Named Children's Book of the Week by The Times!Shortlisted
for the Historical Association's Young Quills 2023 Award
Inspired by a true family story, Michael Rosen presents
an astonishing account of perseverance, love and hope in wartime.
Beginning in 1939, young Solly in London exchanges
letters with his teenaged cousin, Bernie, in Poland.
While Solly is evacuated and tries his best to
adjust to life in the English countryside, Bernie's parents know
that as Jews they're not safe staying in Warsaw, so they send Bernie
to the Russian-occupied side of the country in the hope that
he'll be safer there.
Soon, though, he is arrested and sent off to a forced
labour camp in Russia.
As the cousins exchange sporadic letters, they try to keep their
spirits up, trading jokes and observations about the world changing
all around them.
Then Bernie seizes the opportunity to join the "Anders
Army" and fight the Axis powers, and tells Solly all about
his experiences in Iraq and eventually Italy, where he fights
alongside the British at the famous Battle of Monte Cassino.
Does Bernie survive and find a safe place to call home?
With breathtaking illustrations by beloved illustrator Michael
Foreman, this is an unforgettable story of courage
and love, perfect for the whole family to share.
Michael Rosen is one of the best-known figures in the children's
book world, known for his work as poet and author of classic
books such as WE'RE GOING ON A BEAR HUNT.
This book is a perfect companion to POPPY FIELD by Michael Morpurgo
and Michael Foreman. Together, the books are a wonderful introduction
to the history of the great wars of the 20th century
and the importance of Remembrance.
