What I've Read: Part 1. Early Years.

Over the years, I've read so many books from so many Authors & Genres, that when I think back, I'm astounded.
  I guess it goes back to Primary school, Campbell's Bay Primary, to be exact when I found one of the passions of my life. At first reading 'Janet & John and the riveting escapades in 'Fun With Dick and Jane', really set my pulse racing.
 When I was able to buy my own books, I looked for English, Adventure and Mystery stories I chose Enid Blyton ( 1897-1968), and her 'Famous Five' & 'Secret Seven' series, I particularly enjoyed the Famous Five books, the characters, Julian, Dick, Georgina, Anne & Timothy the dog. All the stories appeared to begin when they return from their Schools and stay with George's family, at Kirrin cottage, a fictitious location in Dorset.
  
  The stories are all set in the 1940's, in a seemingly insulated time warp, where the war doesn't affect the idyllic countryside, and the only troubles were the dastardly rogues who were "so beastly' and horrid to the five, who would then be in peril.
  I enjoyed the descriptive language Enid used, when relating for example what food the Five would eat at a picnic provided by Aunt Fanny may include Cold Chicken sandwiches, Scones with Jam & Cream and to drink "lashings of Ginger Beer".
  Another Author I liked, was Arthur Ransome ( 1884-1867 ), and his 'Swallows & Amazons novels.
  which were set in the Lake District

   A series of books that were and still are for kids of all ages were those written by Belgian, Georges Prosper Remi ( 1907-1983) , he is better known by his pen name, Herge.
  Herge, introduced the world to the character 'Tintin', who with his faithful Canine buddy Snowy, he got involved in all manner of escapades, with Capt Haddock, and the villainous Thompson Twins. The plots of the stories involved such subjects as the Russians and the Nazis.