I was racking my brain thinking of what to write this week. I'm halfway through my next book so I didn't want to delve into that, and I wanted to stick with something book related. Then it dawned on me. Why not talk about the books that made me love reading so much when I was a kid? I adored reading as a child, and would read aloud to my mum before bedtime most nights. I'm so glad it stuck with me from childhood to adulthood, and there are so many authors I have to thank for that.
Lucy Daniels - the Animal Ark series
When I was about eight or nine, my ambition was to become a vet. I loved animals so much, and reading the Animal Ark books only made me want it so much more. Dolphin in the Deep and Otter in the Outhouse were just a couple of the many many titles released. They revolved around Mandy and her best friend James, and in each book they would rescue an injured animal and nurse it back to health. Mandy's parents were veterinary surgeons and she shared the same love for animals that they did.
I remember getting the books so vividly when I was younger. Every week we'd go to the supermarket to do the shopping, and I would always look forward to the book and magazine aisle near the tills. To be honest, the only time I genuinely remember is when my mum wouldn't let me have Fawn in the Forest and I was heartbroken that I couldn't have it!
I never filfilled my childhood dream of becoming a vet, but I'm pretty sure that most people don't end up living out their childhood ambitions.
Jacqueline Wilson
Almost everyone I knew loved Jacqueline Wilson's books when they were kids. They were down to earth, relatable, and so inherently British. I was lucky enough to meet her when I was about 12 years old at a book signing for The Diamond Girls, and I think it probably made my year (I was going to post the photo that was taken but I think I'll save myself the embarrassment of showcasing my 12 year old self).
Midnight was my absolute favourite of her books. I remember going to see the stage production of the book as well after I'd read it, and it made it so much more magical for me. I think I enjoyed the element of fantasy in Midnight, and when I was younger I felt like Violet was a character I could relate to. She was caught up in her imagination, just like I was.
I had so many other favourites written by Jacqueline Wilson; Vicky Angel, Suitcase Kid, Bad Girls, The Worry Website and so many others. I definitely think Jacqueline was the narrator of my childhood :)
Roald Dahl
Roald Dahl's stories are a gift to everyone. I must've read Fantastic Mr Fox at least twenty times when I was a child, and everytime I found something new to enjoy about it. His way of writing is so witty and clever, and I can safely say I've enjoyed his books well into adulthood.
His Revolting Rhymes were some of my favourites as well. The mental image of Red Riding Hood whipping a pistol from her knickers will always stay with me, and to this day it still makes me giggle. Roald Dahl always gave his characters such unique voices and personalities, and that's probably just one of the reasons why so many people adore his work.
J. K. Rowling
A list of childhood authors wouldn't be complete without J. K. Rowling. Harry Potter was an integral part of my childhood. I read the books and lived the books and saw the books burst on to the big screen. I'll never forget how adamant I was that I wouldn't read them when everyone first went crazy over the books. I know I was only about 6 when they first came out, but I think the storm came a little later on, and I was determined not to jump on the bandwagon (look at me being a hipster child...). My Auntie gave me the first book to read, and I gave in and never looked back.
I don't think I really need to explain just how much I adored the Harry Potter novels growing up. They gave me a wonderful escape, as well as showing me that you really can create any world that you want to if you have the imagination for it. The characters are well rounded and both lovable and detestable depending on which reaction is required. I'd definitely say that J.K. Rowling is one of the writers who inspired my love for writing.
Louise Rennison
My teenage years were spent reading the Georgia Nicolson books, and oh god did I love them. Louise Rennison was such a wonderful, brilliant writer, and was absolutely hilarious. I often found myself genuinely laughing out loud at the things Georgia and her friends got up to, and wished I could be part of the Ace Gang. Myself and one of my friends definitely tried to mimic their words and phrases. Everything was 'fabbity fab' and we lived in the 'cake shop of agony'.
I wrote to Louise when I was university and looking for work placements to see if she had any suggestions or could help me in at all. I never expected her to write back to me, but she did :) A postcard arrived for me with a picture of her on the front riding a rodeo bull and a lovely message on the back. I was delighted that she'd even read my letter, and I've had the postcard stuck on my wall ever since.
I was devastated when she passed away last year. Her books and her humour brightened my teenage years and I'll always hold a special place in my heart for the Georgia Nicolson books.
There are so many other authors I loved as a child, but I fear I'll go on for ever and ever if I continue! Perhaps a few honorable mentions? Meg Cabot, Jerry Spinelli, Beatrix Potter, Anne Fine, Annie Dalton... the list could keep going.
~ C xxx
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