Young children
Ten-year-old Florence dreams of meeting her estranged father. While her mother is in hospital, Florence stays with Grandpa Silas who reads her stories by the fire and when the old, grandfather clock strikes five, she loves to prepare his tea.
Florence’s magical journey, to meet her father and his other family, begins with a noise in the middle of the night and Jack-in-the-Green’s appearance, visible only to her. Florence’s father invites her to a family day out on a canal barge. But her excitement turns to confusion and feelings of disloyalty to her mother, and she hides the invitation. Reassured by her mother, she joins the family trip and recognises her stepsister, Laila, as the Indian girl she met at the playground. She also meets her half-brother, Krish and stepmother, Maryam.
Tidying the shop, Florence finds an old photo of a young girl being read to by an old man. Jack-in-the-Green is in the photo and Grandpa says Florence can put the picture in her room above the shop, near the old, coloured glass lamp. But will her magical friend stay, or will he return to his home in Ireland?
Author’s Note:
Florence’s story is purposely devoid of references to the media. The story is reminiscent of timeless, children's classics, though set in the present day. My intention was to create a child’s reading book that embraced, friendship, empathy, cultural differences and respect, all with a touch of magical realism, without media intrusion. Family values are also a central theme and despite Florence’s estrangement from her father, a strong bond with both Grandpa Silas and her mother, carry her though to a happy conclusion.
Here's what readers have to say about this book....
I love the book, it is so gentle, written with a light touch and expertly deals with quite difficult issues. I really like Grandpa. He's just like Santa Claus. This is a book that encourages children to share problems or worries with someone they trust and sometimes magic might happen, as it did for Florence, the book's central character, whose charming, secret elf steers her actions. The many black and white illustrations serve to enhance the story, which deals with a family split and school bullying, while embracing a strong family bond.
When we first enter the world of Florence and her grandfather, Silas, we seem to be entering a magical “other” world which belongs to a different time; although everything is grounded in the real world of today, events are seen through a shimmering perspective of fairy tale make believe – especially when Jack-in-the-Green makes his first surprise appearance. We soon find out that only Florence can see him . . . and that he’s been around in the antiques shop for a very long time! Although Florence is happy living with her mum and sharing wonderful times with Silas as well, she has always longed to meet the father she’s never known – and it’s Jack who casts his magic touch to make this happen, with heart-warming results for everyone, including Florence’s little stepsister, Laila, who introduces her to an exciting new world of Indian cuisine and dance. Jack even manages to help Laila escape from the school bully! There are adventures too, when Florence takes to the water with her new found family. This book manages to combine the nostalgia of crumpets toasted on the fire and flowery eiderdowns, hints of Dickens and classic fairy tales with a modern take on family life today which is sure to resonate with many girls who love to enter an imaginary world of books, whilst recognising themselves and the people around them in the stories they read.
This book gives us a child's familiar world - a Grandpa with twinkly eyes, a shop where a 10 year old can be helpful, a picnic, a gymnastics club, and a wellington that falls into a canal. However, this well-written and charmingly illustrated story doesn't shy away from difficult issues that can affect children, and deals with these issues in an honest and helpful way. I think children aged 7 to 9 (and adults perhaps reading alongside them) will enjoy the sprinkle of magic the author gives us. (Diana Bingle)
Get the latest Troubador articles, news and events sent directly to your inbox.
