I have just downloaded ebook version of the classic children's book, The Secret Garden, thinking how much I enjoyed reading it as both a child and an adult. Its been a while so I thought I'd enjoy reading it again. This got me thinking to other books that may well be classed as children's books but adults enjoy, such as A Christmas Carol, Little Women, Black Beauty and Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass.

There are modern classic that adults enjoy, the Narnia series, Charlotte's Web, Watership Down. There even more recent ones, Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials, which having read and enjoyed, I spotted in the 9-12 section of Waterstones, I have to wonder if it wasn't really aimed at young adults and adults even if the main character is only 12.

Among some Our Street Books we also have children's books which adults have said they enjoyed very much. One of these is Rise of the Shadow Stealers.

In this fantasy adventure, Fletcher and Scoop are Apprentice Adventurers from the ancient establishment of Blotting's Academy on Fullstop Island. This is the place where all story characters are trained. The trouble is, they can't remember how they got there.

It's the first day of term, but the two apprentices soon realise something is wrong. Things are going missing, including their own memories, and Scoop has the unsettling feeling that something is creeping in the shadows.

As the children search for answers, they become entangled with the life of the Storyteller, the islands creator and king. They journey to his wedding banquet and find themselves uncovering a hidden past. What is their connection to this mysterious man? And is there more to him than meets the eye?

http://www.ourstreet-books.com/books/rise-shadow-stealers-firebird-chronicles

Another one is Mistflower - The Loneliest Mouse

This is a lovely, delicate and delightful story about a little mouse called Mistflower and a very lost and afraid kitten called Silk. Mistflower finds herself becoming very lonely as the final days of summer come to an end. Her friends have all gone and the Vicarage she calls home is cold and deserted. Silk is a little kitten that is so busy playing along the lanes chasing butterflies and leaves but discovers herself far from home and with no idea of how to get home as the day draws to an end. This is about how the two most unlikely creatures become good and trusting friends and face all kinds of adversity in the long abandoned Vicarage gardens. The friends find their way to the barn at Farmer John’s where they begin to make a new life for themselves along with new friends. Caramel the Cow, who turns out to be not so friendly after all, Lilac her calf, Blackthorn the blackbird rescued from a terrible accident by Silk, Ghost the Owl who in his wisdom lets it be known the animals are all under his care and protection, along with many more characters from the woods and the farm yard all become part of a courageous mouse called Mistflower’s life. Adventures galore are had by one and all until evil comes into Mistflower and Silks lives placing not only their lives but those of their friends in terrible jeopardy. Mistflower is a story about friendship, good and evil, finding friends in the most unlike places, giving, life and living and even when things seem to be at their darkest, hope along with a helping hand to guide. As a first novel from Kellingley it is a triumph and one that should not be restricted to the YA/Young reader category. Amongst the pages there are gentle reminders to all that kindness, friendship and going the little bit extra when required comes with rewards and gifts of its own. ~ Jan Mawdesley, Bluewolf Reviews

http://www.ourstreet-books.com/books/loneliest-mouse

And yet another is The Changeling Quest

From reading the synopses I thought, Oh wow this book is going to be adventurous, and it was! ... So much happened to these poor kids there had to be someone plotting against them, there was evil plotting and betrayals. But not all things that happened were bad; there was magic, wonder, and innocence. They were in danger because of who they were and they couldn't change that, they had to find a way to survive while trying to find out who they were. ...I really enjoyed this story. The scenery was amazing, the descriptions of the castles, and the dresses. It was all so enchanting, I felt. In the Otherworld things are not what they seem, and that was a huge part of the plot; the excitement of finding out the mysteries. Although I didn't figure out the secrets ahead of time, I enjoyed the unraveling of the secrets. I was at the edge of seat a lot in this story and I can't wait for the next one, I'm sure it will also knock my socks off.

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17141670-the-changeling-quest ~ Itara, http://mymidnightfantasies.blogspot.ie/Goodreads/Amazon.com

http://www.ourstreet-books.com/books/changeling-quest-children-fae

And the last one for today is the lovely story Gift

Chipo encounters witchdoctors, snakes, crocodiles and demons in a fast-paced adventure as she searches for her lost identity.

Chipo finds herself in rural Zimbabwe with no memory of who she is. In a spiritual coming-of-age adventure that involves witchdoctors, demons, snakes, crocodiles and magic, Chipo makes some amazing friends, meets some fascinating characters, and after discovering the dark truth of her hidden identity, comes to realise who she really is.

http://www.ourstreet-books.com/books/gift

And for me today it is The Secret Garden having recently read and enjoyed the above four books. There is more in children's books to enjoy than most people realise. Colourful, enchanted worlds to escape to, great adventures of danger and intrigue to fascinate, excite and enjoy. Try them out and then buy read them with your children.

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