Boy by Roald Dahl is the closest the famous author ever got (or would ever let anyone else get) to writing an (auto)biography. Written in the same voice as his many famous fictional novels, Dahl casts himself as the hero and recounts stories from his childhood rather than just writing the facts of his life. The book also operates as a sort of history lesson for the reader as there are multiple instances of Dahl using phrases like “back in those days” or “one used to…” followed by explanations of how times have changed. This book was a joy to read because it is written as if the author is sitting in his study, telling you personally stories from his childhood. It definitely does not read like a biography. It is also interesting to note various inspirations for his later books, such as his fear and dislike towards his school headmasters (as in Matilda) and his imaginings about the Cadbury Chocolate Factory (which led to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory). This book makes an entertaining supplement to Dahl’s works of fiction, so I would recommend it to any of his fans.

J.K. Rowling’s finale to the most successful book series of all time is the epic conclusion fans all over the world hoped for. Even though this was not my first time reading about Harry’s final adventure in the wizarding world, the writing still brings great emotion and nostalgia to the experience. As Harry and his friends hunt down the sources of Lord Voldemort’s immortality to finish him once and for all, characters, locations, and past actions are explained, reviewed, and even lost. Eight years after it was originally published, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows still stands as a strong finale that takes new and returning readers on an amazing adventure.

Randolph Caldecott illustrated this nursery rhyme/ children’s book A Frog He Would A-Wooing Go. This nursery rhyme is about Frog and Rat who visit their friend Ms. Mouse at her house. The three characters dance, sing, and eat all afternoon enjoying each other’s company. All at once a cat and her kittens come into Ms. Mouse’s house and eat her and Rat. Frog escapes and walks home peacefully. On his way home however, he is eaten by a swan near the pond. Although this nursery rhyme is strange, it was published in the 1860’s which shows how nursery rhymes have progressed. This story is important because Beatrix Potter was inspired by Caldecott’s illustrations. Potter was fascinated by the animals in clothing (not something Caldecott typically illustrated) and the style of black and white sketches in combination with full color drawings. This is one of my favorite Caldecott works!

The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck is about a simple minded duck who trusts a fox to take care of her eggs while she is away. While the fox is “watching” the eggs, Jemima is off making new friends in the forest. Her new friends tell her to hurry back to her eggs before they are gone. When she returns, Jemima finds her eggs eaten. She learns not to trust anyone with her eggs and lays new eggs. This time she is patient and cares for her eggs herself.  Jemima  learns to be independent and to take care of herself and her babies. This Beatrix Potter story has wonderful illustrations and not your cliche children’s book story line. The World of Beatrix Potter had several models of Jemima Puddle-Duck and her eggs. It was fantastic to be able to see Jemima come to life through the museum. I enjoyed this book and recommend it to those who love a good Beatrix Potter tale!

Roald Dahl’s beloved chapter book, which inspired two major motion pictures, tells the story of a poor boy who lives with his parents and his four grandparents in a tiny, cramped home in the city. When Charlie finds a golden ticket that grants him entry into the mysterious and magical Wonka Chocolate Factory, his life is changed forever. Charlie and his Grandpa Joe join 4 other children and their parents on a tour of the factory led by none other than Wonka himself. One by one, the children meet disastrous fates induced by their own vices: gluttony, gum-chewing, tv-obsession, and greed. Charlie is the last one standing, and is rewarded with a ride in the glass elevator and ownership of the factory! His entire family is moved to the factory and no longer lives in poverty. A classic for the classroom, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory teaches not-so-subtle morality in a dark and fascinating way. This crazy, fantastic story is sure to please students who are at chapter-book level and above.

The book that started it all! C.S. Lewis wrote The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe for his young goddaughter, Lucy. It tells the story of four siblings, Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy, a family that was sent to board in a big, mysterious house in the country to avoid bombings during World War II. While playing in the house one day, Lucy enters a wardrobe in the spare room and finds herself in the snowy forest of Narnia. Here she meets a faun by the name of Mr. Tumnus, an evil witch who keeps the land in perpetual ice and snow, a host of talking animals and mythical creatures, and–of course– the Lion. This is the story that first introduces us to Aslan, Lewis’s christ figure and mysterious hero. Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy would not only become kings and queens of Narnia, but household names in post-war Western society. This is the quintessential fantasy book for your classroom: it is squeaky-clean and easy for young children to follow, but also offers enough depth and complexity to keep older readers interested. Despite the stereotype of fantasy as a male genre, Narnia is equally as enticing for boys and girls.

Oliver Jeffers is my new favorite children’s author and I was introduced to his wide range of books in York. He is best known in the states for illustrating The Day the Crayons Quit, but in the UK he is known for his larger collection of thought provoking and fun picture books. One of my favorites is The Incredible Book Eating Boy. Henry is a boy who loves to eat books and the more books he eats, the smarter he gets. He does this until he has eaten so many books that all the knowledge and words that he has consumed gets mixed-up. So he decides to stop eating books, but yet he is still drawn to them. One day he decides to open the book and realizes that he can continue to expand his knowledge through reading. This is a funny story that gets children excited about reading and shows the importance of reading everyday.

No Such Thing as Nessie! is written by Chani McBain and Kirsten Harris-Jones. I purchased this book in Scotland from a local bookshop. It is about the legendary Loch Ness Monster in northern Scotland. Finlay is a young boy who loves dinosaurs and believes that he will see Nessie when he visits his grandmother. He searches the whole time during his visit even though his sister Sarah keeps telling him that there is no such thing as Nessie. Right as he finally agrees with his sister after days of “Nessie hunting,” Nessie jumps out of the water reigniting Finlay’s belief in Nessie. This fun tail introduces children to a famous Scottish legend, while inspiring children to keep their imagination and belief in magic alive.

The Lord of the Rings trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien can be considered one of the best fantasy adventures of all time. These three novels take us on a journey with Frodo Baggins and the rest of the fellowship as they set out to destroy the ring that can rule them all. Through this epic adventure they run into goblins, orcs, elves, dwarfs, giant spiders, and much more in their realm of Middle Earth. This legendary battle of good versus evil makes for one of the most epic quests that a reader can embark on.

Tolkien first wrote his book, The Hobbit, and it was of great success. Right away he was asked to write a sequel. Over twenty years later, Tolkien released The Lord of the Rings. It has been the inspiration for one of the most successful film series of all time. This series has continued to influence many other fantasy series and is a great next step for children who have finished the Harry Potter series or the Chronicles of Narnia.