Alexandra benedict

Which childhood book sparked your love of reading? The Shoe Shop Bears by Margaret J Baker, now sadly out of print. It was the first book I bought with my own money. I was bored by picture books and w

As a child, Camilla was captivated by Anna Sewell's Black Beauty. She says, "I have to admit, I ended up probably being a pony-mad child with Black Beauty. which I howled over, night after night after

A Neighbour’s Guide to Murder by Louise Candlish

Novelist Kiran Millwood Hargrave recommends reads for when you require an extra dash of courage

Our books editor Zoe West’s favourite picks for the month

Here are our recommendations – and yours – of what to enjoy reading this fortnight