50 books that every child should read by 16

At the beginning of the month, to celebrate World Book Day, a survey of 2,000 readers by Sainsbury's found that the classic books parents grew up with are popular choices to read to their own kids.  It's certainly true in this house with Magic Faraway Tree, Famous Five, Flat Stanley and Roald Dahl tales already hitting our read pile before Ben is even 7 years old.

Something that really shocks me - where are the Mr Men, Thomas the Tank Engine or Topsy and Tim books?  I lived on Babysitters Club and Sweet Valley Kids/ Twins/ High/ University books and Naughtiest Girl in the school series shame none of them have hit the top 50.  What favourites did you have that are missing from the list?

How many have you read or are planning on reading with your children?  

I have taken the list and rearranged it but if you want to see the original order it's here.

Reading Bingo 2014 (updated 14.7.14)

This year I am going to attempt the Random House's 2014 Reading Bingo Challenge. 

What is the Reading Bingo challenge I hear you ask?   well basically you have a gamecard (below)available from Random House's website.  The aim is to tick off as many books from the card as possible (if your book covers more than 1 square, bonus!).

£365 in 365 days..... the 2014 challenge

I started this challenge in 2010 over on Money Saving Expert, but every year a few months in something happens, be it an unexpected bill or a family holiday and the money has to be opened.

But 2014 - new house, new me..... I WILL achieve the £365 target.

The aim: to put in £1 in a day from 1st January 2014- empty it on 31st December 2014 and spend spend spend in January 2015 sales.