Reviews

There are so many incredible books available at the moment that it is impossible to read them all, no matter how hard I try! Here are my thoughts about some of the books I have read and how I think they could be used in school as well as Q and A sessions with authors and illustrators.

Myths on Monday, Legends, Anglo-Saxons Sue Wilsher Myths on Monday, Legends, Anglo-Saxons Sue Wilsher

The Princess who Hid in a Tree

Frideswide was an Anglo-Saxon princess who lived in Oxford a long time ago. She was brave, beautiful and kind and declared that she had no intention of marrying. However, Algar, the King of Mercia, decided he wanted her for his bride and threatened he would attack Oxford if she refused. This is the story of how she escaped him…

According to Kevin Crossley-Holland, the name ‘Frideswide’ is a compound word combining two Anglo-Saxon words meaning ‘peace’ (frith) and ‘strong’ (swith). These seem to perfectly describe Saint Frideswide whose legend is retold in this lovely edition for children. Accompanied by Alan Marks’s stunning illustrations, the story is beautifully retold, making the book the perfect starting point for discovering more about this legendary princess. Additional historical notes are given at the end, filling in the factual evidence surrounding her story. Frideswide inspired the foundation of Christ Church College and its Cathedral, and Oxfordshire Day, also known as St Frideswide’s Day, commemorates her death on the 19th October every year. I am ashamed to say I knew nothing about her and am so glad that this book has allowed me to discover her story. I will be planning a trip to Oxford to visit some of the locations relevant to her life.

The story of this little remembered princess would be excellent for using as part of work on the Anglo-Saxons, before visiting Oxford or for anyone who enjoys history and tales from the past. The illustrations are as captivating as her tale, making this an essential addition to school and home bookshelves!

The Princess who Hid in a Tree

Jackie Holderness, illustrated by Alan Marks

Bodleian Children’s Books ISBN: 978-1851245185

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Picture Book, Irish Tale, Fairy Sue Wilsher Picture Book, Irish Tale, Fairy Sue Wilsher

The Fog Catcher’s Daughter

Eily lives with her father in their cottage ‘three fields from the sea.’ Across the water lies the isle of Linashee, an island said to be enchanted and home to the Good People. As Fog Catcher, Eily’s father must row to Linashee once a year, as generations of the family have done before him, to catch the magic beads of mist used to help grow the herbs which Wise Annie brews into cures and braids into charms to keep the villagers safe. Although the sky darkens and a cold wind is blowing, this year, like every other, her father sets off on his crossing, but Eily is horrified to find his protection charm fluttering in the hedgerow. Determined to save him from the fairy folk, Eily courageously sails across to Linashee to bring her father home.

Steeped in Irish folklore, this original tale has a wonderfully traditional feel. Hauntingly beautiful, rich lyrical language and atmospheric, ethereal illustrations combine to create a story that, like the folklore it draws on, will stand the test of time.

The warmth of love between father and daughter is beautifully captured as Eily’s courage and determination save him from the clutches of the fairy folk. Armed only with a blessing from Wise Annie and her father’s lost charm, she is ready to face the perils of capricious nature of the Good People to ensure his safety. In doing so, she also proves she is ready to continue the family tradition of fog catching and continue to bring the jars of precious liquid home.

Alan Marks’s evocative illustrations are the perfect complement to the text, vividly capturing the beauty of the coastline, the wonder of Wise Annie’s shop, the volatile nature of the fairy folk as the events of the story unfold. Every spread is a work of art.

An author’s note at the end of the book explains where Marianne McShane’s inspiration for the story came from, showing how ideas can combine and incubate in an author’s mind before evolving into wonderful stories. This is one of those book which, the hands of a good teacher, would make the perfect starting point for inspiring creativity through art and writing. Offering as it does such a rich use of language and description, links to folklore and fabulous illustrations, ‘The Fog Catcher’s Daughter’ would sit perfectly at the heart of much learning. Stunning!

The Fog Catcher’s Daughter

Marianne McShane, illustrated by Alan Marks

Walker Books ISBN: 978-1529506396

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