Rebecca Geach recommends: Julia Donaldson
This might seem an odd pick of author for a blog whose audience is most likely to be over the age of 10 but nonetheless I would like to celebrate her phenomenal achievements. Julia Donaldson is a giant in the world of children’s fiction and has been firmly at the heart of it since she released her first book, the iconic a Squash and a Squeeze in 1993.
Having 184 published works she must have one of the most colourful imaginations on the planet. It is an incredible gift to grip a child’s mind, take them on a journey and nurture a love of reading in them as you do with timeless classics such as the Very Hungary Caterpillar and Funny Bones. What makes Julia stand out is not that she does just that over and over again but her versatility at being able to write books for children at all different stages and for different purposes. There are the most famous titles that we snuggle up in bed with whilst cuddling our toddlers such as The Gruffalo and Stick Man but she also produces books which form part of the phonics and reading curriculum at primary schools. What a joy to find that your favourite author has written the book you need to take home from school this afternoon!
The former Children’s Laureate also has a magical way of conveying those core social and moral lessons that we as parents wish to instil in our children. From an IWD perspective my favourite would have to be Princess Pearl in Zog who at the point of being rescued by a prince from a fire breathing young dragon states that she doesn’t wish to be rescued or a princess in a castle anymore. She would actually like to be a doctor and would the dragon (Zog) and Prince like to join forces with her. Zog eagerly agrees to be the flying ambulance and the prince immediately decides to join the crew, and off they all go happily ever after. What a gorgeous way of encouraging children to break the norms and go after their dreams and also how we do more for the world by working together creatively than needlessly fighting.
She has collaborated over the years with talented illustrators such as Axel Scheffler and produced beautiful books which bring to life her incredible stories with a kaleidoscope of colours, fun sketches and a dash of glitter here and there to engage all those childhood sensory needs.
I cannot close this piece without acknowledging the colossal commercial success of Julia Donaldson. She is a brand as much like Disney, Paddington and Peppa Pig. You cannot get through a season of children’s clothing without a plethora of Donaldson pjs, shirts, socks and pants, you name it, to adorn your children, nieces and nephews with. Not to mention the success of her books on film and the many Donaldson toys you can delight the youngsters with. She is an author who will make her mark on many many people in this world before they have even learnt to read.
Dr Frances Rehal MBE PhD QN recommends: ‘Poor’ by Katriona O’Sullivan
This is a book that you have to keep reading; I finished it in two sittings. It is the life story of a
young girl in a family where both parents are drug/alcohol addicts. The story is told from the
perspective of a young girl, with all the details and insight of attending school, being in the
playground, coping with the chaos of home life. It is a true story and the author now works in a psychology department at a university in Ireland after gaining a PhD.
Kamal Preet Kaur recommends: Maya Angelou's "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings"
As a woman of colour in UK politics and a Fabian, I cannot recommend Maya Angelou's "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" more emphatically. This powerful memoir came into my life at a pivotal moment—a gift from a friend just as I was preparing to embark on my political journey.
Angelou's extraordinary narrative offers invaluable lessons for women navigating challenging spaces, be it within homes, communities, work or politics. When she writes, "The fact that the adult American Negro female emerges a formidable character is often met with amazement," she perfectly captures the experience of being underestimated in rooms where decisions are made. Her words cut through systemic barriers, offering a profound testament to the strength of the human spirit.
Her memoir brilliantly illustrates developing "a tolerance for pain—pleasurable or otherwise" and learning to "counter assaults on dignity"—skills essential for any woman in public service. These lessons have transformed my approach to advocacy and community leadership. Angelou teaches us that resilience is not about avoiding pain, but about finding your voice despite constraints.
Her profound observation that "without courage we cannot practise any other virtue with consistency" serves as a perfect manifesto for progressive politics. The metaphor of the caged bird singing resonates deeply—it speaks to the resilience of those who refuse to be silenced, who find their voice despite societal limitations.
This book remains a source of inspiration for me during challenging moments. It reminds me that my struggles often pale in comparison to the monumental challenges overcome by trailblazers like Angelou.
On this International Women's Day, I urge every member of our network to explore this seminal work if you haven't already. Let it be your companion, your inspiration, and your reminder that your story matters, your voice is powerful, and your potential is boundless.
With heartfelt gratitude to Maya Angelou, and to the friend who placed this transformative book in my hands—this one's for you.
Anya Sizer recommends: Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë
There is a great injustice for me in how one of my favourite ever books, Wuthering Heights has been depicted over the years.
For many it has been reduced to merely a love story but to read it only on this level does such a disservice to the brutal brave and socially challenging work that was written by Emily Brontë on tiny scraps of paper (in case of being found out) under a male pseudonym age just 27.
Wuthering heights has been interpreted in various ways throughout the years but for me it is a deeply powerful social commentary on female entrapment to the socio economic forces of the age.
The central characters are all in their way diminished by the prevailing economics and none stand out for me more than the central character of Catherine Earnshaw whose life choices, dreams and indeed ability to be truly herself have to be left on the moors with her childhood, replaced by the patriarchal stranglehold of English society.
Brontë’s writing is so powerful a force and so raw in its emotion that on publishing it was banned in many places and decried as demonic in nature.
For me however this book is a deeply moving deeply personal cry of bravery, a screaming into the wind about women’s place in society, what could be, versus what is.
Brontë never knew the impact her book would have, she was overshadowed by her sister Charlotte whose writing although still unorthodox was more readily accepted by society at the time.
It is this fact that on re-reading always brings me to tears as I wish someone could have told her what it Would mean to so many of us throughout the ages.
So thank you Emily Brontë for your bravery and brilliance and for capturing so much of the spirit of being a woman.
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