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Books not only have the power to evoke nostalgic memories, but they can also be valuable to collectors, depending on their age and rarity.
Did you know the world's most valuable book of the modern era, an original copy of The Birds of America first published in 1827 by John James Audubon, sold for more than £800,000?
Whether you're keeping them as a memento of your youth, or hoping to sell them at auction, it's important to provide suitable storage boxes for books to keep them in pristine condition. This way, you can still enjoy reading them, or they will fetch a higher price should you decide to sell them in the future.
What are the greatest children’s books of all time?
Some kids' fiction books are recognised as classics that transcend generations, remaining relevant in the 21st century, even if written more than a century ago. Others are great in monetary terms because of their rarity and collectability.
The BBC recently ran a poll and revealed the 100 most popular children’s books of all time. The results are based on readers' votes. You may be surprised at some of the inclusions - and the omissions!
Unless you're evaluating the books on how much they're worth today, choosing the greatest books is largely down to personal taste, but here’s our top 3.
- Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak (1963)
This illustrated classic was the readers' favourite when it came to the greatest children's books. It is still loved worldwide, 60 years after first being published. It tells the story of Max, who goes on a fascinating journey of discovery, encountering many "wild things" along the way. The book contains stunning illustrations and has some dark moments, but ultimately it is uplifting.
- Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll (1865)
Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland (known today as Alice in Wonderland) is as popular today as it was when first published more than 150 years ago. It tells the fantasy story of a young girl, Alice, who has many surreal adventures after falling down a rabbit hole. She meets amazing anthropomorphic creatures, such as the White Rabbit and Cheshire Cat. The book has been translated into several languages and made into films, operas and ballets.
- Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren (1945)
Pippi Longstocking is the story of a rebellious girl who doesn't conform to society's norms, but is an endearing character, largely thanks to her sharp wit and lively personality. The book has been made into TV series and films since it was written more than 70 years ago and remains relevant with young readers today. Critics say Pippi's enduring sense of what's right and what's wrong, fighting for her views, is one reason Lindgren's character has left such a timeless legacy.
Surprises in the top books list
One surprise in the top 20 books is the number 15 offering, The Dark is Rising, written by Susan Cooper in 1973. This novel of magic and mystery revolves around a boy called Will Stanton, who has a shock on the evening of his 11th birthday, when he finds out he's the last of the Old Ones, who must play a key role in ridding earth of the evil forces of the Dark.
While it won the Newbury Honour Book Award in 1974, it seldom appears in UK top best-sellers' lists. A film version in 2007 received a very poor critical reception, compared with its counterparts such as Harry Potter and Charlotte's Web, which were made into highly successful films loved by adults and children alike.
The top Harry Potter book, according to readers' votes, is Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, written by JK Rowling in 1997. Coming in at number 13, it has sold more than 120 million copies worldwide. The tale of the boy wizard's adventures at Hogwarts boarding school had an initial print run of only 500 copies! It launched the international franchise and inspired thousands of young would-be wizards.
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, written by CS Lewis in 1950, is number seven on the list. As part of the Chronicles of Narnia series, the fantasy tale revolves around four English schoolchildren who find the magical land of Narnia when they travel through a wardrobe in an old country house.
Telling the story of a farm pig called Wilbur, who befriends a clever spider; Charlotte’s Web, written by EB White in 1952, is number nine in the poll. She weaves messages into her web, leading the farmer to believe Wilbur has written them, to save his life when he's destined for the slaughterhouse. The tale inspires empathy in all who read it.
Most valuable children's books
Originals of our favourite children's books can be valuable. A first edition of The Wind in the Willows, written by Kenneth Grahame in 1908, can sell for £5,000 today if it's in near-perfect condition.
Another valuable book is The Tailor of Gloucester, by Beatrix Potter. A first edition from 1902 sold at Peter Harrington's rare book sale in London for a massive £6,750.
An old copy of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe can be worth as much as £7,500 - the same value as Winnie the Pooh, AA Milne's 1926 book about the famous bear who loves honey.
The Peter Pan Portfolio by JM Barrie, penned in 1904, can fetch as much as £9,000 today if in pristine condition. A first edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone can cost £15,000, even though it was written as recently as 1997.
This shows how important it is to provide effective storage solutions for your old books, particularly if valuable and fragile. Ideally, they should be kept in airtight boxes, away from direct sunlight, which can yellow the pages. Keep them in a dry environment, as damp can cause the pages to deteriorate to the point where they will crumble, or mould might form.