Hi my loves, how are we all doing? I’ve decided to start a bit of a series (not a mammoth-load of stuff but a few posts) surrounding the current international health crisis that I’m sure is at the top of everyone’s agendas right now. It is scary. Incredibly concerning and yes, that buzz word, unprecedented.

As many of you know I’m Scottish and Scotland-based and at present things are ramping up and it is frightening. Cases are increasingly daily. The National Health Service wass pretty much already at breaking point pre-COVID19 and so now it is struggling even more. The UK is on lockdown for 3 weeks under review – it could be longer. I’ve currently not been able to leave my bed for 5 days as I have been exhibiting symptoms (mild, I am very grateful and lucky); my entire family is in isolation from the rest of the city and I’m in isolation from them. It’s all very strange. Schools are closed. Which brings me onto my next point.

Childhood reading, kids books! I’m aware that with the schools shut a lot of families may be looking for ways to occupy their kids. I also appreciate that not all children like to read books (my sister being one of them – WHAT?! Crazy times. Fair enough.) BUt if your child does like to read then look no further! Here’s a list of my favourite books from when I was wee (bearing in mind I’m now 23 y/o but still have these books in my bookcase) – some are absolute classics that have likely stood the test of time and are still in your bookshelves and have been passed to your children, but any recommendation helps, right?

The Tattybogle Tree // Sandra Ann Horn and Karen Popham

Essie Cluckett is a lady-scarecrow with no one to love… until she strikes up a friendship with the tree that once was Tattybogle. But jealousy threatens their friendship when some exotic moths prefer Tattybogle’s leaves to Essie’s hat and her ego is hurt – then disaster strikes! And Essie must decide between vanity and friendship… An endearing lyrical tale matched by magical illustrations from a shining new talent.

NOTE: Lots of gorgeous drawings in this and the most wonderful story. It is emotional though. I cried every time. Worth it.

Tales from Brambly Hedge // Jill Barklem

The mice of Brambly Hedge made their first appearance in 1980 when the four seasonal stories were published. Ever since, readers have loved exploring the miniature world of the hedgerow and meeting the families that live there.

In this collection the mice have many adventures, but they always have time for fun and relaxation too. Whatever the season, and whether they are by the sea, in the High Hills, or simply at home by the fire, there is always someone ready to lend a helping hand.

NOTE: So they no longer sell this, or at least I can’t find it anywhere. The more developed version (with more stories) is The Complete Brambly Hedge. This is another one filled with STUNNING artwork. Even better than The Tattybogle Tree. Each story is absolutely delightful and I used to sit for hours reading these. Also gives heavy Sylvanian Families vibes… bear this in mind if the small person you’re thinking about this for is a woodland creatures fan – they will love this. My favourite was definitely Poppy’s Babies.

The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe // C. S. Lewis

Four adventurers step through a wardrobe door and into the land of Narnia, a land enslaved by the power of the White Witch. But when almost all hope is lost, the return of the Great Lion, Aslan, signals a great change… and a great sacrifice.

NOTE: As I said, this is one that has definitely stood the test of time. Any book within the Chronicles of Narnia series is worth a read, and I think it is where my true love of fantasy fiction really stemmed from. I have a lot of memories of my parents reading this to me that I will cherish forever. So gorgeous. You can get it on KIndle for £1.99, or splash out a wee bit more if you’re able for a picture-book version of it. Really worth it as the artwork is always wonderful. And The Snow Queen is the ultimate villain.

Fairy Tales // Berlie Doherty and Jane Ray

Presents a collection of twelve of the best-loved classic tales of all time.

NOTE: There’s not really much more of a description for it than that, really. The book is beautiful. The illustrations are breathtaking. Get it as a piece of artwork, coffee table book, anything – at LEAST. The fairytales are the ‘original’ Grimm ones too, so they do have a darker side to them (The Cinderella telling is definitely NOT the Disney version, there are a lot of bleeding toes and heels). Fairytales included are as follows – loads to pick from:

• Cinderella
• The Sleeping Beauty in the Forest
• Beauty and the Beast
• Rumpelstiltskin
• Rapunzel
• Snow White (Snow Drop)
• Aladdin and the Enchanted Lamp
• Little Red Riding Hood
• The Fire-Bird
• Hansel and Gretel
• The Frog Prince
• The Wild Swans

Flowers and Fairies Collection // Margaret Tarrant

Perfect for fans of all ages, this wonderful collection includes all the original Flowers and Fairies collection by Margaret Tannart.

NOTE: Almost forgot about this one but it swung back into my minds-eye at the last minute – and honestly, how could I really, nearly almost forget?! Ohmygee. This is very well-known. Also an oldie goldie. I used to be obsessed with fairies. And by obsessed I mean, I had a house fairy named Christobell who I wrote letters to every night and who wrote back to me (!!!) every night in tiny handwriting and love heart paper. I stole my sister’s Bratz winter lodge to make a house for my house fairy. Crushed up biscuits for her to eat as a snack on her long journey when she wrote to me. It went on for a long time. It’s one of my most favourite memories of being small – until I realised that 1) My name is Annabelle; 2) My dad’s name is Chris; and 3) Christobell’s (I mean, how did I not clock on…) handwriting was identical to my dad’s. I seriously applaud him for committing to the ruse. I also love him for it. AND a potential idea for keeping your child occupied durng COVID19 lockdown? Creat them a fairy penpal!

But, I digress. Gorgeous illustrations, really wholesome, lovely stories about fairies and flowers, this is a wonderful experience for a child’s imagination to explore a facet of fantasy and begin adventuring around their house/garden looking for the fairies living in the flowers.

In conclusion, there seems to be a fantasy-theme even in my childhood reading as permeant as it is within my adult life… I must have known a good thing when I got a look at it and stuck with it! What were some of your favourite childhood reads? Hoping this provides some inspiration and hopefully helps to keep little hands and questions at bay for at least some of the time. Wishing you all, all the best throughout COVID19 also.

Take care, A xo