A wonderful quote from 'The Tin Snail' by Cameron McAllister-a book from the lovely people at Random House I was lucky enough to be able to review. It's based on the true story of the origins of the people's car-the 2CV-during WW2. Oh, it is a really lovely read. Different to the other war stories perhaps we've got used to reading....refreshing because of it, particularly as it's set in a France about to be occupied. It has the quirkiness of Mr. Gumpy's outing, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Gumdrop et al which makes it something different and endearing...9+ would get the most from it I think.
It tells the story of Angelo, his Italian father, inventing partner and patron who are passionate about cars and are striving to make a 'people's car' for ordinary folk to use in France. There are mini stories within the book as the chapters tell about their adventures with their inventions and you meet other folk from the village where they've 'retreated' to think and invent and rise to the challenge of producing a car that will carry a farmer and his wife, a flagon of wine and a tray of eggs across a bumpy field. However, when war is declared they soon realise that the Germans may well want to steal those plans for themselves and they then have to think about how to hide their plans and the TIN SNAIL itself. There are some true 'snippets' in there and it really is a good yarn. The relationship between Father and son is touching and there's a lot of humour in what must have been an very daunting, scary time especially when you're 13 at the onset of war and invasion. It's charming story with black and white illustrations by Sam Usher which set the tone beautifully. There's also a lovely bit about the amazing patisserie offerings they eat whilst they're cogitating-just be warned if you're drinking a cup of coffee like they do in the book, you'll want a cake to go with it!
It tells the story of Angelo, his Italian father, inventing partner and patron who are passionate about cars and are striving to make a 'people's car' for ordinary folk to use in France. There are mini stories within the book as the chapters tell about their adventures with their inventions and you meet other folk from the village where they've 'retreated' to think and invent and rise to the challenge of producing a car that will carry a farmer and his wife, a flagon of wine and a tray of eggs across a bumpy field. However, when war is declared they soon realise that the Germans may well want to steal those plans for themselves and they then have to think about how to hide their plans and the TIN SNAIL itself. There are some true 'snippets' in there and it really is a good yarn. The relationship between Father and son is touching and there's a lot of humour in what must have been an very daunting, scary time especially when you're 13 at the onset of war and invasion. It's charming story with black and white illustrations by Sam Usher which set the tone beautifully. There's also a lovely bit about the amazing patisserie offerings they eat whilst they're cogitating-just be warned if you're drinking a cup of coffee like they do in the book, you'll want a cake to go with it!
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