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While the Bombs Fell
Blurb
What was it like for children growing up in rural Suffolk during World War 2?
Elsie and her family live in a small double-storey cottage in Bungay, Suffolk. Every night she lies awake listening anxiously for the sound of the German bomber planes. Often they come and the air raid siren sounds signalling that the family must leave their beds and venture out to the air raid shelter in the garden.
Despite the war raging across the English channel, daily life continues with its highlights, such as Christmas and the traditional Boxing Day fox hunt, and its wary moments when Elsie learns the stories of Jack Frost and the ghostly and terrifying Black Shuck that haunts the coastline and countryside of East Anglia.
Includes some authentic World War 2 recipes.
Reviews
A selection of reviews for While the Bombs Fell:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/BooksandEverything/permalink/2153057218344644/
A review on TSL Publications site:
This is an historical biography of Elsie Hancy Eaton’s childhood in the 1940s in Suffolk County, England, quite literally while the (German) bombs fell. The book is aimed at younger readers, I’d say upper middle grade or younger YA, but as an adult, I quite enjoyed it.
The book is narrated in a series of vignettes rather than a traditional story structure. I found each chapter sweet or frightening or humorous or sad, but always interesting. I learned a lot about England during the early 1940s.
Because of the War and rationing Elsie had anything but a carefree childhood. And yet, Elsie and her siblings had carefree activities, like playing in the mud, swimming in the river, patriotic singing, visiting the cows, and plucking fruit from the apple trees. Cheadle and Eaton include several lullabies, folk songs, and children’s rhymes which add to the atmosphere of the story.
This book has the same vibe as A Tree Grows in Brooklyn: a young girl in tough times thrives nonetheless.
A fantastic read, kudos to Cheadle and Eaton.
I bought the ebook through the Lulu online bookstore.
Silly Willy Goes to Cape Town
Blurb
When the George family go on holiday to Cape Town, Cautious Craig cannot believe what he has to endure at the hands of his naughty and wilful younger brother, Silly Willy. Willy throws tantrums at the most embarrassing and inappropriate times, causes a commotion on the aeroplane and tries to steal a chameleon from Butterfly World. What is a poor older brother expected to do in these situations?
Includes 5 lovely party recipes.
Reviews
4-star Goodreads review
Every so often I dip into the world of children’s fiction and I’ve yet to be disappointed! Ms Cheadle has delivered a tale that is funny and real and simply a delight to read.
Cautious Craig tells the story of his holiday in Cape Town – all the fun things they did and experienced and how his younger brother Silly Willy causes chaos along the way.
The recipes and fondant art creations round out a delicious book!
Recommended for children able to read chapter books and anyone who enjoys an amusing tale.
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