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Ben Seldom talks about the children’s fantasy books he most enjoyed in 2020 – some old, some new.
Tom’s Midnight Garden by Philippa Pearce (1958)
I plan to read this book every year. It’s a magical story about time and change, with a time-travel mystery and, at its heart, a poignant friendship between two lonely children.
A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin (1968)
I first read this when I was around 10 or 11. My son’s 11 now, and I read it with him earlier this year. We both loved the rich, poetic language and the author’s vividly imagined fantasy world (complete with a map at the front).
The story, about an apprentice wizard who naively unleashes an evil shadow into the world, is irresistible.
Wonderscape by Jennifer Bell (2020)
This is a fun adventure story that whisks three present-day children into the year 2473, where they find themselves trapped inside an in-reality game full of historical characters and sinister robots.
I enjoyed the descriptions of the different ‘worlds’ in the game and the way the characters work together to solve puzzles.
The Land of Roar by Jenny McLachlan (2020)
My 8-year-old daughter read this at school and loved it so much that she bought herself a copy to have at home.
Despite a few dark moments, it’s basically a light-hearted adventure story set in an imaginative fantasy world. And, like the best children’s fantasy books, it also tells an emotional story – about two siblings who are changing and growing away from each other.
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo (2015)
I listened to the audiobook of this charming tale on a short post-Christmas walk.
It’s a simple but sweet story about a china rabbit and the various owners he has during his life. He starts the story incapable of love but, as he travels from owner to owner, he goes on an emotional journey too.
And a (cheeky) honourable mention
2020 was also the year when I published my children’s book, Over the Bridge of Light. It’s been wonderful getting it into the hands of thousands of readers and seeing what people think of it. Thanks to everyone who sent me their feedback. My goal for 2021 is to publish the sequel – so watch this space…