I've read this a multitude of times in the last 20 odd years and it is absolutely my most read book. It opened my mind to fantasy and the idea of other worlds and realities along with the main character being a mischievous child with a big heart and a penchant for making up stories and it is just entertaining and wonderful every time.

One of my favourite books of all time has been given a makeover, with these lovely new covers from Scholastic. The book itself is as brilliant as ever (as are the sequels) and should be on everyone's "to read" pile - adults and children! If you've seen the film - please wipe it from your memory and read the book instead!

Northern Lights by Philip Pullman is set in parallel universe where peoples souls are in animal forms, a dæmon, and there is a mysterious thing called dust witch is what Lyra and Pan set off the investigate. Pantalaimon (Pan) is Lyra Belacqua’s dæmon and Pan is my favorite character. He is a shape-shifting animal dæmon that only settles once Lyra is old enough. He is always worrying about the two of them getting in to trouble at Jordon College were they live (for part of the book). But he is also a very brave little dæmon who is always there to help Lyra out of sticky messes they both get them selves in to. Pan is strong and brave but also a little cautious.

Lyra is a young, fiesty, headstrong girl who is the main protagonist in the story. She is always accompanied by her daemon and best friend Pantalaimon (Pan) who can change shape into any animal as he hasn’t yet settled into one shape. Pan is her soul, so they can never be parted. Lyra lives in Jordan College, Oxford, among the scholars in a parallel world, not dissimilar to ours. Children are going missing, reportedly taken by the ‘Gobblers’. When her childhood friend Rodger is taken, she vows to find him and bring him home. I was lost in Lyra’s world as I joined her on her adventures. This book paints a world of fantasy and colour for the reader. A beautifully weaved story with strong, lovable characters. I wonder what shape my daemon would take I’d I were in Lyra’s world.

I absolutely loved this book, it was a great way to start the trilogy. I have read the 2nd one - the subtle knife but no spoilers here!! This book blew my mind.