I read about a study carried out recently which found that fewer children these days know about famous characters from classic children’s books. When questioned, some kids thought Aslan was a giraffe and that the wardrobe led to Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory. Very few had heard of Anne of Green Gables, Heidi, Jemima Puddleduck, or Pippi Longstocking.
The study suggested the characters are unknown due to the rise of TV and video games. But interestingly, only half had heard of Harry Potter despite being the star of hit movies! I’d love to know from you avid readers out there if you’ve heard of these characters, and what are some of your own favourites from classic books? I’ve always loved Heidi, and now I have a goat herd of my own I can play at rounding goats up on the hills…
aislingmairead said,
June 20, 2012 @ 3:48 pm
I think everyone has heard of Narnia!!!! some person thought Aslan was….a giraffe???!? (though it could be a good name for a giraffe…) my favourite books are the secret garden and a little princess they are both by Frances hodgson burnet. I also love books by noel streatfield. but……don’t you think, harry potter is also pretty good
since you like horses (me too), do you like the silver brumby? i like this one too!
starauthor said,
June 20, 2012 @ 5:20 pm
Yes, I liked The Silver Brumby and also Black Beauty of course! But one of my favourite animal books of all time was The Call of the Wild by Jack London.
aislingmairead said,
June 22, 2012 @ 6:27 pm
ok I’m going to get call of the wild out of the library!
I like black beauty but its so sad sometimes!!!!
josiahmorgan11 said,
June 21, 2012 @ 6:45 am
I have heard and read of ALL of them! However rather than picking a classic character, I will pick a classic book: Moby Dick.
If I had to choose a character I would choose Watson.