We’ve recently celebrated World Book Day, the annual awareness event which plays a crucial role in keeping books relevant to children in an increasingly digital world.
In an age dominated by screens and instant gratification, the charm of a physical book for children can sometimes seem dimmed. World Book Day acts as a powerful spotlight, reminding us of the magic of holding a book, turning the pages, and letting the story unravel.
And – good news – books are very much alive and kicking! In the UK, around 10,000 new children’s books are published every year (including the ones illustrated and designed here at Happydesigner).
Books for the generations
Some of these new books will join the ranks of the classics – ones that are read generation after generation.
Which started us thinking, if you could hand on one book as an ‘heirloom’ to the next generation – one that you loved reading and want others to enjoy too – which would it be?
We ask our Happydesigner friends which one book they would pass on and why. Here are some of their recommendations.
“Charlotte’s Web. I read it over and over, and before that my sister read it to me. One of her rare moments of being nice!” Jo.
“The Faraway Tree was my favourite book as a child, not sure how it would stand up to today’s children,” Martin.
“Perhaps not a children’s book but the James Herriot books are a great read. My daughter read a few when she was younger and loved them. I still read them periodically – in fact, I’m halfway through ‘Vets Might Fly’ (for the sixth time!),” Alex.
“For me it would be the Winnie the Pooh books. Enjoyable for adults and children, Pooh Bear is full of wisdom (despite his apparent silliness), and the overall message is one of being kind and helping each other out when life feels a bit difficult or scary. I still read the books myself from time to time,” Kaye.
“I’ve enjoyed introducing my twelve-year-old son to the Dragonlance series of books. Probably not considered classics by most, but I thoroughly enjoyed them when I was his age and it’s fun to see him enjoying them now,” Graeme.
“The Wind in the Willows. Loved my dad reading it to me, and I’ve read it many times myself, including as an adult,” Louise.
And there were many, many others that people wanted to pass down including old favourites like BFG, Heidi, The Hobbit and The Tiger Who Came to Tea, as well as newer stories like You Are Special.
They all have something in common though. They are loved and they are timeless.
What makes a classic children’s book?
There’s no set formula and no way of predicting what will become a classic. But many share common factors and it is these that make them timeless and relevant, even if they have been written decades (sometimes centuries) ago. Typically, they will:
- Tap into universal childhood experiences: curiosity, fear, wonder, friendship, and the desire for adventure. They will understand what captures a child’s imagination and holds their attention
- Have a compelling story, with strong characters
- Follow a clear plot – with beginning, middle and end – that moves at a good pace
- Explore timeless themes like friendship, courage, kindness, and overcoming challenges, and subtly weave in valuable life lessons.
- Include descriptive language and vivid imagery, and – crucially – great illustrations, which help readers conjure up a picture.
Why hand down books?
Passing on books (either the actual book, or a reading suggestion) is a great way to foster a love of reading among children. Just like World Book Day, talking about books with children opens up a whole world.
Reading should be a shared experience, bringing children together with their parents, family, friends and teachers, all talking about stories and favourite characters, and strengthening bonds and relationships.
We have written many more blog posts about how to encourage children to read – here is just one. And if you have an idea for a children’s book that you would like to write – with longevity in mind – and want some help with design and illustrations, please just get in touch. We would be happy to help.
