Get Reading: the best books from around the world

Yes we boast Dickens, Bronte, Austen, Shakespeare and JK Rowling (to name but a few of our greats)...however there are also some brilliant reads from around the world and these lose nothing in translation.
Niki Chesworth1 July 2013

The Story of Babar by Jean De Brunhoff

Parents probably remember this fictional elephant (he’s been a much-loved character since the 1930s with the book translated from French into more than a dozen languages) who has lost his mother to hunters, moved to the city and become civilised after being befriended by a kindly Old Lady. Returning home grown up, married and educated he is crowned king. There’s a whole series and they are all captivating.

The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery

This dreamy book has earned millions of fans worldwide for more than 65 years. A man meets a mysterious boy in the middle of the desert, who while young has an old soul and loves to ask questions. All the Little Prince cares about is the flower he has left behind on his very small planet in this very thoughtful tale that is wonderfully illustrated.
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Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren

Nine-year old Pippi (originally Langstrump in Swedish) is superhuman (she can lift her horse one-handed), assertive and is brilliant at dealing with condescending adults. A daughter of a buccaneer captain she never wants to grow up and her escapades with her horse and monkey and neighbours are wonderful for younger readers who will love her attitude.

Classic Fairy Tales by Hans Christian Andersen

The Danish father of the fairy tale gave us the Princess and the Pea, Thumbelina and of course The Ugly Duckling and The Emperor’s New Clothes, which have become figures of speech. These are more than much-loved stories, they also help children to learn some valuable lessons for life. Read and re-read.
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The Adventures of Tintin by Herge

Blistering barnacles, based on the original by the Belgian writer Herge, the Tintin expanded novelization of the film is available on eReaders and the dangerous adventures of the young reporter always accompanied by his loyal dog Snowy are bound to delight as the suspense builds.
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Heidi by Johanna Spyri

This classic tale, written by the Swiss resident Spyri, is about a mountain girl who is sent to live with her grandfather and falls in love with the countryside, makes friends with Peter, the shepherd boy and charms all she meets. But her aunt wants her return to the city to be a friend for her fiance’s daughter, Klara, who is confined to a wheelchair. The move makes her ill, frail and thin – but there is a happy ending. A chance for young readers to explore a different world.
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The Dreamer by Pam Munoz Ryan

This award-winning book praised for its imaginative prose, translated from the original Spanish and suitable for teens, is about a young introspective Chilean boy Neftali, who loves to collect treasures like shells and feathers. The book, which uses elements of poetry and biography, recounts some painful events from his longing for approval from his bullying father to the death of an injured swan he so tenderly cares for as well as moments of joy. Thought provoking.

The Diary of A Young Girl by Anne Frank

We all know the story of the girl hiding from the Nazi’s in the attic, but this diary is more than a tale of Jewish persecution – it is also full of the insights (sometime humorous) of an incredibly mature young 13-year-old girl about everything from living in a confined space to her feelings and longings. It justifies its ranking as one of the greatest books written in the last century.
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Inkheart Triology by Cornelia Funke

Young adult fantasy novels are a global phenomenon and this trilogy, translated from German, is no exception. Twelve-year-old Meggie’s father, Mo, brings characters to life – literally – when he reads aloud from books. While his wife becomes trapped inside, the evil Capricorn escapes from Inkheart and along with his henchmen is now searching for Mo to twist his powerful talent to his own dark means. This is a magical fantasy, with twists of plots that make it lyrical and exciting.
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In the Sea There Are Crocodiles by Fabio Geda

One for teens, this is the true story (translated from Italian), of a young ten-year-old boy left to fend for himself - fleeing from the Taliban, trekking across mountains, hiding in the suffocating false bottom of a truck and steering an inflatable in violent waters. His five-year journey takes him through Iran, Turkey, Pakistan and Greece to Italy where he sought political asylum. An epic story of hope and survival.
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