in the Willows also feature in the top 50.

Also securing a place within the top 10 were Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and the Mr. Men and Little Miss books.

The study was commissioned by Camden Market, ahead of World Book Day, which will see the food stalls at Camden’s Markets; Lock, Stables, Buck Street and Hawley Wharf recreate some of the most memorable dishes from children’s books – including Bruce Bogtrotter’s chocolate cake from Matilda by DZRTS in Hawley Wharf and Turkish Delight and Hot Chocolate from the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe at Camden Market and a bubble tea inspired by the BFG’s Frobscottle.

Polling 2,000 UK adults, the research found 52 per cent adore these stories because they remind them of their own childhood, while one in four agreed these tales teach valuable lessons.

The average adult reckons they have read around a third of these popular titles, but 46 per cent wished they’d read more of these memorable stories in their youth.

Maggie Milosavljevic, Commercial Director at LabTech said: “It’s great to see so many iconic childhood books and characters coming through in the research.”

“We’ve all had our own experiences immersing ourselves within these stories in our youth and imagining ourselves in some of our favourite character’s shoes.”

“We hope to bring some of the magic of these legendary tales to life throughout the World Book Day weekend at Camden Market.”

The study also found, of those who are parents, 87 per cent have encouraged their little ones to read their favourite tales from their childhood.

In fact, 66 per cent have read their preferred children’s novels to their youngster, doing so 13 times on average.

And nearly seven in 10 have already – or intend to – hand down hard copies of their most beloved stories to their offspring.

More than half of the mums and dads polled believe it’s important for their child to do plenty of reading.

It also emerged 62 per cent of adults have even re-read a much-loved children’s book in their adulthood and have read a single storybook from their youth as many as six times.

The research also revealed favourite characters from these unforgettable tales, and marmalade-loving Paddington Bear came out on top.

He was closely followed by Beatrix Potter’s mischief-making Peter Rabbit, who was tailed by A. A. Milne’s ‘silly old bear’ – Winnie the Pooh.

A number of Roald Dahl’s marvellous character creations featured in the top 20, including Willy Wonka, Matilda, the BFG and Charlie Bucket.

With the study also revealing the ‘Wonka bar’ to be the most iconic fable food from childhood tales – beating Butterbeer from Harry Potter and Snozzcumbers from the BFG.

As a result, half of those polled agreed Roald Dahl is the best children’s author – despite Enid Blyton authoring their favourite childhood fiction, who came in second place.

Maggie added: “You can always tell a good book, because it’s able to transport you to far off imaginary lands that you feel like you’ve really been to.”

“We’ve created a number of fictional foods to tickle people’s tastebuds this World Book Day to help bring the magic of storytelling to life.”

“People can come along to the markets on the 5th and 6th March to try a whole host of delicious concoctions such as Bogtrotter’s chocolate cake, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe inspired Turkish Delight and Hot Chocolate, a Hungry Caterpillar inspired ice cream and a bubble tea inspired by the BFG’s Frobscottle. Alongside readings from famous authors Nicholas Allen, Holly Webb and Konnie Huq and a whole host of entertainment.”

For more information on the World Book Day activity and to book tickets to the event please visit the Camden Market website.

Top 50 best children’s books according to Brits:
The Famous Five series
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Winnie the Pooh
The Wind in the Willows
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
The Jungle Book
Mr. Men and Little Miss books
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
The Railway Children
The Tale of Peter Rabbit
The Secret Garden
Black Beauty
The BFG
Peter Pan
Treasure Island
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
Matilda
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
A Bear Called Paddington
Watership Down
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
The Gruffalo
James and the Giant Peach
Little Women
The Tiger who came to Tea
The Hobbit
Hansel and Gretel
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
We’re Going on a Bear Hunt
Fantastic Mr. Fox
The Cat in the Hat
The Twits
Charlotte’s Web
The Witches
Spot the Dog
Room on the Broom
Stick Man
The Golden Compass
Where the Wild Things Are
The Story of Tracy Beaker
Each Peach, Pear, Plum
A Squash and a Squeeze
Gangsta Granny
The Little Prince
Billionaire Boy
Girls in Love
The Illustrated Mum
The Paper Dolls
Moominland Midwinter