First books

What is the first book that you remember reading by yourself?

I remember having books read to me, when I was very young,  and I listened to an audio version of my first book, which came with a record in the back of the sleeve. That particular book is now considered racist,  it was called 'The story of Little Black Sambo'  by Helen Bannerman. I did not buy it for my children as I agreed that it was unsuitable, however, I remember it fondly, and I particularly remember a tiger running around and around a tree until he eventually turned in to butter, a vision that I still picture now when I think about it.

I loved Rupert annuals that were always bought for me as Christmas presents, and with so many lovely pictures to look at, Rupert and his friends were a very important part of my childhood imagination.

Mrs Tiggywinkle was a favourite, I had 2 small hardback books written by Beatrix Potter, the other was the Tale of Squirrel Nutkin.

Enid Blyton of course was popular, and I remember my mother encouraging me to read 'The Mountain of Adventure', which I think is my earliest memory of reading a whole book.

My Gran kept annuals for her grandchildren to look at when I slept over, and they contained comic strips and short stories which I enjoyed. I think she also had Brer Rabbit stories, and I was always permitted to take the books to bed, but never to take them home, that way they remained special Nanny's house books.

I remember my Dad telling me he was going to read me Robinson Crusoe. I remember him starting it, but I don't think it got finished. I had the top of bunk beds, so it would have been tricky for him to read to me in bed, and I am sure it did the trick getting me off to sleep, as I have no recollection of the story, I will put Daniel Defoe on my read-again list.

A book that I do remember reading alone was 'Gobbolino the Witches Cat'. My parents enjoyed sailing, and sometimes we sailed to France from Weymouth. I remember reading 'Gobbolino' while snuggled in a pipe cot berth on the return journey. I did purchase that one for my daughter and I think she enjoyed it too.
The copy that I remember had a pink cover, and I found it here on Goodreads.

In my next blog post I am going to have a think about which books I can remember from my school days. I would love to hear which books you think you read first, and if you would still buy them for children now?