Dickens’s `A Christmas Carol` top book parents think kids should read

London -  Charles Dickens’ classic ‘A Christmas Carol’ is the book most parents would want their children to read, according to a new survey by the University of Worcester.

The survey, which asked 2000 adults to reveal which books they considered to be must-reads for the next generation, found one in five parents wanted their children to experience the  Victorian Christmas tale more than any other fictional novel.

The Harry Potter series by JK Rowling was voted second, followed by The Lord of The Rings triology by JRR Tolkien.

Others making into the list were Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen, Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland and Animals Farm by George Orwell.

The findings mark the opening of The Hive – Europe’s first joint University and public library.

“The books that feature in the top 10 all provide thought-provoking content and characters, so it is clear that parents value these books for providing challenging thoughts which can last a  lifetime,” said Anne Hannaford, Director of Information and Learning Services at the University of Worcester.

From the poll, it was also revealed ‘Alice in Wonderland’ is today’s most-read book, with 41 percent of adults having read it.

The University of Worcester’s top-ten of must-read books are -

1.A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens
2.The Harry Potter Series, JK Rowling
3.The Lord of The Rings, JRR Tolkien
4.Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen
5.Alice in Wonderland, Lewis Carroll
6.The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, CS Lewis
7.Animal Farm, George Orwell
8.Oliver Twist, Charles Dickens
9.The Hobbit, JRR Tolkien
10.To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee