I began reading at an early age. My mother said that I taught myself to read, but I don’t remember doing it. However, as all children do, I am sure I had favorite books along the way. At the age of 8 I remember reading Peter Pan in its original form (no pictures). When I finished the book I stayed up all night (no one in the family knew it) waiting for Pan to show up. I remember being disappointed when he didn’t come to my house. The thought of Never Neverland was an intriguing idea to an 8-year-old.
Sometime prior to reaching age 12 (about age 10 or 11) I discovered a whole series of books in our local library about Native Americans, the French and Indian wars, the conflicts between French and English settlers, and all about the Iroquois Nation comprised of six tribes. I went into the woods behind my home carrying my axe, bow and arrows, etc. and practiced Native American methods. For example, I learned how to call doves in the Native American way. To this day I am able to do this. One day, not many years ago I was in my driveway when I saw a dove on a telephone pole next to the street. Just for fun I used my childhood call, and the bird came and landed at my feet! Native Americans would sit very still for long periods. I practiced this and animals would approach me in the woods, not knowing that I was there.

My next discovery, at about the age of 12, was science fiction and fantasy. I had many favorite authors, including Robert Heinlein, Isaac Asimov, Arthur C. Clarke, Ray Bradbury, etc. This fascination lasted until I was well into my teens.

I have read many hundreds of books in many different genres. Most writers begin as readers and then go on to writing. The gift of their imagination and ideas has impacted my life in positive ways. The two writers I revere most of all are J.R.R. Tolkien (The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings), and C.S. Lewis (The Chronicles of Narnia). I consider The Lord of the Rings one of the greatest accomplishments in the English language. My pick for “best” writer ever would be Ray Bradbury. He could say more in one paragraph than many writers do in a whole book.

Obviously, this is all subjective…for we humans are very subjective creatures, after all. We know what we like, and what we don’t like. What are some of your favorite childhood books and why? I'd love to hear.