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I wish I’d written…


Ross Welford struggles to choose just one book he wishes he’d written.


There was a time, about ten years ago, when I could have recited by heart the whole of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s Room on the Broom. I know The Gruffalo is their stand-out hit, but for me, Room on the Broom has a clearer plot and just the right level of daftness. I’d love to write a rhyming story one day, and if I do, Donaldson’s perfect ear for rhythm and rhyme will be my inspiration.


Magical fantasy was never my go-to genre, but there is one that I like more than any and that is Astrid Lindgren’s often-overlooked The Brothers Lionheart from 1973. Lindgren is best-known, of course, for the madcap Pippi Longstocking books. The Brothers Lionheart is a much darker affair, however – a kind of Scandi-noir for kids, with death, revenge and even suicide as themes. I’m not sure I’d ever have dared to write it, which makes me wish I had.


Ross Welford’s latest book The Dog Who Saved the World (978-0008256975) is published by HarperCollins Children’s Books.


Finally, and purely for vanity, I wish I had written Treasure Island – or indeed any book that is still being read by children nearly 150 years after publication! These days, sadly, the archaic language makes it a tough read for kids: perhaps I’ll propose a re-write?


Room on the Broom (978-1447286578) is published by Macmillan Children’s Books, £6.99.


The Brothers Lionheart (978-0192729040) is published by OUP, £6.99 pbk.


Good Reads


Our Good Reads were chosen by young people at Charlton Park Academy in south east London. Thanks to the pupils and to school librarian Caroline Fielding.


Aliens Love Underpants Claire Freedman, illus Ben Cort, Simon & Schuster, 978-1416917052, £6.99


I like it because it makes me laugh. The rhymes are brilliant. Hitcham


Horrid Henry Joke book Francesca Simon, illus Tony Ross, Orion Children’s Books, 978-1407214368, £6.99


I like it because it is very funny. If you like Horrid Henry you will like these jokes. Taylor


18 Books for Keeps No.234 January 2019


Kill Swap James Lovegrove, Barrington Stoke, 978-1842994474


I like this book because of the suspense. If you like murder thrillers you should read it. Tyreck


Gremlin Chris Powling, Barrington Stoke, 978-1842994764


I like it because it is thrilling and ghostly. It was a fun book to read. Ben


Mog and the V.E.T. Judith Kerr,


HarperCollins Children’s Books, 978-0007171286, £6.99 pbk


I like it because it is silly. You should read it to find out what happens to Mog’s paw. Roxanna


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