Children’s Books
But when the third child, aptly named Little Shock, hatches – fluffy pink, with not so much as a wart or a fang – they are mortified. A funny, imaginative story for age four-plus
The following two books are shortlisted for The Bisto Book of the Year Award:
Lincoln and His Boys is by Rosemary Wells, illustrated by PJ Lynch (Candlewick Press; €12.50 HB). While the author was researching material for a historical novel about the American civil war, she came upon a 200 word account by 11-year-old Willie Lincoln, about a trip with his father, Abraham, who was running for president. The reader is drawn behind the scenes of American politics and the civil war into the affectionate intimacy of the family. When their father is duly elected, the boys have total freedom to run and play in the President’s House. PJ Lynch’s superb illustrations, with their muted tones and authentic settings, encapsulate the engaging story with realistic atmosphere. A gem of a book for any age.
Solace of The Road by Siobhan Dowd (David Fickling Books; €8.80) tells the story of 14-year-old Holly Hogan’s search for her mother. A journey which takes her from Templeton House – in effect an orphanage – via her adoptive parents, the Aldriges – onto the Fishguard ferry to Ireland. Holly, having been abandoned by her Irish mother, is initially uncommunicative and introspective, but a chance discovery of her foster mother’s blonde wig – which she ‘borrows’ – enables her assume a more confident persona. Holly, who introduces herself as Solace, is an intriguing character, and this is an engaging and moving story.
