I often think of stories as a gift to the world; at least that’s how they feel to me when I’m reading. Whether it’s reading to relax or be entertained, wanting to learn something new or have your imagination stimulated, or wanting to travel and explore from the comfort of your sofa. And when a book becomes worn after several rereads, there comes the feeling of companionship found while curled up with favourite characters.
Any favourites?
For my nephew, Joseph Oldham, aged 11 at the time of creating the following two magnificent pieces of fan art, two stories stood out:
Gangster Granny by David Walliams – who wouldn’t love a granny who is also an international jewel thief with ambitions to steal the Crown Jewels…
Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll – A magical tale where conventional logic is turned inside out and upside down and leaves your adult years never able to look at a rabbit hole in the real sense ever again.
For me a favourite story from childhood is Pippi Longstocking, last read about 8 years ago when stuck on Stockholm’s airport runway for several hours – fortunately I hadn’t been able to resist a last-minute book purchase, inspired by the authenticity of being in Pippi Longstocking’s home country. Living alone with a monkey, a horse, and a pot of gold ticked all my boxes as a child.
Some magical tales never get old, and we are never too old for children’s stories.
Last word goes to nephew Daniel Oldham, aged 8, avid comic writer who opted to create this wonderful picture to tell his own story.
What are you reading?
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