The What Katy Did trilogy was first published in the late 1800s. One of the first realistic portraits of a child in literature, the character was groundbreaking and the book is as enjoyable today as when it was first published.

'One of my all-time favourite books. It's a very lively, funny story' Jacqueline Wilson
Katy has grand plans to be beautiful, graceful and ladylike ... one day! But for now she has hair that is always tangled, bootlaces undone, a torn dress and she doesn't care for being called 'good'. With a wild imagination and high spirits, she is always up to mischief, but there never has been a heroine as loveable as Katy. Then a terrible accident happens and it takes all her courage - and hard-learned patience - to keep her dreams alive.
'Katy speaks with a charm and directness that remains as fresh as when it was written' Amanda Craig

'This was one of my favourite books as a child. The children felt real enough to touch, and I fell head over heels in love with Katy. It's a book with an unstoppable heart' Katherine Rundell

'It took me four days to read this book and I really enjoyed it' GUARDIAN

'One of my all-time favourite books. It's a very lively, funny story' JACQUELINE WILSON

'Katy speaks with a charm and directness that remains as fresh as when it was written' AMANDA CRAIG

Katy Carr has grand plans to be beautiful, graceful and ladylike . . . one day! But for now she has hair that is always tangled, bootlaces undone, a torn dress and she doesn't care about being well-behaved. With a wild imagination and high spirits, she is always up to mischief, but there never has been a heroine as lovable as Katy. Then a terrible accident happens and it takes all her courage and hard-learned patience to keep her dreams alive.

This collection of the best in children's literature, curated by Virago, will be coveted by children and adults alike. These are timeless tales with beautiful covers, that will be treasured and shared across the generations. Some titles you will already know; some will be new to you, but there are stories for everyone to love, whatever your age. Our list includes Nina Bawden (Carrie's War, The Peppermint Pig), Rumer Godden (The Dark Horse, An Episode of Sparrows), Joan Aiken (The Serial Garden, The Gift Giving) E. Nesbit (The Psammead Trilogy, The Bastable Trilogy, The Railway Children), Frances Hodgson Burnett (The Little Princess,The Secret Garden) and Susan Coolidge (The What Katy Did Trilogy). Discover Virago Children's Classics.