Amber Shares Her First Memories of Reading

By Amber Hodson

My first memories of learning to read involved many pop-up books. I can’t remember exactly what they consisted of but I do vaguely remember colourful aliens and starlit backgrounds. At primary school my love of books heightened soon after the installation of a small library which was tucked away in a small side room. Hundreds of children’s books adorned the shelves and once a week we would all pick a book and read from it.

I have many books which I could quite confidently place under the title of ‘Best Books According to Amber’, but if I had to choose only one I’d go with Roald Dahl’s The BFG. A truly remarkable tale written by an amazing children’s author. The BFG was one of the first ‘major’ books I managed to read by myself from beginning to end.

The story of Sophie and the Big Friendly Giant captured my imagination like no other, especially at an age where my fantasy worlds clashed with reality. What if there are giants that visit humans when the world is sleeping? What if there are such things as snozzcumbers?

Since then my love for the written word has followed me into adult life. Whilst I don’t often venture into book stores for a physical copy of the latest novel, I do find myself browsing the Kindle Book Store for hidden treasures and deals. My fond memories of reading as a child have stayed with me all these years and I’m not afraid to admit that I still find myself reaching for Beatrix Potter, J. K. Rowling or Roald Dahl books in a bid to turn back the clock.

The MCBF2015 team are looking for your blogs, stories, book reviews, photos, poems - simply anything and everything to do with your favourite children’s books! Email mcbf@mmu.ac.uk to get involved.

#BookSelfies for ReadWell

We asked for your support with the ReadWell #BookSelfie campaign and you did not disappoint! Take a look at some of our favourite pictures.

ReadWell is a registered charity that enriches the lives of seriously ill children in hospital by bringing them free books and professional storytellers. To donate text Read 98 £2 to 70070. To find out more about this charity and their projects visit the ReadWell website.

Oliver, Neil, Teddy and Rose Harrison reading their favourite bedtime stories.

Rachel Bruce reading Cakes in Space.

Natalie Carragher and Lisa Bach reading The Smartest Giant in Town and Some Dogs Do.

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Kaye Tew enjoying Carol Ann Duffy's Underwater Farmyard.

  Sián Olivia with her favourite children's book The Bedtime Bear.

Why not share your book selfies, stories and photos on our Reading and Writing Relay blog? The MCBF2015 team are looking for your stories, book reviews, photos, poems - simply anything and everything to do with your favourite children’s books! Email mcbf@mmu.ac.uk to get involved.

Oliver's World Book Day Blog

Oliver Harrison, 7, tells us all about his World Book Day fun at his school, Leigh CE Juniors.

On World Book Day, I went to school as Harold from Captain Underpants. I went as Harold because Captain Underpants is a very funny book and I read it every night. Harold wears a stripy T-Shirt and green shorts. His friend George got a 3D hypno ring and hypnotized their Principal, Mr Krupp. They told him he was Captain Underpants, then he drank some super-power juice and got super-powers!  Now, whenever you snap your fingers Mr Krupp turns into Captain Underpants.  

At school my favourite book character was my friend, Morgan, because his book was Where’s Wally? My teacher was The Paper Bag Princess and she told us her story. Then we went outside to take a picture. After that we read a mystery story called Kidnap at Denton Farm. After lunch, we learned a new song called ‘I’m All About the Books’. Then it was a celebration assembly. Madison was our Star of the Week. After that, we packed our bags and went home. 

PS. My sister, Rose, went to her school as The Tiger Who Came To Tea.

Why not share your World Book Day stories and photos on our Reading and Writing Relay blog? Email mcbf@mmu.ac.uk