Books for children
The tale is narrated by her little daughter, Catherine, whose wish to emulate her Ma prompts her to stow on board the ship, just as Ma had done at that age. Was Ma pleased and proud? “What are you doing here, you idiot child?” she screams, and instructs a passing sailor to “throw this child overboard.” Interspersed throughout the humour there are historical snippets of reality to give substance and interest to the book. An irresistible read for age seven and upwards.
Striker Boy Kicks Out by Jonny Zucker (Frances Lincoln; €8.35) continues the meteoric rise to football fame of 13-year-old Nat Dixon of Hatton Rangers as his team go to take part in a mini-tournament in Spain. Nat’s main fear, as always, is that somebody will spill the beans that he is too young to play football at this age-level. But this problem is put into perspective when he realises how troubled his host family is. An always credible account of the lives of young football players featuring surly managers, cynical win-at-all-costs players, racism, and corruption in the upper echelons of football management. The dual narrative of aspiring young star and a criminal jail-break dovetails to create a satisfying denouement. Suitable for age 10 and upwards.
