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Once by Morris Gleitzman

Dec28

Powerful & Heartbreaking

Once by Morris Gleitzman is a powerful and heartbreaking historical children’s novel that is suitable for over ten years old. It is the first book in a seven book series.

Once is set in Poland during World War II. It is written in the first person from the point of view of eleven year old Felix who is a Polish Jewish boy. His parents had sold books and he is a natural born storyteller.

Felix’s innocence shines through. He thinks the Nazis don’t like Jewish people because they (the Jewish people) like books. His innocence is heartbreaking as he puts an innocent spin on the activities he sees – the people have no clothes on because it is hot. As the novel progresses, his innocence is gradually stripped away.

We witness the bravery of Felix as he rescues a six year old girl who was left for dead, along with her parents. Ironically, it is only in the young and the innocent where there are no divides amongst them.

Felix is not the only brave soul. There are pockets of bravery amongst the fearful and the cruel.

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Winston And The Marmalade Cat by Megan Rix

Dec27

Totally Charming

Winston And The Marmalade Cat by Megan Rix is a perfectly charming historical novel and just perfect for ages ten years and over. No matter what your age, if you are an animal lover, this book is for you.

The action is set in 1962 and is grounded in fact as we meet Sir Winston Churchill and hear of some of the animals he has rescued.

We follow a young boy who volunteers for the RSPCA and who rescues a small kitten whom he names, Little Houdini. The pair form a bond. As the kitten’s name suggests, he is a bit of an escape artist!

Chartwell, Sir Winston’s home is in Kent. The reader ‘visits’ the grounds due to some very descriptive passages from Megan Rix.

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The Battle Of Bubble And Squeak by Philippa Pearce

Dec27

Entertaining

The Battle Of Bubble And Squeak by Philippa Pearce is an entertaining children’s novel, just perfect for ages eight years and over.

The reader meets Bubble and Squeak who are two gerbils in need of a new home. All the family, except Mum, want to keep them. All they need to do now is to convince Mum that she wants to give them a home!

All the book is well presented. I loved the illustrations.

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Boys Need Santa Claus Because … by Tonya L Matthews

Dec18

The True Meaning Of Christmas

Boys Need Santa Claus Because… by Tonya L Matthews is a lovely little book for the under tens showing them the true meaning of Christmas. It is aimed primarily at boys but girls would enjoy it too.

We see a young boy who knows what he wants for Christmas. As he gets older, he realises there are lots of things that boys need – and none of them need to be wrapped under the tree. Such as friendship, healthy food, exercise etc. He learns the lesson that we really need other people and Jesus.

The book is written in rhyme, giving a bounce-along feel. This makes it easy for our children to join in when they have heard the tale a few times.

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