Last week, while working on the circulation desk at the library, a girl signed out a book that caught my eye. I asked her if she would mind if I had a peek, she smiled in such a proud way. She knew that I knew she had found something special.
My Secret War Diary by Flossie Albright is written for children but will delight adults like me! It's absolutely chock full of wonderful journal writing, fold-out letters and cards and drawings. I placed a hold so that I could enjoy every entry and ended up placing an order through the library for my own copy.
Marcia Williams is the author and illustrator of this work, I'll be on the lookout for more of her children's books as I really like her style. I'm going to save further exploring of this title until my own copy arrives but I thought that I would share this with others that may also enjoy books in this format and of this era.
Last week, while working on the circulation desk at the library, a girl signed out a book that caught my eye. I asked her if she would mind if I had a peek, she smiled in such a proud way. She knew that I knew she had found something special. 
My Secret War Diary by Flossie Albright is written for children but will delight adults like me! It's absolutely chock full of wonderful journal writing, fold-out letters and cards and drawings. I placed a hold so that I could enjoy every entry and ended up placing an order through the library for my own copy. 
Marcia Williams is the author and illustrator of this work, I'll be on the lookout for more of her children's books as I really like her style. I'm going to save further exploring of this title until my own copy arrives but I thought that I would share this with others that may also enjoy books in this format and of this era.
Great spot Darlene! It looks delightful indded. I am pleased to report that the Cornish library service has four copies and that they are all out on loan. I have, of course, put in my request.
ReplyDeleteThis does look like a delightful read and I love the format. What a happy thought...that this girl is out there opening such a book and entering a whole new world:)
ReplyDeleteThat sounds wonderful - the format reminds me of Allan Ahlberg's Jolly Postman which I enjoyed very much as a child. But the war element looks hugely interesting.
ReplyDeleteNo copies in Oxfordshire library services I'm afraid but I'll have a look next time I'm in Blackwell's children's dept.
PS: I see the author has done something similar for WW1 called Archie's War.
ReplyDeletefleurfisher, So glad your library carries this charming book! I think you'll like it even more once you get it in your hands.
ReplyDeleteBook Psmith, I was really pleased to see reviews on Amazon that kids are enjoying this book. Hopefully, the little girl who brought it to my attention comes back with her review!
verity, Thank you, I've just checked our library and placed a hold on Archie's War. Ah yes, Jolly Postman...you're right, this is very similiar, another charming book for kids big and small.
Looks wonderful! I just tagged your post as "wish list" on the Google Reader.
ReplyDeleteOh that looks wonderful. Must see if we have any copies in the Richmond library system.
ReplyDeleteK x
P.S. Just checked and we don't. Bah! But will have a peek in the bookstore while I'm home :)
claire, I've just been having another peek at the book, it's a treasure. Sort of makes me want to get out my pencil crayons!
ReplyDeleteKristina, How disappointing, I know the feeling well as my library often doesn't have the books discussed on the UK blogs. Do look for it, I think you would like it...G might even have a peek!
What a cool book. I have a feeling my library won't have it, but I am off to check. I wonder if I could ILL a children's book or whether they'd raise their eyebrows at me for such a request!
ReplyDeleteThis looks like such a lovely book. I'm disappointed that there are no copies in my library system :-(
ReplyDeleteDanielle, Here's hoping your library has it, if not place an ILL request and let them talk!
ReplyDeletep.s. - my Tudor Rose scissor keep is starting to take shape, stay tuned.
JoAnn, Awww...that's too bad. Sneak a peek at your local bookshop one of these days. You can always ask if they have a 'request to purchase' form at the library. It's a terrific book to have in the collection!
I've had this book on my TBR list but had pretty much forgotten about it. My library has Archie's War and some of her other titles but not this one. I've requested Archie's War and will try ILL for My War Diary. Thanks so much for bringing this book back to my attention!
ReplyDeleteJeanette, Happy to refresh your memory. It's strange to read about WWII with a smile on your face but this author manages to do just that.
ReplyDeleteThis looks absolutely wonderful. Thanks so much for writing about it. I looked it up at amazon and there is another one she has written about the first world war, called Archie's War. I want to read them both. I have a book that you might like - one I read and just loved, called Ethel & Ernest by Raymond Briggs (the man who did The Snowman) about his parents' lives in England. More here:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.bookdepository.co.uk/book/9780375714474/Ethel-and-Ernest
Nan, I've read Ethel & Ernest, wasn't it fantastic! Have you read When the Wind Blows by Briggs? If you haven't then try to get your hands on it.
ReplyDeleteMy Secret War Diary is even more delightful once held in your hand, I've placed a hold on Archie's War but it seems to me missing from the library at the moment, sigh.
I've just emailed the library to ILL all three books. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteDoesn't this look wonderful!
ReplyDeleteI just found you from Nan...Letters From A Farm Hill...the book looks delighful...it made me think of Jolly Postman too....one ofmy alltime favorite books.I will check this out...
ReplyDeleteWhere you live looks wonderful.....
Kary from California