Princess Catherine's Favorite Children's Books

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Today is the Princess of Wales birthday! I remember a few years back on World Book Day she gave a list of her favorite children’s books. So in honor of her birthday I thought I would share the list here on Crazy Book Lady!

Princess Catherine’s Favorite Children’s Books

Charlottes Web by E.B. White

I was excited to see this book make her list because it is my favorite childhood book! I love everything about Charlotte’s Webb. A beautiful story of friendship and what really matters in life!

“Some Pig.” “Humble.” “Radiant.” High in the rafters of Zuckerman’s barn, these simple words tell an extraordinary story. Woven into her web, Charlotte shares her love and admiration for Wilbur, a small pig who wants nothing more than to belong. Those messages also reflect the kindness of Fern, the girl who saved Wilbur when he was born the smallest of the litter.

This beloved Newbery Honor novel is a gentle, heartfelt story about friendship, compassion, and the natural rhythms of life. With unforgettable illustrations by Garth Williams, the book continues to touch readers of all ages and remains a timeless classic that will be cherished for generations.

The Owl Who was Afraid of the Dark by Jill Tomlinson

This much-loved picture book is a comforting story about facing fears, starring Plop the baby owl—an ideal choice for young readers.

Plop is just like any other barn owl, with one small exception: he’s scared of the dark.

But the nighttime world is full of wonder. As Plop bravely steps out into the night, he encounters unexpected friends and magical moments—a boy who dazzles him with fireworks, a black cat who leads him on an adventure, and a girl who shares stories of Father Christmas. With every new experience, Plop discovers that the dark isn’t so frightening after all.

Stig of the Dump by Olive King

On a dreary gray day, a bored boy named Barney does the one thing he’s been warned not to do—he heads toward the chalk pit. His grandmother and sister insist it’s dangerous, but there’s nothing else to do, and curiosity gets the better of him.

Before long, Barney slips, tumbles into the pit, and hits his head. When he comes to, he discovers something unexpected. What he thought was an old dumping ground is actually home to a young caveman. The boy lives in a hut made of scraps and junk, wears a rabbit-skin loincloth, speaks in grunts, and goes by a name that sounds like “Stig.” The two become fast friends.

Barney and Stig soon set off on a series of unforgettable adventures—from improving Stig’s hut to joining a foxhunt, stopping thieves, and even helping capture a leopard that’s escaped from the circus.

For more than fifty years, the adventures of Barney and Stig have entertained young readers while gently exploring themes like friendship, problem-solving, understanding differences, recycling, and standing up to bullies. Full of humor and imagination, this classic story continues to delight readers of all ages.

The Katie Morag Series by Mairi Hedderwick

This is the first in the series. There are many more!

Katie Morag is never far from an adventure. Whether she’s untangling a mail mix-up, coming up with clever ways to help Grannie Island with her sheep, or dreaming up the perfect village wedding, Katie Morag McColl always brings heart and humor to every story.

When the village mail goes astray, it’s up to Katie Morag—along with Grannie Island and her trusty tractor—to put everything right once again.

The Katie Morag Treasury

This has many stories from the series plus some other stories. If you are looking for the whole series a few are missing (just so you know)

Step into the world of Katie Morag McColl and her family on the Isle of Struay with this lovely gift collection of classic tales.

Life on Struay is full of adventure—from helping out at Mum and Dad’s Shop and Post Office to visiting Grannie Island across the bay, attending dance classes at the village hall, and bracing for the arrival of the mischievous Big Boy Cousins, who always bring plenty of excitement with them.

This special collection also includes six traditional folk tales from the much-loved CBeebies series, beautifully illustrated by Mairi Hedderwick especially for the show and available exclusively in this edition.

So pull on your coziest jumper, slip into your wellies, and set off to explore all the charm and fun the Isle of Struay has to offer.

Feelings by Libby Walden

Discover a beautiful introduction to emotions through this captivating peek-through book. With poetic language and magical illustrations, each feeling is thoughtfully brought to life, helping children explore both the shared and personal ways we experience emotions.

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