If you watched the
closing ceremonies of the London Olympics, or if you paid attentions during the
opening ceremony, you know what they seem to prize most in the UK: music, fashion,
and literature. Yeah, that newsprint that seemed to enrobe every part of the
London landscape including Big Ben wasn’t just filled with tabloid headlines. Upon
closer inspection, and thanks to some irritating commentary from Ryan Seacrest,
I realized that they were the words of some of the greatest writers from the UK
(and in history). Chaucer, Shakespeare, Keats… This got me thinking about my
favorite Brit Lit. The UK has produced some AMAZING literature, but my favorite
characters are those meant for children. Here is my top ten list of characters
(or authors) from the UK.
10. Oliver Twist (1838): Charles Dickens
second novel, it is the definition of a “classic.”
9. Paddington (1956): This beloved bear is
always polite! Paddington will be available for sale in the store this Fall!
8. C.S. Lewis: The Chronicles of Narnia
(1950-1956) can also be considered a classic. When I was very young, I watched
a miniseries adaptation of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe on PBS. It
sucked me in from the start, and now having read all of the books, I appreciate
the magic of these tales even more.
7. Peter Pan (1911): Ahh, Peter Pan. What can
I say? This book is full of so many magical quotes, I can’t even stand it!
6. Roald Dahl: The Gremlins (1943), James
& the Giant Peach (1961), Charlie & the Chocolate Factory (1964),
Fantastic Mr. Fox (1970), The BFG (1982), The Witches (1983), Matilda (1988). These
are just a few of the stories penned by Roald Dahl. (Side Note: I was
completely obsessed with and terrified by Anjelica Huston in the movie version
of The Witches!)
5. Mary Poppins flew in on a gust of wind
back in 1934. My favorite thing about this character is that she is such a
classic, children today still reference this story without knowing that they
are referencing it! The absolute definition of “staple” in children’s lit.
4. Lewis Carroll: Ok, a few years ago, I
dusted off my old leather-bound editions of Alice in Wonderland (1865) &
Through the Looking Glass (1871). I’m not going to lie, it was a trip. I mean,
seriously, those books are totally weird. I will always love this story, but reading
these as an adult uncovered more nuances and question marks than anything else
I’ve ever read. Really, what was Lewis Carroll on when he wrote this??
3. Beatrix Potter: Peter Rabbit (1902) is so adored.
The characters created (and illustrated) by Beatrix Potter will also be
available in the store this Fall!
2. Winnie the Pooh (1924): I love WTP! I love
this character so much; I don’t even know what to say! If you’ve never read
A.A. Milne, I seriously urge you to find a copy or two of these stories. Pooh
Bear might not seem like the sharpest tool in the shed, but believe me; he is
very, very wise. Just go on Pinterest and search for Winnie the Pooh quotes. Really,
some of them make me want to cry a little.
1. Harry Potter (1997): I’m sure many would
disagree with putting this at number one. That’s fine…it’s still my #1. I
picked up the first Harry Potter book when I was twelve years old and sped
through it. Luckily, the next one had already been released, so I made my mom
go buy it for me. I refused to go with her out of fear someone I knew would see
me. Almost every year after that, I dutifully anticipated the release of the
next book (or sometimes movies). Each time, I would get up much earlier than
usual and accompany my mom to Costco, where I would casually slip a copy of the
newest book into the cart. I was under the delusion that NO ONE else was
reading these books and if someone saw me with one, they would think I was one
of those kids who painted lightning
bolts on my forehead or wore capes in my spare time.
I was a junior in college when the last book
came out. I proudly stood in line at the University Village Barnes & Noble
to buy my copy, and that night, I read all 700+ pages and sobbed uncontrollably
when it was over (a fact that my boyfriend seemed to find perplexing and
hilarious). Harry and I grew up together. We experienced death at the same time
and grieved at the same time. I could write essays about these books and how
much they have meant to me. In my experience, either you get this one or you don’t.
For those of you who might not understand, all I have to say is this: J.K.
Rowling inspired millions of kids and generations of fans to read. That in
itself is incredible and can never be discounted.
