They certainly worked in our house. I read them to my daughter, in instalments each night, when she was quite young (younger than the suggested reading age for those books), and she loved them. We Didn't Mean To Go To Sea thrilled her. Some children might find them a bit slow, and you do need to explain a lot of sailing terms. But if the child is likely to be intrigued by the idea of a bunch of decent but not perfect children having excellent and highly realistic adventures in boats, with no adults around to spoil things... go for it!
(I realise you almost certainly know all this already, Sarah! I should have probably made it clearer that I was describing them in order to help others decide if they sound like something that would suit their kids.)
I agree with you both they are great books. Sadly in our house the children, for reasons unknown, flatly refuse Swallows and Amazons whenever I tentatively suggest it. But I will keep trying!
Thanks Catherine! Such a helpful list. Alfie is a favourite here too, we also listen on YOTO. Loving your blog, what a great idea xx
Thank you so much Lucy, I’m glad you’re enjoying it! Xx
Great list! Would the Swallows and Amazons’ books be a good addition?
They certainly worked in our house. I read them to my daughter, in instalments each night, when she was quite young (younger than the suggested reading age for those books), and she loved them. We Didn't Mean To Go To Sea thrilled her. Some children might find them a bit slow, and you do need to explain a lot of sailing terms. But if the child is likely to be intrigued by the idea of a bunch of decent but not perfect children having excellent and highly realistic adventures in boats, with no adults around to spoil things... go for it!
(I realise you almost certainly know all this already, Sarah! I should have probably made it clearer that I was describing them in order to help others decide if they sound like something that would suit their kids.)
I agree with you both they are great books. Sadly in our house the children, for reasons unknown, flatly refuse Swallows and Amazons whenever I tentatively suggest it. But I will keep trying!