My first job was at a local independent bookshop. At the age of 16, I wasn’t initially thrilled about spending my Saturday mornings organising books and serving customers, but I quickly grew fond of it. In retrospect, it’s one of the best jobs I’ve ever had. It broadened my literary horizons, introducing me to genres and styles I wouldn’t have otherwise explored, and fuelled my love for reading, reports the Express.

During my time there, I witnessed people purchasing a wide range of genres, including historical fiction, crime thrillers, romance, autobiography, non-fiction and memoirs. However, certain titles consistently made their way into customers’ hands over the years, despite some having been published several decades ago. From timeless children’s classics to best-selling mystery thrillers, these are the seven books that never seem to lose their appeal.

1. Each Peach Pear Plum by Allan Ahlberg and Janet Ahlberg, 1978

Despite its publication in 1978, Each Peach Pear Plum remains a favourite among parents and children alike, thanks to its captivating illustrations and delightful rhymes.

The book features an array of familiar fairytale and nursery rhyme characters and is written in simple rhyming couplets that children find easy to follow.

It also encourages children to play ‘I Spy’ on each page to locate the characters.

Allan Ahlberg, who penned more than 150 children’s books and collaborated with illustrators Raymond Briggs and Bruce Ingman, passed away earlier this year at the age of 87.

2. The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown, 2003

Dan Brown’s mystery thriller, The Da Vinci Code, is a bestseller from the United States that has captivated readers since its release in the early 2000s.

The gripping tale was adapted into a 2006 film featuring Tom Hanks, Audrey Tautou and Ian McKellen. The narrative follows Professor Robert Langdon, a symbologist and cryptologist, and Sophie Neveu as they delve into a murder mystery at the Louvre in Paris.

Their investigation unravels a conspiracy hinting at a child between Jesus and Mary Magdalene, proposing an alternative religious history where the Merovingian kings of France descend from this divine lineage.

Robert Langdon, a recurring character in Brown’s works, first appeared in Angels & Demons (2000) and subsequently in The Da Vinci Code, The Lost Symbol (2009), Inferno (2013), Origin (2017) and The Secret of Secrets (2025).

While I’ve yet to delve into Brown’s novels, their popularity is undeniable. The enthralling blend of fiction, historical facts, art history and religious symbolism clearly strikes a chord with readers.

3. The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle, 1969

The Very Hungry Caterpillar has stood the test of time since the 1960s — and with good reason. This beloved board book chronicles a ravenous caterpillar’s journey through various foods as it prepares for its transformation into a butterfly.

Written, designed and illustrated by Eric Carle, the story weaves together essential learning concepts including counting, the days of the week and different foods, making it a hit with both youngsters and their parents.

This book holds vivid memories from my own childhood, and I was delighted to discover it remained equally beloved decades later during my time working at a bookshop.

It makes an ideal present for expectant parents and little ones, with toys, teethers and other merchandise inspired by the story now widely available.

It’s little wonder the book has shifted more than 50 million copies worldwide and been translated into over 60 languages, earning its status as “one of the greatest childhood classics of all time.”

4. Wolf Hall by Hillary Mantel, 2009

A book’s popularity is often confirmed when it transitions to screen — precisely what happened with Hillary Mantel’s historical fiction masterpiece Wolf Hall.

Set between 1500 and 1535, this fictionalised biography charts Thomas Cromwell’s ascent to power within Henry VIII’s court, culminating in Sir Thomas More’s execution.

The work claimed both the Booker Prize and the National Book Critics Circle Award, while The Observer hailed it among “the 10 best historical novels”. Wolf Hall has been a consistent favourite among historical fiction fans over the years, often picked up as a gift or by those seeking to rekindle their reading habit.

The first in a trilogy, it’s followed by equally popular sequels Bring Up the Bodies (2012) and The Mirror and the Light (2020).

5. And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie, 1939

This remains a beloved classic despite Christie’s first book hitting the shelves over a century ago. While many of her works, including Murder on the Orient Express (1934), The Mousetrap (1952), and Death on the Nile (1937), enjoy enduring popularity, And Then There Were None stands out as her most iconic mystery novel.

With over 100 million copies sold, this gripping tale holds the title of the world’s best-selling mystery and ranks among the best-selling books of all time. It spins a chilling narrative about 10 strangers with concealed pasts, lured to a secluded island only to be murdered one by one.

As they realise their host is executing them according to a macabre nursery rhyme, suspicion falls on one of their own.

The novel’s immense popularity led to its adaptation into a 2015 miniseries featuring Charles Dance, Douglas Booth, and Anna Maxwell Martin. Despite being published over 85 years ago, And Then There Were None continues to captivate crime thriller enthusiasts today.

6. Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson, 2001

Julia Donaldson’s Room on the Broom is another children’s classic that consistently proves popular.

This picture book, with its humorous narrative and rhythmic prose, captivates both parents and youngsters alike. The tale centres around a witch who misplaces her hat, bow, and wand, only to be assisted by a dog, bird, and frog in retrieving them.

A broken broomstick leads to a terrifying encounter with a dragon intent on devouring the witch, but an even more fearsome creature saves the day. In gratitude, the witch and her friends contribute items to her cauldron, resulting in a spell that conjures a new, upgraded broomstick with seats for all.

The acclaimed book features enchanting illustrations by Axel Scheffler and has been translated into 22 languages, earning six awards. Its popularity led to a short animated film adaptation in 2021, featuring the voices of Martin Clunes, Rob Brydon, Sally Hawkins, Gillian Anderson, and Timothy Spall.

7. Jamie’s 30-Minute Meals, 2010

Jamie’s 30-Minute Meals, which aired on Channel 4 in 2010, saw the renowned chef whip up a meal comprising three or four dishes in under half an hour across 40 episodes.

On the day the final episode aired in December 2010, Jamie Oliver launched his cookbook bearing the same title. The book quickly became the fastest-selling non-fiction publication ever, shifting a staggering 735,000 copies in its debut week.

Despite being published a decade and a half ago, the cookbook remains a favourite among food enthusiasts, thanks to its straightforward layout and easy-to-follow recipes.

It’s particularly sought after during the festive season, making it an ideal gift for culinary-minded friends and family.