When you were growing up in the 1960s, names like Beverly Cleary and Roald Dahl were most likely very popular. They were just two of the many authors behind your favourite books of adventure, wonder and humour. You can probably recall being caught with a torch in one hand, book in the other, trying to squeeze as much reading in as possible.
If you grew up in the 1960s, chances are you remember characters such as Max from Maurice Sendak’s Where the Wild Things Are, or Ralph, a mouse always on the hunt for adventure. There are many delightful characters and stories that have come to stand the test of time because of the illustrations or the topics being tackled, not to mention the carefree attitude on display.
Dr Seuss had many books, but arguably one of his most popular reads is Green Eggs and Ham (we’re thinking The Cat in the Hat would have to be on the list too). Remember following that grouchy character as he tries to convince the annoying Sam-I-Am that he really does not like green eggs and ham? “I do not like them, Sam-I-am. I do not like green eggs and ham”. It was first published in August 1960 and has sold more than 8 million copies around the world. Dr Seuss was the master of bouncy rhyming verses, which is probably why his stories are still so popular today!
This classic children’s book written by Eric Carle has been delighting readers since 1969. Everyone would be familiar with the hungry green caterpillar and his very big appetite. This poor thing eats so much he becomes ill before resolving to eat more healthily. Then, he spins a cocoon around himself and a couple of weeks later he emerges as a beautiful butterfly. The sweet story coupled with a colourful collage of images makes The Very Hungry Caterpillar a hit with children of all ages.
Roald Dahl was another popular author in the ’60s and his books continue to be favourites with children today. Before there was his wondrous classic Charlie and the Chocolate Factory there was James and the Giant Peach. Who could forget James Henry Trotter and the two ghastly old hags he lived with. When he discovered that peach growing in the garden, it marked the start of an enthralling adventure.
Scott O’Dell wrote an inspirational and empowering story of a girl who became stranded on an island off the coast of California and learned to fend for herself in Island of the Blue Dolphins. So magnificent was this book that it won a number of awards including Lewis Carroll Shelf Award , was considered a ‘book that shaped a century’ by the School Library Journal and eventually was turned into a major film.
Ribsy was part of a popular series written by Beverly Cleary. Ribsy was a curious dog and always seemed to find his way into trouble. In this particular book he found himself in the back of the wrong car with the wrong family. What followed was an adventure Ribsy went on all to get reunited with his owner, Henry.
This was author Alan Garner’s first novel and it was released in 1960. He became popular for writing children’s fantasy stories and often incorporated a lot of British folklore into his work. The Weirdstone of Brisingamen was genuinely frightening in some parts and there is always a sense of wonder and adventure as you join Colin and Susan in their search.
Joan Aiken wrote this book which was released in 1962. She writes about an alternative England teeming with wolves, but the story is really about two girls, Bonnie and her cousin Sylvia, and their quest to outsmart the evil governess Miss Slighcarp. Were you on the edge of your seat with this heart-pounding adventure?
It wouldn’t be a complete list if we didn’t at least mention Enid Blyton’s Famous Five series. The books themselves were released in the ’40s and ’50s, but they proved to be incredibly popular with child readers for a long time after. Five Have a Mystery to Solve was released in the early-’60s and was the second last book in Blyton’s series. Who didn’t enjoy following the investigative adventures of Julian, Dick, Anne and George, and let’s not forget Timmy the dog! Reading the books today is certainly a trip down memory lane.
Some of the stories that were most popular then are still popular today and if you’ve got grandchildren you might just find one or two of the following titles on their bookshelf at home.