This is my first time participating in Top 5 Wednesday, a group hosted on Goodreads. This week the topic is children’s books! This one is actually harder than I was expecting, as I realised I couldn’t remember many books from my childhood (besides the obvious – Harry Potter!).

1) The Fire Within (The Last Dragon Chronicles) by Chris d’Lacey

For a long time I have loved dragons (and probably will do forever). The first book in this series is children’s fiction, but the rest of the series is probably on the middle grade and young adult borderline. I loved the idea of clay dragons coming to life. I actually never finished the series as I haven’t read the last two books. That is rather remiss of me and writing this blog post has made me rather eager to finally finish the series!

2) Private Peaceful by Michael Morpurgo

When I read this in primary school, I remember the story really sticking with me. It was different to the sort of books I would normally read. I also remember it being quite a sad and heartbreaking book. At the time, we were studying World War I and the book (although fictional, of course) brought the topic to life.

3) Geronimo Stilton series by Geronimo Stilton

These books always brought a smile to my face. With fun adventures (and colourful pictures!) they were always an exciting and entertaining read. After looking it up on Goodreads, I’ve discovered there are now 64 books in the series! That is a mammoth amount! I only read a few when I was younger. I seem to remember Cat and Mouse in a Haunted House being one of my favourites.

4) The Lady Grace Mysteries by Grace Cavendish

I have always been interested in history, and went through a particular phase of being obsessed with it. I was also obsessed with this book series, and was continuously loaning them from the library. The books follow Lady Grace, who is a lady in waiting to Queen Elizabeth I and solves mysteries – that is a hook and a half for sure. Combining my love of history and a good mystery, this series was perfect to keep me entertained.

5) The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien

How could The Hobbit not make the list? I had this book read to me as a child, and it probably contributed to my love of fantasy. I went on to read The Lord of the Rings when I was 12, and that series has stuck with me more, probably because I was a bit older. Tolkien’s world is so detailed and vivid. The Hobbit is another one that I am eager to reread.

What books do you remember loving from your childhood? Or are there any you have read more recently? If you’d like to participate check out the group on Goodreads.