An Eagle In The Snow

I am always on the look out for a really good, gripping book yet when I look for an in-depth book for children, one they can really learn from but enjoy too it has been quite a hard task.  I then came across the new book by the wonderful Michael Morpurgo, An Eagle In The Snow.

The first thing I always do when I pick up a potential book, is look at the blurb on the back as I feel it gives that first impression.  When I done it with this book I was drawn in and knew I had to read the book myself to find out more.

"All Billy could think now was that before he had done the wrong thing and now he must do the right thing.  He had to right the wrong he had done.  He had to stop the suffering before it began, that was all there was to it.  He had no choice"

The cover is also very appealing and captured my attention. 

As I sat down to read the book, which is aimed at children aged 9+, I couldn't help but notice the large print and the beautiful illustrations, by Michael Foreman, which was a pleasant change to to the books I obviously read.  

The story starts with Barney and his mother sitting on the train waiting for it to depart the station, and like most of us, was anxious for the journey to begin but what you need to remember is, it was 1940 and the world was at war and this would not be a normal journey.  

As the journey progresses the train comes under fire from the German army and the train comes to a stop inside a dark tunnel to take shelter from the attack.. This is when the stranger in the carriage really comes into it and this is when we learn more about him and the fascinating yet chilling tale.  I will not tell you too much as I really do not want to spoil it for you.

I was gripped from the start, I could not put the book down, I was gripped. Being honest, I have never known a book aimed at children to be so informative and important.

Do I recommend this book? Yes I really do.  I agree with the age of 9+ and I also recommend it for adults too.

You can purchase your own copy over on Amazon

To find out more about Michael Morpurgo you can visit his website here