Darcy Moore, deputy principal of Dapto High School in Australia, credits his lifelong love of reading to a poster he saw as a child. It read, “Kids who read succeed.” Today, he is a world-renowned expert on George Orwell and a vocal advocate for introducing children to four timeless classics: Animal Farm by George Orwell, Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White, The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, and Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach.
“These books suit all ages and really work well when read aloud,” Moore said during an interview with ABC broadcaster Dom Knight. “They are great books to re-read and as children mature, they will see much more in the stories than what they originally perceived.”
According to Moore, the four books serve as a critical foundation for understanding key aspects of life and society. “One reason for reading is the never-ending quest for wisdom. These books explore the joys of friendship, loyalty, creativity and imagination. They do not shy away from the challenges of our mortality and of the way power can be abused. All of them are timeless and have not dated.”
For Moore, Animal Farm stands out as George Orwell’s finest work. He described it as a deceptively simple allegory about political corruption and tyranny. The story, centred on animals overthrowing their human owner to establish equality, ultimately shows how power can corrupt even the noblest intentions. The novella’s layered themes allow readers to revisit it at different stages of life, uncovering deeper insights each time.
Published in 1952, Charlotte’s Web is a poignant story about friendship and sacrifice. “It’s just so beautiful and affecting,” Moore said. “It’s the story of Wilbur, a pig, and Charlotte, a wise spider who saves him from being slaughtered by weaving her web into words to praise him.”
Regarding The Little Prince, Moore emphasized its blend of charm and depth. While it appears to be a whimsical story about a young prince traveling between planets, it carries profound messages about imagination, relationships, and seeing beyond surface appearances. The author’s own life, including his experience of being stranded in the desert, adds a compelling real-world layer to the tale.
Moore highlighted Jonathan Livingston Seagull as a story of ambition and self-discovery. The novella follows Jonathan, a seagull determined to break free from the mundane existence of his flock by mastering flight. Moore emphasized the story’s enduring themes of excellence and self-discovery, noting how the book resonates deeply with readers. He also mentioned a later edition that includes a previously excluded fourth section, offering new perspectives on the tale.
In November 2024, Moore received the prestigious Peter Davison Award from The Orwell Society in London for his contributions to uncovering new details about George Orwell’s life. He continues to advocate for reading as a pathway to wisdom and understanding.