The Willow Man 

'...It's a complex and engaging read that will keep the reader going to the end. The Willow Man, burned by unknown vandals and then re-built, is a symbol of power and hope.'

Lois Keith, Books for Keeps

 

'I really enjoyed The Willow Man, it was so good I started it on Saturday morning and ended it that same night. It was really good the way you made it sound as if the way he reached down to take Sophie's flower offering was true.'

Liberty, Hugh Sexeys School

Liberty read the book before I went to visit her school, and took the trouble to write a review of it. Thank you, Liberty.

 

'The Willow Man by Sue Purkiss (Walker £4.99) is another children's novel that's not afraid of the issues - in this case, disability. Eight-year-old Sophie suffers a severe stroke... There's a danger of putting the squeamish reader off with a theme like this (and many children are squeamish readers), but the light, sensitive touch of Purkiss's writing carries it off. It's compellingly readable... Both boys and girls of 10 and up would enjoy this.'

Brandon Robshaw, Independent on Sunday

 

'This book was rather out of the ordinary and I didn't expect or anticipate what would happen next. The book has a bit of everything... sadness, mystery, crime, excitement and scary bits all squeezed together in one gripping story. Although the book does have a happy ending it leaves other questions unanswered and the complete story is like a roller coaster as it has so many ups and downs, twists and turns... A real winner because it is unusual and different from anything else I have read.'

Joshua, reviewing for The Red House

 

'... a bitter-sweet mix of happy and sad... A definite must read!'

Chloe, also in The Red House

 

'A powerful and really moving story about where to place your faith. The characters are believable, in particular the author has captured the frustration of children without any power. The children feel they are not being listened to: their intense feelings of loss are of no matter... Highly recommended for children to read themselves or to be discussed in class. It deals with several issues skilfully and over all is the powerful presence of the willow man.'

Joy Taylor www.writeaway.org.uk

 

'This book was good because the author herself was inspired to write it because she actually saw the Willow Man down the M5 motorway. I thought the story was superb because it had a different kind of plot to a lot of other books I have read. I liked Ash as he was the kind of boy who had problems of his own and was quite an unusual character. I would recommend it to young teenagers.'

Chistopher from Liberton High, writing in Teen Titles

 

'... Sue Purkiss's The Willow Man is drawn on a smaller classic canvas and is a satisfying read for children aged nine and above...the storytelling is deft and the issues of illness, dyslexia and bullying are not overdrawn. Nor do the pyrotechnics overwhelm the composition when the iconic Willow Man is destroyed by fire.'

Gaye Hicyilmaz, Times Educational Supplement

 

'This is quite a grown up book, but, like The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time, I think it has a lot to offer both parents and children. My daughter loved this book and has reread it several times; I am sure gaining more from it on each reading. I would thoroughly recommend this to children of 8/9 and over (and their parents!).'

Karen with Holly (8), Education Otherwise Newsletter

 

'The mysterious Willow Man that stands atop a distant hill fascinates many of the local children that see it, but for some the figure represents more. Ash, whose father has long since left the family home, obsessively draws its image, while Sophie, recently paralysed, finds hope in the aura that surrounds the sculpture. What powers does the figure possess, and why are the children drawn to it? The Willow Man is an uplifting novel that will touch the heart of any reader.'

Eoin Fegan, Recommended Reading Guide to the Irish Children's Book Festival

 

The Willow Man is on the (very long) shortlist for the Highland Children's Book Awards. Here are two comments by children who reviewed it. I'd just like to say to Sim: 'Sorry, and I will, but this just shows why it's always a good idea to read the blurb - that'll give you a really good idea as to whether the book is one you might like!'

'I did not like the book. The reason is I thought the book should have mentioned the Willow Man more... the Willow Man should have not been on the cover when the story is about a girl having a stroke. Please remember this next time!'

Sim, Tarbat Old Primary

'I loved this book as it made me feel in the zone and I wanted to know what would happen.'

Ryan, Knockbreck Primary

 

Warrior King 

'If only all history lessons were as interesting and enjoyable as this book. Warrior King charts the life of King Alfred, known to most only for burning the cakes, but actually the only English monarch to be known as 'the Great'. The story, told with a modern flair, begins with Alfred's childhood and takes time to explain the relationship he had with his father and older brothers and the frustration he felt at being the youngest.. This enables the reader to appreciate his personality and helps them to understand his decisions and actions in later life. The pace increases and captures the excitement of Alfred finally becoming King. He has to face not only the threat of the terrifying Danish leader, Guthrum, but also the doubts of the British people. At first glance this book would appear to be one for the boys, however, with two strong female lead characters, Alfred's daughter Fleda and the mysterious and magical Cerys, this will provide an equally satisfying story for girls...'

 

Jane Hall, writing in Carousel

 

'As Alfred plans for his eventual David and Goliath victory over the Danes at Edington, a Britain finally readying itself to emerge from the Dark Ages reveals itself through the eyes of a child. Its politics, its social structures, its religion and its daily life are written seamlessly into the storyline and Alfred appears just as he was; a man of unusual vision and high intelligence. Purkiss allows herself a tiny detour or two into the semi-supernatural. This isn't so much a fantasy element as an explication of the spiritual beliefs at a time when not all of Britain was yet Christian. And of course, today's children love a touch of magic as much as ever.'

http://www.thebookbag.co.uk/