Author:Yulia Yakovleva,Ruth Ahmedzai Kemp
Russia in 1938 is a place of great terror. Joseph Stalin is in charge. His Secret Police are everywhere, searching for anyone who might be his enemy. People have no idea who they can trust.
Seven-year-old Shura doesn't know about any of this. He's happy in his little home in Leningrad going to school in the mornings, playing with his best friend in the afternoon, fighting with his big sister, spending time with his Mama, Papa and baby brother Bobka.
Until one day everything changes.
Mama and Papa and Bobka disappear without a trace. The whispers of their neighbours are that Mama and Papa were spies, enemies of Stalin and so they have now been taken by something mysterious called The Raven. Desperate to reunite his family, Shura decides to hunt down The Raven, finding help in the most unexpected places but facing more danger than he has ever known . . .
Thought-provoking . . . This unusual read is compelling
—— Sunday TimesAn intriguing, magic-realist take on a brutal reality
—— SpectatorThe Raven's Children really is worthy of all the applause it's receiving. Ten out of ten
—— StarburstGripping and at times quite surreal, the blend of historical fiction and magical realism sets a striking atmosphere
—— BookTrustHere is a sweetly and simply told tale of a little boy from a very little asteroid, so big with meaning that even important people will find wisdom in it; so simply told that even critics and college professors ought to understand its beauty and meaning; a thin little book filled with rich substance; something easy to read and remember and hard to forget
—— Los Angeles TimesAntione de Saint-Exupéry’s story has enchanted audience of all ages… The story’s wisdom on loneliness – in cities crowded with people – and consumerism – in a world replete with natural joys – remains as resonant as ever. Morpurgo’s translation reminds us why
—— Samuel Earle , ObserverHeart-warming
—— OK, 5-starred reviewOodles of charm and silliness
—— HeraldBursting with loveable characters, fast-paced adventure and, of course, Christmas spirit . . . A highly recommended read
—— BooktrustA magical adventure that practically explodes off the page
—— Teach Primary