Originally From A Special Online Supplement To The Sunday Times. By Nicolette Jones
Britain's Favourite Children’s Books, which I have compiled in co-operation with Channel 4 for a Boxing Day programme, were chosen on the basis of passion: books that prompt readers to say: “I LOVED that book”. This was not the same as putting them in order of sales figures, because books can be bought and forgotten once they are read.
Published in December 2015 by Channel 4/ The Sunday Times
This list tried to reflect books that have been, or are likely to be, enduringly treasured by a broad readership. It was assembled on the basis of previous polls, consultation with readers of several generations, critical judgment, landmark books, wide recognition, prizes and the current climate of opinion as well as lasting bestsellerdom.
It is not a hard-and-fast hierarchy, and many will disagree with the order. Certainly countless wonderful books do not appear in the top 50, and I hope that readers will draw attention to omissions so we can celebrate the abundant talent of our tradition of children’s literature.
Books had to be for readers up to the age of 12. This means that exceptional books for young adults are missing, so no His Dark Materials (Philip Pullman) or Noughts and Crosses (Malorie Blackman) for instance – to mention a couple of so many contenders. (Some of these books may be read by younger readers, but the optimum target age was the measure.)
We hope you enjoy being reminded of so many books to cherish.