Whether you’re drawn to the timeless charm of book-loving Matilda or the band of lovable rogues in The Wind in the Willows , everyone has a favourite classic. We asked our readers to share their most treasured tales.
We said: Watership Down , the much-loved children’s story that follows a band of rabbits on their journey to find a safe new home, is considered a treasured book by many.
You said: ‘In 1973 I went on a Puffin Club special event where I met Richard Adams and toured around some of the locations in the book. I also remember walking alongside and chatting with the legendary Puffin books editor Kaye Webb . Fascinating.’ – Brian Stovold
We said: L. M. Montgomery’s fiery redhead Anne Shirley gives Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert a big surprise when she arrives on their farm. But it doesn't take long for her to win their affection and charm everyone else in Avonlea.
You said: ‘I remember my mum reading it to me and my brother over 30 years ago. My brother still remembers Anne’s love for puffed sleeves!’ – Joanne Myatt
We said: Gerald Durrell’s bewitching account of his childhood on the island of Corfu has stuck with many readers over the years. Who wouldn't love growing up surrounded by a whole variety of animals?
You said: 'As an 11-year-old I fell in love with My Family and Other Animals . And as a 42-year-old my favourite place is Jersey Zoo. Books found at this young age do shape hopes, dreams and lives.’ – Anna Palmer
4. Dogger (1977)
We said: Shirley Hughes’ book about a little boy who loses his beloved toy dog has been voted the public's favourite CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal winner.
You said: ‘My favourite book was and still is Dogger by Shirley Hughes. It's like my childhood wonderfully drawn. I even had a toy brown sausage dog which I named after it. My kids love it too.’ – Simone Harris
5. Heidi (1881)
We said: Heidi is a young orphan sent to live with her grandfather in the Swiss Alps and it's anyone's guess how the pair will get along. But Heidi quickly falls in love with her new mountain home and all the different animals she gets to play with.
You said: ‘My firstborn is called Heidi because of Johanna Spyri’s book. I used to love the 80s TV adaptation too.’ – Annie Berkeley-White
We said: Roald Dahl’s magical story about a girl genius with remarkable abilities has had a profound effect on many readers over the years.
You said: ‘Matilda was the book that made me fall in love with reading.’ – Iffat Mirza
‘I loved Roald Dahl books as a child. My dad would read them to and with me. It was always such a special time in the day.’ – Helena Parrott
We said: The story of Ratty, Badger, Mole and the incorrigible Mr Toad is a much-loved classic. The animal friends have lots of fun living along the riverside, but it isn't long before Mr Toad's motorcar obsession gets him in a lot of trouble.
You said: ‘I remember my dad reading me and my sister a chapter every night.’ – Suzanne Horton
We said: This is the first book in Eve Garnett’s series about the Ruggles family who live in the small town of Otwell. It was awarded the Carnegie Medal for best children's book in 1937.
You said: ‘I was a member of the Puffin Club and loved the events. I now have a big bookcase full of all my old books that my children dip into like The Family from One End Street .’ – Lucy Brazier
We said: The journey the Pevensie siblings take through a magical wardrobe has continued to captivate readers for over 70 years.
You said: ‘My gran bought me a boxed set in 1963 and I have treasured it ever since until I recently passed it onto my oldest granddaughter.’ – Jane Willis
Books ranked in no particular order. Some answers have been edited for clarity and style.
