Perfect for schools - both for class reading as well as performance.

A short black and white illustrated play set in World War Two written by Julia Donaldson, author of the modern classic The Gruffalo.

World War Two has been declared and the Chivers children are sent to the safety of the countryside. They are delighted to be brought back home when it looks like the Germans aren't going to invade after all. But the air-raid siren goes off and this time it's frighteningly real.

This dramatic and touching play brings Manchester during the Second World War and its people to life, and provides a variety of opportunities for school classes to explore both historical and literacy topics in an involving and creative setting. Also includes helpful tips on staging and costume.

'This touching play brings to life the Second World War in a very accessible way for junior children' - Books for Keeps

Julia Donaldson (Author)
Julia Donaldson is the outrageously talented, prize-winning author of the world's best-loved picture books, and was the 2011-2013 UK Children's Laureate. Her books include Room on the Broom, Stick Man, What the Ladybird Heard and the modern classics The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo's Child which have sold 17 million copies worldwide and have been translated into 70 languages. Julia also writes fiction as well as poems, plays and songs and her brilliant live children's shows are always in demand. Julia and her husband Malcolm divide their time between Sussex and Edinburgh.

Thomas Docherty (Illustrator)
Thomas Docherty is an acclaimed author and illustrator of children's books including Little Boat, Big Scary Monster and The Driftwood Ball. He also illustrated The Snatchabook, written by his wife Helen, which has been shortlisted for several awards in the UK and US and been translated into 17 languages.

About the Author

Julia Donaldson (Author)
Julia Donaldson, the 2011-2013 Children's Laureate, is the prize-winning author of the world's most-loved picture books including The Gruffalo and What the Ladybird Heard.

The Gruffalo, illustrated by Axel Scheffler, is now a children's classic; celebrating 20 years in 2019, selling over 3 million copies worldwide. It was voted Great Britain's favourite bedtime story on BBC Radio 2 and was adapted and broadcast as an animation on BBC 1 on Christmas Day 2009. The Gruffalo's Child and Room on the Broom are now also films, with Room on the Broom shortlisted for an Academy Award.

Thomas Docherty (Illustrator)
Thomas Docherty is an acclaimed author and illustrator of children's picture books including Little Boat, Big Scary Monster, and the Driftwood Ball. The Snatchabook, which was written by his wife Helen, has been shortlisted for several awards in the UK and US and been translated into 17 languages.

Reviews
Perfect for class reading or performance * Primary Times *
A way of linking history with English which I really liked * TES Teacher *
Would make an excellent presentation as part of a study project on life in war time . . . 8 to 11-year-olds should enjoy taking part . . . gives the atmosphere of the period well * School Librarian *
This touching play brings to life the Second World War in a very accessible way for junior children * Books for Keeps *



Book Information
ISBN 9781444938906
Author Julia Donaldson
Format Paperback
Page Count 64
Imprint Hodder Children's Books
Publisher Hachette Children's Group
Weight(grams) 81g
Dimensions(mm) 194mm * 152mm * 8mm