As I was compiling this list I realized that there is a common trait among this group: I’ve seen the movie version of each one except for Howl’s Moving Castle. Maybe that’s why I didn’t read a majority of these books going up; I saw the movie and didn’t feel it necessary to seek out the book version.
Now little did I realize at the time that the book could be a completely different experience (that would come when I read The Wizard of Oz for the first time). I hope that I can read most of these within the next couple of years. A couple I might wait til my daughter is older.
*I know some of these skew more middle grade but it’s my list. 😀
1 A Bear Called Paddington – Michael Bond
This one was slightly out of ignorance, as I didn’t know much about Paddington until the recent movies came out. I found it so delightful that I got a couple books for my daughter to read (and me!)
2 Charlotte’s Web – E.B. White
Other than the sad ending, I don’t remember anything about this story. Eventually I’ll read this one with my daughter when she’s a few years older.
3 The Hobbit – J.R.R. Tolkien
While I do remember watching the ‘70s animated movie, the most vivid images I have are from an art book my mother had of that same movie. At the time my reading comprehension was poor so I would just flip through the book and figure out the story from all the beautiful animation stills.
4 Howls’ Moving Castle – Diana Wynne Jones
This is my Classics Club pick for May and I am so excited. I’ve wanted to both read and watch the Miyazaki film for a while now.
5 The Last Unicorn – Peter S. Beagle
When I hear the title my mind actually goes to the song covered by Kenny Loggins (yes the Kenny Loggins has an album of covers of famous children’s songs). Lol, I don’t remember anything about the plot though.
6 Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH – Robert C. O’Brien
Oh did this one get to me as a kid. I didn’t even know there was a book version until recently (should’ve known!) and I bought it right up. One I definitely want to read soon… maybe this year?!
7 The Neverending Story – Michael Ende
I know I’ve seen The Neverending Story but for some reason it didn’t plant itself onto my memory. I have some vague images but nothing concrete. So no spoilers for me if I do read the book in the future!
8 Peter Pan – J. M. Barrie
It’s one of those stories that I’ve seen so many iterations that I’m shocked that I’ve never read the original. Peter Pan is on my classics’ list so I hope I can get to it soon.
9 The Princess Bride – William Goldman
There’s a few ‘staples’ here but I think most 90’s kids have seen Princess Bride. I still remember the first time I saw it and I’ve enjoyed it multiple times since (probably that and Labyrinth were my fantasy ‘go-to’s).
10 The Witches – Roald Dahl
Honestly half of this post could’ve been Roald Dahl books, as I’ve only read James and the Giant Peach. The Witches is the one I’m most interested in and that fucked me up the most as a child. The witches themselves were very disturbing, but what really got to me was the beginning sequence about the child being stuck in the painting. *Shivers*
I wish I’d read The Princess Bride, too. In fact I still haven’t read it but want to. Books I Wish I’d Read When I Was Young
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Yep, its on my classics’ list to read so hoping I will in the near future.
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Haha, my list is all MG too! And I definitely have not read enough books by Roald Dahl. I should have read Charlotte’s Web by now, too, sigh. Oh well at least now I know what to add to my list :).
My TTT: https://notprimadonna.blogspot.com/2020/04/top-ten-tuesday-books-i-enjoyed-when-i.html
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I know, I didn’t realize how many children’s books I didn’t read. I was too busy with Goosebumps!
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I remember my teacher reading The Secret of NIMH when I was in 4th grade I think? LOVED that book!
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Yeah! I’m hoping that the book is just as good as the movie.
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Great list. The Witches was one of my favorite Roald Dahl books as a kid but I never knew there was a movie.
I don’t remember much about Charlotte’s Web beyond the ending either, so you’re not alone on that one. Speaking of forgetting, my brother had a Paddington toy that must have come with a book in the 90s, but weirdly, until this post I had completely forgotten it started as a book series.
Also, too funny, I have my music library on shuffle and the opening song from the Last Unicorn movie came up while I was reading your post. I don’t think I ever got around to reading the book, despite my best intentions, but that movie was a formative part of my childhood.
My list
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I remember The Witches movie being good and there’s actually a new version coming out later this year.
Paddington is so lovely! I can understand why he’s such a popular character in England.
Too funny about the song! Love it.
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I love Paddington! I wish I’d read it when I was younger.
Here’s mine http://bookwormsanonymous.blog/2020/04/28/top-ten-tuesday-books-id-want-on-a-desert-island/
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Yes!! Me too!
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I’m in sort of the same boat as you because a lot of books I haven’t read are because I watched the movie and then found out later that it was based on a book. The only books on your list that I have read are Charlotte’s Web and The Witches but it was a long time ago so I don’t really remember them.
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Yeah, over the past few years I’ve said multiple times, ‘That was a book?!’
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I never read the Paddington books either.
My TTT.
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I had The Hobbit on my list too. Charlotte’s Web was one of my favourite books as a kid, so I hope you and your daughter enjoy it!
My TTT: https://jjbookblog.wordpress.com/2020/04/28/top-ten-tuesday-261/
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Thank you!
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🙂
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These are all great picks. I wish I had read a few of these myself.
My TTT
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Thank you! I know, it’s a bummer that I missed out on a few of these.
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Our lists have a couple of crossovers I do believe. I didn’t know about Paddington Bear as a child, either. Also, I saw The Neverending Story film, but I don’t think I realized it was a book until I was an adult. My TTT: https://bookishhooker.wordpress.com/2020/04/28/ten-books-i-wished-id-read-as-a-child/
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I never read The Last Unicorn, but I loved that movie as a child. I bought the movie a couple of years back and it is TRIPPY! I didn’t realize that as a kid. My daughter has enjoyed watching it. I should read the book!
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