The Boyhood of Burglar Bill

Nov 15, 2024 8:52 PM

Author:Allan Ahlberg

Coronation Year, 1953, and in Oldbury a Coronation football competition is organized. The boys from the bottom pitch get a team up, but there's no chance they'll win, of course. They're just the odds and sods – one of them is even a girl – but they're all football crazy and ready and eager to beat off the opposition.

A funny and moving story of football and friendship in a world when the streets were full of kids and empty of cars. Not only for boys – and girls – of 9+, there's a real pull of nostalgia for adults as well. And, of course, for all lovers of football, whether on the pitch or in the park.

Reviews

An exceptional piece of writing . . . comic, poignant and true. Anyone will be enriched by reading it

—— Sunday Times

Affectionately downbeat . . . this artfully informal story has something for everyone

—— Nicholas Tucker , Independent

This is simply great writing, for boys or anyone else

—— Brandon Robshaw , Independent

A little artist decides to inject color into her drab gray city. As she boldly paints the town red (and yellow and blue) she brings beauty and life to all who live there. This vivacious storybook is perfect for young children, graduates or anyone setting on their own path and in need of a little bravery or inspiration.

—— New York Post - The Best Books to Buy for Christmas

Realizing that making mistakes is part of the process could be a game-changer for the many kids who can't conquer their discouragement when their art falls short of their expectations

—— Booklist

Even if readers don't need encouragement to unleash their own talents, they should be intrigued by this protagonist's arc toward artistic assurance

—— Publishers Weekly

This book is perfect to read with children who have started drawing but sometimes feel disheartened when their drawing doesn't turn out exactly as they see it in their heads ... a stunningly beautiful book with a message for young and old - and it makes readers look anew and refreshed at the world. Ed Vere is one of the most talented children's books creators of our time and takes the care to make every word and every mark mean something, in or out of the lines

—— Booktrust

Previous Article：The Artist Next Article：The Big Six

Comments

Welcome to zzdbook comments! Please keep conversations courteous and on-topic. To fosterproductive and respectful conversations, you may see comments from our Community Managers.