Classic Books to Get Cosy With This Winter

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In the winter, there’s nothing I love more than reading a good book by the fire while drinking a cup of hot chocolate. Here are my top recommendations for some cosy classics to transport you to another era and escape all the worries of 2020. 

1. I Capture The Castle by Dodie Smith



Age Range: 11+
Publisher: Penguin Random House
First Published: 1949

Plot
Cassandra Mortmain and her eccentric family live in a 14th century castle. Their lives change drastically when two brothers from America arrive at their home unexpectedly, and Cassandra captures the ensuing events in her entertaining diary. The Mortmain family are charismatic, colourful and fun to read about.

Things I Liked
  • The plot is light-hearted, making it perfect to read on a bleak winter evening
  • The characters are so well drawn that you care about them and think of them as real people
  • Cassandra is relatable and you warm to her from page one
  • I loved how descriptive the writing is
2. Goodnight Mr. Tom by Michelle Magorian



Age Range: 11+
Publisher: Puffin Books
First Published: 1981

Plot
When the second world war breaks out, eight-year-old William Beech is evacuated to the home of  antisocial Thomas Oakley. Willie is nervous when he first arrives: What will happen to him? This book is generally an uplifting read, if a bit sad at times. Children under the age of 9 may find it upsetting, however it depends on the maturity of the child.

Things I Liked
  • The characterisation is fantastic; you feel like you really know the characters, and you care about what happens to them
  • The plot is simple and easy to follow, yet effective
  • Unlike many other books, the plot isn't cliched, and doesn't have stereotypes about the elderly, WWII, etc.
  • The book is hard to put down: You feel like you have to turn the page and find out what happens next!

Things I Didn't Enjoy
  • The blurb on the Puffin Books edition (pictured) contains large spoilers which ruin the book, so be warned if you are purchasing that copy

3. The Wind In The Willows by Kenneth Grahame




Illustrator: Inga Moore
Age Range: 7+
Publisher: Walker Books
First Published: 1908 (the edition in the picture was published in 2000)

Plot
The Wind In The Willows follows the adventures of Mole and his friends. It highlights the importance of friendship and sticking together. The plot doesn't really have a main dilemma- each chapter is like a separate story.

Things I Liked
  • The characters are instantly likeable and you really care about them
  • The book doesn't use complicated vocabulary; it's easy to read
  • I liked how Inga Moore's illustrations really capture the characters and the artwork is beautiful

4. Ballet Shoes by Noel Streatfeild


Age Range: 10+
Publisher: Puffin Books
First Published: 1936

Plot
Ballet Shoes follows the fortunes of three orphans, Pauline, Petrova and Posy, who were individually adopted by eccentric professor Great Uncle Matthew, shortened to "Gum", on his travels. After Gum leaves on an expedition, the girls discover the performing arts, and instantly fall in love with them in their own unique ways. 

Things I Liked
  • The tone of the book is light-hearted and humorous and I really enjoyed reading about all the quirky characters
  • The depiction of the world they live in was well-drawn and felt very realistic
  • It had an engaging plot and I wanted to read on!

Things I Didn't Enjoy
  • The cover on my edition (pictured) is quite pink and looks as if it is aimed at girls, when the book is actually about not following stereotypes and being independent and true to yourself

5. The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis


Age Range: 9+
Publisher: HarperCollins (2009)
First Published: 1950

Plot
Four children discover the magical world of Narnia, which is under the wintery spell of the evil White Witch. The book follows their adventures as they meet various strange and wonderful characters, and embark on an exciting journey.

Things I Liked
  • The plot is really exciting and has many twists and turns you don't expect 
  • I really enjoyed the magical elements of the story
  • I loved the relationship between Mr. Tumnus, a faun who lives in Narnia and Lucy, one of the children

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