A A Milne
A household name in the world of children’s literature, A A Milne is the creator of Winnie The Pooh. A veteran of both World Wars, Alan Alexander Milne was actually a successful playwright, before his famous children’s books following the story of a certain “bear with very little brain” dwarfed his former accolades. The original manuscripts for Winnie the Pooh are still archived in Trinity College Library.
Roald Dahl
A former flying ace in the Second World War, Roald Dahl’s books have sold more than 250 million copies worldwide. Renowned as one of the greatest children’s authors of the 20th century, his warm literature features (frequently), villainous adult characters, humour and often surprising endings have inspired generation after generation. Much of his work has been turned into a film, and his books are synonymous with Quentin Blake’s deliberately scrappy and utterly individual illustrations.
Must-read works of Roald Dahl: The BFG, The Witches, Matilda, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
C S Lewis
Author of more than 30 books and holder of academic positions at both Oxford and Cambridge. Clive Staples Lewis’ strong Christian beliefs often made their way into his fiction. Lewis was close friends with fellow novelist J. R. R. Tolkien (who very possibly could have made this list with works like The Hobbit!).
Must-read works by C S Lewis: The Chronicles of Narnia.
David Walliams
Perhaps best known for his comedic acting in BBC’s Little Britain, David Walliams began writing for children in 2008, and he’s been hailed as the UK’s fastest growing children’s author. His books have been translated into 53 languages, and his style is regularly compared with Roald Dahl. His works have been adapted for television and theatre, and this trend only looks to continue. Alton Towers are opening The World of David Walliams in 2021, and April 2020 saw ‘Slime’ published.
Must-read works by David Walliams: The Boy in the Dress (now a great stage play with the RSC), Mr Stink, Billionaire Boy.
Enid Blyton
Known for her mystery, fantasy and adventure writing, Enid Blyton is behind the well-known collection ‘The Famous Five’, a collection of adventure books of discovery, as well as the Secret Seven, and Noddy. Enid Blyton’s work rose to fame in the 1930s and since has sold in excess of 600 million copies.
Must-read works by Edid Blyton: The Famous Five Collection, which spans 22 works.
Eric Carle
Eric Carle’s most famous work, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, is arguably one of the most well-known children’s books. His instantly recognisable collage style makes use of bright colours and layering techniques, with an interactive storytelling experience children will love.
Must-read works by Eric Carle: The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
J.K. Rowling
A true “rags to riches” story, the world’s first billionaire author has actually lost this status by giving away substantial parts of her wealth to charity. The Harry Potter series alone has sold over 500 million copies. Rowling also writes crime fiction for adults under the pen name of Robert Galbraith.
Must-read works by J K Rowling: The Harry Potter series (of course!).
J R R Tolkien CBE
Noted for his creation of the fantasy world of Middle Earth, J R R Tolkien is arguably one of the most well- known authors in children’s literature. His works include the Lord of the Rings trilogy, as well as The Hobbit, all of which have sold millions of copies worldwide. The film trilogy of Lord of the Rings was a box office hit, as were the recent adaptations of The Hobbit, which similarly became a three-part franchise. The 2003 instalment Return of the King garnered an incredible 12 Oscars, with a television series currently in production.
Must-read works by J R R Tolkien: The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings Trilogy