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An Eagle In The Snow by Michael Morpurgo

Feb14

Wow – What An Ending!

An Eagle In The Snow by Michael Morpurgo is a powerful historical children’s novel that I loved. It is perfect for ages ten years and over. It is based on fact, on the actions of Private Henry Tandey in World War I. It is an inspiring and amazing tale. It will educate you as you read. At the end of the book is a brief history of Henry Tandey’s life.

War is futile. Politicians send young men on both sides to be slaughtered. No one wins. Everyone loses. “We had won, but it didn’t feel like winning, it never does.”

Young men were changed by war. Some lived. Some died. Survivors were wracked with guilt. No matter how many years had passed, you couldn’t escape the war. “The war stayed in his head… It’s the same for all of us who’ve fought in a war. You don’t forget. You can’t. You want to, but you can’t.”

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An Elephant In The Garden by Michael Morpurgo

Feb14

All For One

An Elephant In The Garden by Michael Morpurgo is a powerful dual timeline novel that I just could not put down. It is perfect for ages ten years and over. Whatever your age, this is a beautiful novel that will educate and entertain.

The story is set in present day in a nursing home and also looking backwards to Dresden in 1945.

An old lady is dismissed as having dementia when she talks about the elephant in her garden. Only a young boy recognizes it as true and longs to hear her tale.

We witness the dreadful destruction of Dresden by the Allies. Michael Morpurgo writes powerfully about the fires of hell that engulf the town. Like the story of Lot in the Bible, the family must move forwards and not look back.

Families come in different shapes and sizes. This family is a mother, two children and a baby elephant. The elephant is an orphan and views the human mother as her mother. The baby elephant brings out the mothering instincts in the human mother.

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The World Of Sylvanian Families

Feb7

So Delightful

The World Of Sylvanian Families is the most delightful and beautiful hardback book that celebrates over thirty five years of the Sylvanian families worldwide.

The Sylvanian families started in Japan in 1985 and was introduced to the UK in 1987. From small beginnings it has grown massively to even include theme parks and restaurants.

Over the years more and more families have been introduced, as well as transport, houses and much more.

This book is simply beautiful. It is a keepsake that children (and adults) will want to visit again and again.

We hear about the origins of Sylvania in a story and are introduced to all the characters.

Detailed maps lay out the places in Sylvania, and then we focus in on the individual buildings.

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Moondial by Helen Cresswell

Nov17

Enchanting

Moondial by Helen Cresswell is a children’s classic that I thoroughly enjoyed. It is perfect for ages ten years and over.

Moondial is an enchanting tale as we follow a young girl, Minty. She is a very likable lead character with a heart of compassion for the hurting.

Staying in an old house, the veil between the present and times past, is thin. Friendship between like-minded individuals is called for in order to save the day.

We see the cruelty to, and of, children in times past. As we see the terrible time a character has because of a large birthmark on her face.

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