Monday, July 02, 2007

Fess Up

If you plan on pre-ordering the Harry Potter book. Or, at least buying it when it's released. I checked out the Amazon page, and for seventeen bucks and some change (plus shipping, I assume), I can have it in my mailbox the day it's released.

It's not as if I even really like the books. They are OK. Certainly not the most engaging fiction, and not that well written (I say that as I reader, not a writer, so back off.) I suppose I just need to see how it all turns out.

But, it does make for an opportunity to discuss our favorite children's books.

My all-time favorite books as a child was Susan Cooper's "The Dark is Rising" series. Here's a blurb:

Joined by destiny, the lives of the Drew children, Will Stanton, and a boy named Bran weave together in an exquisite, sometimes terrifying tapestry of mystery and quests. In the five-title series of novels known as The Dark Is Rising Sequence, these children pit the power of good against the evil forces of Dark in a timeless and dangerous battle that includes crystal swords, golden grails, and a silver-eyed dog that can see the wind. Susan Cooper's highly acclaimed fantasy novels, steeped in Celtic and Welsh legends, have won numerous awards, including the Newbery Medal and the Newbery Honor.


Did Harry Potter get a Newbery? I don't think so.

Now,honestly I'm just to lazy to make up a whole list, so why doesn't everyone just add their favorite in the comments?