Do you remember the first time you fell in love with a book? The stories we encounter in childhood shape us profoundly, offering glimpses of the past—both personal and collective—while inspiring dreams of new futures. In his groundbreaking exploration of the children’s literary canon, Sam Leith journeys from Aesop’s ancient fables through the Brothers Grimm, the golden ages of Victorian and Edwardian tales, and beloved 20th-century classics by Judith Kerr and Dr. Seuss. The Spectator literary editor joins TLS fiction editor Toby Lichtig to celebrate the enduring magic of books and their power to console and inspire across generations.
An event from Jewish Book Week 2025.