All about Dickens!

This month it is all about Charles Dickens, as we celebrate the 200th anniversary of his birth. As he was born in Portsmouth, there will be a lot of local interest and primary schools will often link an introduction to Dickens with work on the Victorians .

The original novels are obviously difficult for younger children, but many feature memorable child characters and have been adapted well to give a taste of Dickens for younger audiences.

Here are some books on Dickens and by Dickens to look out for in your local library, or to reserve online and collect:

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  Peter Hicks "Charles Dickens"

  A good and readable introduction to Dickens’ life, which provides a insight into his writing.

   

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  Valerie Wilding "Charles Dickens: Oliver Twist and other tales that will make you ask for more!"

  A more fun approach, in Horrible History style, ,which introduces the novels in particular.

   

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  Charles Dickens "Oliver Twist" (retold by Mary Sebag-Montefiore)

  One of a series of accessible retellings for younger children by Usborne.

   

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  Marcia Williams "Oliver Twist and other great Dickens stories"

  Dickens told in pictures! Marcia Williams captures the feel of the books with a lot of humour and the stories are easy to follow.