Old favourites the leading reads in top 50 children's books

Published on Thursday 21 February 2008 20:58

THE fantasy novel The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe has been named the best children's book of all time in a new poll.

CS Lewis's masterpiece, first published 58 years ago, beat The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Eric Carle's hugely popular picture book first published in 1969, into second place.

Enid Blyton's Famous Five adventure books, which date back to 1942 and fell out of fashion some years ago before enjoying a resurgence, are third in the poll of 4,000 people, carried out for the charity Booktrust.

Viv Bird, a director, said: "It's wonderful to see the enduring popularity of these books which are loved by generation after generation.

"At Booktrust we want everyone to enjoy reading, whether it be returning to old favourites or encouraging people to try something new. The final 50 are a fascinating mix of classic and contemporary titles which offer something for everyone."

AA Milne's Winnie the Pooh, who made his first appearance in a poem in 1924 about a Teddy Bear who "however hard he tries grows tubby without exercise", is fourth. The BFG (Big Friendly Giant) by Roald Dahl, first published in 1982, is fifth.

The prolific British children's author has six books in the top 50, including Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, and The Twits, making him the most popular writer.

Enid Blyton has five mentions, while Julia Donaldson, author of The Gruffalo, The Gruffalo's Child, Room on a Broom, and The Snail and the Whale, has four.

JK Rowling only has one book in the top 50, her penultimate title in the Harry Potter series, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince at No 6.

The poll revealed that four out of five parents read their children a bedtime story every night, for an average of 22 minutes a time.

Just over half of parents questioned said they started reading books to their children when they were six months old – while 18 per cent read stories to their baby bump before the child was born.

The poll was commissioned to highlight Bookstart, which provides children in the UK with free books.

The children's television presenter Angellica Bell said: "When I was younger I remember how exciting it was to open up a new book and disappear into the magical world in front of me.

"Even when I didn't understand the words, I loved experiencing the stories and pictures.

"I think it's brilliant that Bookstart gives three packs of free books to every child, so that everyone can experience the adventures and fun of sharing books together."