½¿É«µ¼º½

We asked ½¿É«µ¼º½ trustees and members of the ½¿É«µ¼º½ office team to tell us about an inspirational childhood book that resonates with them and why. Each month, we will feature two new responses.Ìý

March Selections

Aimee Quickfall – ½¿É«µ¼º½ Trustee

Mortal Engines by Philip Reeve –ÌýÌýThis book is set in a post-apocalyptic world where a sudden and cataclysmic war has upset the very foundations of the Earth, and subsequently the major cities and towns have had engines and wheels attached so these enormous ‘mortal engines’ can travel across continents avoiding earthquakes and volcanoes. Inevitably, super-massive cities on wheels develop ‘municipal darwinism’, devouring smaller towns for parts and resources… I highly recommend this book to children and adults, even if you think you don’t like magical realism. It is such a creative, intriguing story with a very human plot and beautifully drawn characters, and perfect for escaping into a fantastical place with many recognisable and familiar landmarks and situations. It is particularly good for sparking philosophy with children (and adults) debate around technology, progress, sustainability and what it is to be human.Ìý

David Chatterjee – ½¿É«µ¼º½ Office

My current favourite book isÌýThe GruffaloÌýby Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler. I have a 15-month old son who I love reading it to, doing all the different voices and seeing his reaction to each of the animals. It is a wonderful rhyming story and the quick-witted mouse is a firm favourite in my house. Ìý