Continuing the sailing theme
The much loved series of sailing adventure books for children by Arthur Ransome
Set in the 1930s and 1940s, these stories centre around groups of children having great sailing adventures during their school holidays. The first book is Swallows and Amazons which takes its name from the Walker children's dinghy Swallow and the Blackett children's dinghy Amazon.
The books are perhaps a bit dated but still understandably popular and very enjoyable for kids who like the outdoors. There are 12 books in the series so if you can get your children interested, they'll be set for a good long while.
Rumour has it that there is a brand new film version of Swallows & Amazons due for release in cinemas fairly soon so for those of us who remember the 1960s tv series and the later 1974 film, this remake is bound to be worthwhile. Watch this space (as they say).
