Love that quote above and I would love to use that last bit sometimes...many times in my professional life methinks! Just made me chuckle last night as I was reading this little gem. Haven't yet finished it but was always taken by 'Five children and It' by E. Nesbit. Although stony beaches tend to outnumber sandy beaches in these parts when I do come upon lovely sandy patches I do wish I might stumble upon a sand fairy or Psammead. He can grant wishes but they only last until sun down-the children learn they have to be very careful about what they wish for in 'Five children and It'. Kate Saunders has taken the story on with 'Five Children and the Western Front' -the children are growing up with 'Lamb' now a child not the little baby he once was. Cyril leaves to fight on the front and the Psammead appears to be losing his magic,popping up in random places embarrassing his the children. . There have already been some very poignant moments and I've yet to finish it. The children are able to go forward in time courtesy of the Psammead and move into the 30s to meet an older version of the Professor who helps them. By then the full horror of WW1 is understood but the children of course are innocent of what is about to befall their family.
So far I really like the continuity from the original - I think Kate Saunders has been spot on WITH much added humour. She really brings out the crotchety, very proud Psammead who appears to have no tact at all. I've already come across a great line I'm tempted to use when he meets a young soldier who he plainly feels is beneath him: 'I've no idea why the universe has introduced us'.
Did have a little chuckle at this one. I was reading in the middle of the night which I've always done if I wake up. I find it's better than lying awake thinking I should be asleep! This doesn't happen very often but I've always used reading to immerse myself in and relax. I really do, I think, escape into a book and that bit in Neil Gamain's speech about the power of fiction is ALL about enabling children to do the same. We have to give them that gift because it is a gift they're entitled to. I even managed to take the Count of Monte Cristo onto the labour ward though don't remember reading much of it after a while !! Will always make sure I have enough reading material wherever I go and recently, having been stuck in a few major traffic jams on the A14 I have my kindle in my bag because...you never know when you can escape with a book. This is what all our children need-can be on a kindle, tablet or book itself but they all deserve that escape.
So far I really like the continuity from the original - I think Kate Saunders has been spot on WITH much added humour. She really brings out the crotchety, very proud Psammead who appears to have no tact at all. I've already come across a great line I'm tempted to use when he meets a young soldier who he plainly feels is beneath him: 'I've no idea why the universe has introduced us'.
Did have a little chuckle at this one. I was reading in the middle of the night which I've always done if I wake up. I find it's better than lying awake thinking I should be asleep! This doesn't happen very often but I've always used reading to immerse myself in and relax. I really do, I think, escape into a book and that bit in Neil Gamain's speech about the power of fiction is ALL about enabling children to do the same. We have to give them that gift because it is a gift they're entitled to. I even managed to take the Count of Monte Cristo onto the labour ward though don't remember reading much of it after a while !! Will always make sure I have enough reading material wherever I go and recently, having been stuck in a few major traffic jams on the A14 I have my kindle in my bag because...you never know when you can escape with a book. This is what all our children need-can be on a kindle, tablet or book itself but they all deserve that escape.
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