Each year International Children’s Book Day is celebrated on April 2nd, the birthday of Hans Christian Andersen. This year will be the 50th anniversary of the celebration of children’s literature. In honour of this day, we bring you a list of seven of the most beautiful, educational and inspiring children's books in Western society – each originating in a different country. Is your collection complete?
Denmark
Indispensable to this list are the fairy tales of Hans Christian Andersen - and not just for his link to International Children’s Book Day. His fairy tales remain very important to Western culture as they provide life lessons and create awareness of social and ethical matters. From “The Ugly Duckling” to “The Emperors New Clothes”, and from “The Princess and the Pea” to “The Tinderbox”, Andersen’s fairy tales have been translated into 125 languages.
America
Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak has considerably changed the American view on picture books. Once the story of Max and his monsters spread throughout the country, picture books started to be seen as a beautiful combination of image and word. A 1963 first edition of Where the Wild Things Are signed by Sendak is very valuable; in 2012 a copy sold for $25,000.
England
To choose the best or most desirable children’s book from England is a nearly impossible choice. Should it be Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll? Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl? The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling? All excellent examples of influential works, however we decided on The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien because it opened a gateway for modern fantasy literature.With its ingenious plot and beautiful passages the story continues to be read by children and adults all over the world. In 2003 a 1937 first edition sold for $ 65,000, but other rare editions of The Hobbit have appeared at Catawiki as well.
Sweden
“I have never tried that before, so I think I should definitely be able to do that.” Pippi Longstocking’s confidence is so inspiring. Children reading the stories of Astrid Lindgren are bound to gain a little more confidence themselves. The adventures of the strongest girl in the world are a must-read and a staple for any children's literature collection.
France
The Little Prince (1943) by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry is one of the most translated books in the world with copies in over 250 languages and dialects. Some say the story prepares children for adulthood, others say Saint- Exupéry tries to help adults remember their inner-child. Either way, The Little Prince is a beautifully layered story with a philosophical approach. In 2015 an inscribed first edition featuring a drawing went on sale for $237,000.
Switzerland
A classic from Switzerland, published in 1881, is Heidi by Johanna Spyri. With this story about an orphaned little girl from the Alps, Spyri hoped to inspire people to accept, rather than fight new challenges, and to always be kind and positive. This bestseller is worthy of its glowing reviews.
Italy
We are all familiar with the Walt Disney story of Pinocchio, but did you know the original story was written in the early 1880s by Carlo Collodi? It is actually the most translated, non-religious book in the world with copies in over 260 languages. In the original story Pinocchio is hanged for his many faults, but at the request of his editor Collodi changed the scenario in order to let Pinocchio be rescued and transformed into a real boy. An early edition of The Adventures of Pinnochio could bring a nice price at auction.
Most children’s books are not just for children, they often inspire adults as well. Is your collection complete? Take a look at our weekly book auctions to expand your collection. Perhaps you'll find that special book that brings back memories from your childhood and want to share with your children or grandchildren as well. You can also register here to sell a children’s book if your shelves are already overflowing.