5 Heroes From Children’s Literature That Everyone Can Look Up To

Not all heroes wear capes; not all heroes have superpowers or appetites for saving humanity from the brink of extinction. More often than not, the protagonists from classic children’s literature are ordinary people who do extraordinary things; thrown unwittingly into miraculous, life-changing adventures. 

They can inspire us to be kinder, more rounded individuals; encourage us to help those in need, to persevere and stand up for what’s right. Children’s literature is awash with these kinds of heroes, and they provide us with great inspiration for our own bronze sculpture creations.

So, following hot on the tail of our fiendishly wicked characters from children’s literature blog comes an altogether different story, exploring instead those book characters imbued with a sense of adventure, courage, wit, and unshakable goodwill…and perhaps some fairy dust and telekinetic powers thrown in for good measure!

2. Matilda Wormwood, Matilda by Roald Dahl (1988)

"Never do anything by halves if you want to get away with it. Be outrageous. Go the whole hog. Make sure everything you do is so completely crazy it's unbelievable."

Matilda Wormwood, the inspirational heart of Roald Dahl’s last published novel, is a brave, book-loving child genius…who just happens to be blessed with some astonishing powers of telekinesis. 

By the age of four, Matilda has devoured all the children's books in her local library, and by the time she’s enrolled in school, she’s read her way through the works of Charles Dickens and Rudyard Kipling. As well as her voracious reading habits, Matilda is also a highly accomplished mathematician, capable of multiplying large numbers in her head in an instant.  

Despite her remarkable intellect, and the encouragement of her kind-hearted teacher, Miss Honey, Matilda’s parents aren’t so easily impressed and are almost oblivious to her incredible abilities.

3. Peter Rabbit, The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter (1901)

“You may go into the fields or down the lane, but don’t go into Mr. McGregor’s garden. Your Father had an accident there; he was put in a pie by Mrs. McGregor.”

Peter Rabbit has a long list of endearing character traits that have made him a popular figure in children’s literature for well over a century. Valiant, curious, and determined, Peter embodies a sense of youthful innocence that resonates with children…and adults looking wistfully back on their carefree days of childhood. His daring escapades offer timeless lessons of friendship, resilience, and the often-challenging world around him.

Whether we can count Peter Rabbit as a true role model, owing to his impulsive, mischievous, and rule-breaking tendencies, that often puts his friends in danger, there’s no denying that Beatrix Potter's most famous creation has inspired and entertained multiple generations of young readers.

4. Tintin, The Adventures of Tintin by Hergé (1929-1976)

“It may be prodigious, but it's all Greek to me!”

Created by Georges Prosper Remi, Tintin is the quick-thinking, courageous journalist and adventurer at the centre of the Belgian cartoonist’s famous, long-running book series. With excellent endurance, an uncanny knack for surviving perilous situations, and a surprising ability to vanquish criminals and villains twice his size, Tintin is a classic everyman hero that every young child can look up to. 

Alongside his daring sense of adventure, Tintin also has a certain talent for piloting even the most extravagant of vehicles—often with his beloved dog Snowy in the passenger seat. Whether it’s airplanes, sailboats, or even a space rocket, Tintin is never one to shirk a challenge!

5. Peter Pan, Peter Pan by J.M Barrie (1911)

“On these magic shores children at play are forever beaching their coracles. We too have been there; we can still hear the sound of the surf, though we shall land no more.”

Peter Pan is the forever-young protagonist of J.M Barrie’s classic 20th century tale. All children must grow up, except for one, begins Barrie’s famous story, a line that perfectly encapsulates Peter’s innocent disposition. Flitting between the real world and Neverland, the free-spirited sprite is rarely happier than when he’s embroiled in larger-than-life adventures with the Lost Boys and his fairy, Tinkerbell. Brave, charming, and firmly on the right side of good and evil, Peter Pan doesn’t think twice about throwing himself into dangerous situations to help his friends.