A D-Day Story: Finding Alfie

A D-Day Story: Finding Alfie by Michael Morpurgo, illustrated by Michael Foreman HB ISBN 9781761646294

This book, which looks so much like a picture book, is an illustrated memoir by the author. 

On the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings, Morpurgo tells a new story about this milestone moment in British history. His Aunty Iris always treasured her small painting of a boat, which her close friend Alfie had painted many years before. Her nephew, Michael, is inspired to discover what happened to Alfie in World War II. He embarks on a journey that takes him across the Channel into France, learning a profound lesson about service and the surprising power of memory.

With muted sepia illustrations by Michael Foreman, this picture book is perfect for the whole family to share and remember. This is a pictorial commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the D-Day invasion created by two legends of British children's books, Michael Morpurgo (War Horse, Private Peaceful) and Michael Foreman (War Boy) developed in partnership with the Royal British Legion

At the end of the book, Philippa Rawlinson, Director of Remembrance, Royal British Legion, addresses the reader about war-related stories including how the British Expeditionary Force was sent to France to try and stop further Nazi advances in the west. She also writes about the 'Miracle of Dunkirk' in which Sea Quest, the boat on which Alfie travels to France, is involved. There are numerous black and white photographs taken during this historical time. There's also biographical notes about the book's author and illustrator, and a double-page spread of red poppies.

 The book would suit a reader aged 7 to 11 years.

Blue

Blue by Michael Rosen, illustrated by Michael Foreman (Walker Books)

PB RRP $16.95

ISBN 9781406354546

Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

Raffi wants to discover what he’s good at. His brother Jake seems to be good at everything.  Unable to sleep and seeing only the dark, Raffi wriggles and jiggles in his bed. Blue, a magical light appears and invites Raffi to follow. The boy immediately trusts the voice, and is carried on streams of blue light into the dark and on an adventure, by what turns out to be a giant blue magical cat.

Together they head off into the night, lighting the up the dark with a single pointing action. Raffi awakes next day from his glorious dream with a new-found confidence. He now feels he is good at something too. Even his fear of the dark is diminished.

This thoughtful book reflects on doubts, fears and insecurities that children may have about the dark, seeing themselves as not being good at anything, and lacking confidence.

Gorgeously created by two big names in children’s picture books, the blue illustrations that fill the book identify strongly with confidence and inner security, the main themes of this story. An ideal book for initiating conversation between adult and child about insecurities/fears, for there’s a lot to touch upon.

Kensuke’s Kingdom

Kensuke’s Kingdom by Michael Morpurgo, illustrated by Michael Foreman (Hardie Grant Egmont)

PB RRP $16.95

ISBN 978-1-4052-4856-3

Reviewed by Lillian Rodrigues-Pang

I picked this book for the title – Kensuke’s Kingdom. I gravitate towards Asian titles/influences and in general it has paid off, think Samurai Kids and Dragon Keeper recently. Kensuke’s Kingdom turned out to be a wonderful, enthralling read that I could not put down. This book is at the top of the highly recommended list. In fact I am looking forward to reading it again – a bit slower this time – if only I could get it back off my children!

I will make a full admission of my ignorance here - when I picked up this book I had no idea of its history. Michael Morpurgo has written over 40 books and won the Whitbread Award, the Smarties Award, the Circle of Gold Award, the Children’s Book Award and has been short-listed for the Carnegie Medal four times. This is one of Michael Morpurgo’s best selling books and I can see why. It is brilliant.

This book is a page turning adventure. Michael is an 11-year-old boy who gets lost at sea with his dog. They are rescued by a mysterious Japanese elder and live together on an island amongst the Orangutans and Gibbons. This book has all the makings of a grand tale of adventure – a boy, his dog, a near deserted island, forests, wilderness, mosquitoes that eat Michael alive, a desperate search for water/survival, loneliness and friendship.

This is a re-release of Kensuke’s Kingdom including full colour artwork by the original illustrator, Michael Foreman. The colour and graphics do add to the story. They are gentle, well placed illustrations that add to the feel and beauty of the story.

Only read this book if you have a day free, as you will not be able to put it down. I highly recommend Kensuke’s Kingdom.