UK Children's Laureates Create List of Best Books for Children
Books
Posted by: sue
April 28, 2009, 01:16 PM
The UK Children's Laureates have compiled a list of best books for children for UK book seller Waterstones. The press is making much ado over the fact that the list does not contain any of the Harry Potter novels written by author J.K. Rowling, however as the BBC points out that just five of the 35 books on the list came out in the past 20 years. "Sarah Clarke, of list organiser Waterstone's, said: "I'm sure it will
be a surprise to many that the list does not include more recent
bestsellers like JK Rowling's Harry Potter. But it's great to see the laureates choosing some timeless greats like
The Railway Children and Just So Stories and introducing them to a new
generation of readers - that's what the laureates are." Some of the books on the list include classics like Treasure Island, Oliver Twist, Little Women, Mary Poppins and more. You can read the list of books selected by Quentin Blake, Anne Fine, Michael Morpurgo, Jacqueline Wilson and Michael Rosen here via this link.
Thanks Roonwit!
30 Comments
9124 Points
I think it’s fine it doesn’t have Harry Potter on it, and I’m sure one day, Harry Potter will be on lists like these! :D
9765 Points
Ahhh give it a a few years, folks. Remember, DH only just came out less than two years ago…although I still find it surprising, because, if Wikipedia is to be believed, the HP series has sold more copies than any other book series in the history of literature. (Not more than any other book, but book series.)
24135 Points
That’s just sad! :(
1616 Points
There were 5 books published in the last 20 years. Surely at least one of the Harry Potter books is among the top 5 books published in the last 20 years.
1091 Points
wow not including harry potter is like not including cheese in mac n cheese.
398 Points
Some great titles on that site. Reminds me of when I was a kid in the library on my lunch break, rather than out in the playground.
Harry Potter can’t be included in everything.
I feel like re-reading “Not Now, Bernard” now.
41 Points
harry potter’s timelessness makes it worthy to be among the book titles of yonder. it has the qualities AND MORE for it to a “best book” — for kids and adults alike.
1884 Points
As Hagrid would say, “IT’S AN OUTRAGE!!!”. Whether or not you consider them to be literary classics, surely they merit some recognition on the list simply because the HP books are responsible for getting millions of children around the world in to reading.
I tried to read Treasure Island when I was at school, but found it boring and couldn’t get into it. And that’s despite the fact that it was written by a Scotsman :)
8069 Points
I agree, someday HP will make the list.
95 Points
I think that yes HP should be on there but they are probably intentionally leaving them off as they are so well known and well sold. There probably isn’t a person who walks into Waterstones that hasn’t at least heard of HP even is for some weird reason they haven’t read them. So the list will encourage them to widen their literary horizons. Saying that I still think its abit stupid not to have the biggest selling novels of all time on there??
3987 Points
In some years time, I expect, it will be on a similar list. Everyone already knows how great HP is, besides so oh well.
4630 Points
HP should rock the list… but it doesn’t :P
6690 Points
i think it’s amazing that they have the old classics, but at least 1 HP book should be listed….o well
8927 Points
i think HP will eventually be on the list. The books on this list are really good.
23764 Points
I think the HP books will eventually be considered “classics.” They’re just not old enough yet . . .
I think it’s fine it doesn’t have Harry Potter on it, and I’m sure one day, Harry Potter will be on lists like these! :D