Nearly £790,000 of National Lottery funding has helped Seven Stories, The National Centre for Children’s Books, collect, protect and bring to life children’s books, poems and illustrations.

The collection spans decades, from books written in the 1930s to those yet to be published. It gives a fascinating insight into the stories behind the books, from authors’ first ideas scribbled in a diary to beautifully illustrated finished works.

Here are some of the classic books you can enjoy at Seven Stories thanks to National Lottery players:

Noddy - Enid Blyton

The adventures of Noddy and his friends Big Ears, Bumpy Dog and Tessie Bear have been entertaining generations since Enid Blyton published Noddy Goes to Toyland in 1949. Thanks to National Lottery players, Seven Stories now has the largest Blyton archive in a public collection and many pieces of Noddy artwork.

Tracy Beaker and friends - Jacqueline Wilson

From Tracy Beaker to the Illustrated Mum, Jacqueline Wilson’s books are instantly recognisable thanks to Nick Sharratt’s illustrations. When Sharratt donated his extensive archive to Seven Stories, National Lottery funding was used to safely transport and preserve it.

Stig of the Dump - Clive King

The tale of Barney’s discovery of caveman Stig and his home made of dumped rubbish has been read and adapted in many ways since it was published in 1963. While the original manuscript is long lost, a fascinating archive relating it its long history was donated by author Clive King and preserved with National Lottery funding.

The Wombles - Elisabeth Beresford

Introduced by Elisabeth Beresford in 1968, the furry and environmentally conscious residents of Wimbledon Common were catapulted to even greater fame when the BBC adapted the series. The author’s estate donated the archive to Seven Stories and National Lottery funding enabled the centre to collect illustrations showing how the appearance of the Wombles’ changed under the influence of TV.

War Horse - Michael Morpurgo

The story of Joey the horse and his friend Arthur’s efforts to bring him home during the First World War is now an award- winning play and acclaimed film. Michael Morpurgo donated his archive, including a draft manuscript of War Horse, and National Lottery funding helped bring it to Seven Stories.

More on Sharing Stories

Seven Stories is based in Newcastle and regularly takes exhibitions on tour around the UK as well as sharing them online. Visit the Seven Stories website to find out more.

What are your favourite childhood books? Share it with us @HeritageFundUK and @7Stories.