Author:K M Peyton
Ros falls instantly in love with the beautiful black and white pony that she discovers tethered in a field near her home. She has always longed for a pony of her own. If only he belonged to her . . .
But Badger (as Ros and her friend, Leo, name the pony) belongs to someone else, and Ros watches with mounting horror as she sees the way his real owners treat him. At first it is just neglect, but worse is to come and, as the long cold winter nights draw in, Ros knows that she can no longer bear to stand by and see the once-beautiful pony suffer. Together with Leo she hatches a desperate plan – a plan to rescue poor Badger . . .
Alex Latimer's stylish, unexpected tale Pig and small offers lots to think about, with its simple, witty cartoons (plus knitted details), as a pig and a bug overcome their size difference to be friends.
—— Nicolette Jones , The Sunday TimesAlex Latimer's fourth picture book is another modern delight. His illustrations are fresh and funny... Pig and Small's story is endearing and amusing. Latimer is a picture book talent to keep an eye on, breathing new life into a timeless territory.
—— Books for KeepsThe story is a hoot and the expressive illustrations match the text perfectly. A winner!
—— Peters e-gazetteIt's a charming tale of friendship and overcoming differences, with a nice twist at the end.
—— Parents in TouchA heart-wrenching and sometimes terrifying tale . . . Compulsive reading
—— Children's Books IrelandExciting, funny and sadly topical . . . My children’s book of the year for 8-11s
—— Amanda Craig , New StatesmanRachel Campbell-Johnston's work is as vivid as it is moving
—— The Sunday ReviewPulls no punches, but there's a moving, almost spiritual ending
—— the IndependentThe story is remarkably free from sentimentality and anthropomorphism, and the author does not talk down to the children who will form her audience. Like Rudyard Kipling (to whose folk tale The Elephant’s Child this is surely a tribute), Campbell-Johnston shows a deep knowledge of African culture, with lush metaphors and precise descriptions of locations, smells and weather.
—— Rebecca Foster , We Love This BookThis beautifully written story is a new departure which draws on her (Rachel Campbell-Johnston's) original training as a zoologist. The Child's Elephant sings with a formidable talent, imagination and passion.
This powerful story is as huge as the African savannah it describes.
—— CarouselThe Child’s Elephant is a captivating and deeply affecting book, exceptional both for the in-the-field research that has gone into writing it, and for the writing itself which is mesmerising.
—— Caroline Sanderson , Books for KeepsRachel Campbell-Johnson lyrically conveys much about life in contemporary Africa: its beauty, its communities and many of the issues surrounding its poverty...This is an unforgettable, beautiful and moving novel about the powerful bond between an elephant and a child.
—— Book TrustA compelling story which has its roots in reality, it is a real page-turner
—— Parents in TouchThe extraordinary story of the incredible friendship between a boy and an elephant, and their survival against all the odds.
—— GransnetShows a deep knowledge of African culture, with lush metaphors and precise descriptions of locations, smells and weather.
—— Rebecca Foster , We Love This BookBeautifully conveys life in a traditional African village . . . the sights, smells, tastes and colours . . . Reading this left me wanting to find out more about both the place and the background to this story.
—— The Book BagThis is an extraordinary book
—— The Book BagThis is an amazing story . . . Definitely for Michael Morpurgo fans and also Gill Lewis and Lauren St John fans. I think almost anyone should read it.
—— We Sat DownThis is a novel that will stay with me forever. I recommend The Child’s Elephant 100%!
—— Little M , We Sat DownMy children's book of the year for 8-11s
—— Amanda Craig , New StatesmanA must-read for both the old and young, it's a triumph in children's literature that you will never forget
—— Cirencester LifePulls no punches . . . There’s a moving, almost spiritual ending
—— Independent on SundayA compelling story which has its roots in reality, it is a real page-turner as the reader is anxious to find out what happens to the pair.
—— Parents in Touch