The contemporary reader may feel the classic childrens books from the past to be a little old-fashioned, but that's part of their attraction. Reading them is comparable to snuggling in front of an old black and white movie. It's a comfort blanket. The world of Peter Pan and Wind In The Willows is comforting.

Occasionally, children's fiction throws up a mastermind. Roald Dahl was one such man, when he wrote books for children, creating tense stories in which hardly any grown ups could be trusted. There is more distrust and less naivety in his books. The world sorrowfully lost Roald Dahl, but there was an additional genius waiting around the bend, and her name was JK Rowling.

The Harry Potter books appear to appeal as much to boys and girls. Boys who had in no way expressed any curiosity in reading freely now await the next Potter book eagerly. Some critics say there is no place for religious conviction in the Potter world, and children should not be exposed to the shadowy arts of magic. However, if you read any of the Potter books for children, the child will learn about friendship, loyalty and bravery. Not bad ideals for any of us.

Publishers are urgently looking for the next success story in books for children. It could be a name being rejected right now. JK Rowling was turned down nine times before her first book was accepted. So if you are interested in childrens literature, you might want to try your hand at writing.