Tall Tales

Who remembers their favourite stories from their childhood? It’s time to drag those old books down from the attic and dust them off, because it’s National Storytelling Week (1st-8th February). Here at the Oakeley Arms we’ve got loads of happy memories of stories from our childhood, and also of reading to our own kids.

Storytelling is an ancient art, and before pen and paper existed, much our history and culture was handed down through the generations by storytelling. And before the advent of televisions, dvds and x-boxes, families sitting together around a fire telling stories was one way to pass the long nights.

Experts agree that hearing, and later reading, stories is crucial to a child’s development, but storytelling also enriches the lives of adults too. It sparks the imagination, ignites creativity and creates a strong bond between the storyteller and the audience. It also means that family stories and life tales are passed down from generation to generation and not lost forever.

We had a rummage around our dusty old memories and thought about our favourite children’s stories and books…. here’s our top 10 of the best……

• The Snowman (by Raymond Briggs) – who can forget the lovely story of a snowman who comes to life.
• The Very Hungry Caterpillar (by Eric Carle) – an absolute classic, as much loved for its iconic illustrations as for the simple story
• The Tiger Who Came to Tea (by Judith Kerr) – perhaps an every day occurrence in some houses?
• The Cat in The Hat (by Dr Seuss) – Dr Seuss’s zany tales are loved by kids all over the world.
• Milly-Molly-Mandy Stories (by Joyce Lankester Brisley) – the adventures of a little girl in a pink dress.
• The BFG (by Roald Dahl) – any of the fantastic stories penned by the king of kids’ tales Roald Dahl is a winner!
• The Worst Witch (by Jill Murphy) – who remembers the funny antics of apprentice witch Mildred Hubble?
• The Faraway Tree (by Enid Blyton) – no list of children’s books is complete without one by good old Enid!
• Just William (by Richmal Crompton) – a favourite boys book for generations.
• Swallows and Amazons (by Arthur Ransome) – the tale of a summer adventure in the Lake District captured the imagination of children for years.

What are your cherished memories of story time as a child? Any books we’ve missed out? Let us know your favourites in the comment box below!

So, dig out those story books and get reading. Or why not spark that big imagination and make up your own story? It’s guaranteed to be unique.

You can read more about National Storytelling Week click here

by josterix on sxc.hu