There are just some classics; some stories tied up with my own childhood, that I have truly cherished sharing.
For me, stories are seasonal... does anyone else feel like that? There are certain stories that belong to certain times and places. Perhaps a story is linked to a specific event or tradition, or is one that is tightly bound up in an era of life. There are Christmas books, full of cosy festive tales, springtime books full of hope and promise... summer books full of sunshine and holiday memories, and autumn books of hunkering down and breathing in the natural world.
And then there is this little gap. This post Christmas extension of winter. So I thought I'd share my favourite stories for this time of year with you all... there are a great wealth of books I could have labelled here... but these four are books which have stood the test of time... which both I, and the children, have adored for their quaint tales, lovable characters and wonderful storylines. Just a little shout out for our geniune favourites! Links to buy them are at the bottom of the post!
WHITE BEAR'S SECRET
By Martine Beck
BRAMBLY HEDGE: WINTER'S TALE
By Jill Barklem
The illustrations in the Brambly Hedge series are something else... my sister actually gifted the girls a framed copy of one of the illustrations for their bedroom. They are so detailed and beautiful and quaint! Little mice living in tree stumps and getting up to all sorts of adventures! The Winter Story is one of ice palaces and excitement and endless amounts of snow... if you haven't come across it - its a keeper!
LITTLE HOUSE IN THE BIG WOODS
Laura Ingalls Wilder
CHILDREN OF THE NORTHLIGHTS
Ingri and Edgar Parin D'Aulaire
Anything by the D'Aulaire's is beautiful, whimsical, stunning and totally captures the imagination. Focussing on historical cultures... these books are truly delightful, and even as an adult, each page brings me so much joy. Gorgeously detailed illustrations, wonderfully simplistic storytelling and a beautiful insight into other cultures and eras. Of all their books, I think "Children of the Northlights" is our favourite!
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Books can be ordered here... (click on the image)
I used to read Brambly Hedge too, I loved making up my own stories from the pictures there was so much there to get your imagination going :) xx
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