Swallows and Amazons [suggested by Uzma Ali]

When John, Susan, Titty and Roger are granted their wish to set sail on their beloved boat Swallow, they know it will be the summer holiday of a lifetime. But their adventure truly begins when they encounter Nancy and Peggy, the self-proclaimed Amazon Pirates, and the dastardly Captain Flint. [product description from Amazon]

The book has its own Wikipedia page, and has been made into a film.

Author’s Wikipedia page.
Internet home of The Arthur Ransome Society (TARS).

Shortlisted for this month

The book selector for the month can choose up to three books for nomination. One of Uzma’s choices had already been read by the club so alternatives on her theme of “books from our childhood” were requested from the floor, which proved a little pointless as the suggestion of Wind in the Willows received zero votes. So the other choices for this month were:

Watership Down

Set in England’s Downs, a once idyllic rural landscape, this stirring tale of adventure, courage, and survival follows a band of very special creatures on their flight from the intrusion of man and the certain destruction of their home. Led by a stouthearted pair of brothers, they journey forth from their native Sandleford Warren through the harrowing trials posed by predators and adversaries, to a mysterious promised land and a more perfect society. [Product description from Amazon]

The book has a Wikipedia page, and has also been made into a film (see also IMDb). (also TV series — 3 seasons from 1999 — and a forthcoming miniseries from Netflix/BBC in 2017)

About the Author

Author’s Wikipedia entry.
Author’s short biog on Goodreads.

The Wind in the Willows

Mole “thought his happiness was complete when, as he meandered aimlessly along, suddenly he stood by the edge of a full-fed river. Never in his life had he seen a river before–this sleek, sinuous, full-bodied animal, chasing and chuckling, gripping things with a gurgle and leaving them with a laugh, to fling itself on fresh playmates that shook themselves free, and were caught and held again.” Such is the cautious, agreeable Mole’s first introduction to the river and the “Life Adventurous”. Emerging from his home at Mole End one spring, his whole world changes when he hooks up with the good-natured, boat-loving Water Rat, the boastful Toad of Toad Hall, the society-hating Badger who lives in the frightening Wild Wood, and countless other (mostly) well-meaning creatures. [Product description from Amazon]

This timeless classic has its own Wikipedia page, and has been made into SIX films and a TV series.

About the Author

Author’s Wikipedia entry.
Grahame is another of those authors with his own society.