Recommended Festive Reads
Ed recommends: White Fang
"I love the Macmillan Graded Reader White Fang because it was a shared reading experience my wife (a non-native English speaker) and I shared before our trip to Alaska. I really like the fact that the animals in the book are fully fledged characters as much as the human characters are – we were also lucky enough to see Alaskan huskies ourselves while on holiday! When I was a teacher I often had my students read graded readers as a class and then we would watch the film together after we had finished the book."
Carol recommends: A Christmas Carol
"If you’re looking for ghosts, poverty and a mean old man who doesn’t believe in Christmas, this is the book for you. Charles Dickens weaves this story of a past, present and future together into a great Christmas tale that you’ll enjoy reading over and over again."
Fauzia recommends: The Wizard of Oz
"The Wizard of Oz has to be one of my all-time favourite stories, even with countless re-readings, and viewings of the various films. This classic story is funny, sad, moving and most of all, magical – it will transport you, just like Dorothy and Toto, to an amazing place (somewhere over the rainbow) where you’ll meet a host of characters that will stay with you for a long time. No matter what your age, this book is perfect if you’ve ever felt homesick..."
Siobhan recommends: Wuthering Heights
"The Bronte sisters are some of my favourite authors, but Wuthering Heights is definitely the best of the best. I love the gothic element of the novel, which makes this classic story of love and passion something spectacular. Heathcliff is the ultimate romantic anti-hero and this is definitely a story that stays with you long after reading."
Dulcie recommends: Robin Hood
"Adventure, heroism, action, romance; Robin Hood has it all! For me, this epic tale is the perfect winter read, as it reminds me of my childhood living on a farm and of my family, who love British folklore. From the wicked villain, The Sheriff of Nottingham, to Robin Hood’s loyal love interest Maid Marian, it’s full of big, bold characters and has a great moral sentiment that is perfect for this time of year! I also love the classic 1950s film version starring Errol Flynn, which is often on TV at Christmas. An absolute classic!"
Laura recommends: Oliver Twist
"Oliver Twist is the perfect winter read, as we join orphan Oliver on his journey from unloved street urchin to a young boy who’s found his place in the world. Dickins’ portrayal of the life of the poor is a brutal one, but he brings London to life with the Artful Dodger, Fagin and his band of pickpockets and kind-hearted Nancy as they go about their lives, all in the shadow of the fearsome Bill Sikes…"
Wiktor recommends: USA Cultural Reader
"You don't have to be a USA fan to enjoy this book! I really like how it helps you understand the variety of cultures and traditions that meet in America. Especially recommended for travel fanatics - this is the book that helped me plan my future USA road trip."