80 pages publish date October 17,2023 publisher Penguin Random Canada, Tundra Books
ABOUT THE BOOK
The inspiring true tale of young siblings who loved to make stories — and grew up to be among English literature’s finest writers. A picture book for fans of Mary Who Wrote Frankenstein.
Many years ago, the four motherless children of the Brontë family — Charlotte, Branwell, Emily and Anne — lived in a windswept house by the moors with their father. Although their lives were often filled with sadness and their world was only as large as the distance they could walk, their INNER worlds were bound only by their imaginations. Hungry for stories, these children devoured novels and poetry, history and fables. And with the gift of a group of toy soldiers, they were inspired to make their own stories, and their own tiny books . . . a passion that would last them a lifetime.
A moving and atmospheric story about the power of imagination, the joy of storytelling and the love of books, The Little Books of the Little Brontës will enchant both those who love these literary sisters and those who are learning about them for the first time. Includes an author’s note, timeline of the Brontës’ lives and a fun craft with instructions on creating your own little book.
MY THOUGHTS
I am embarrassed to admit that yes, I have heard of the Brontes and their literature and that’s about it. I’ve read nothing by them and know next to nothing about them. I can’t use the excuse of living in the states and not the UK as a valid reason either. Their literature is quite well known over here as well.
In this beautifully illustrated children’s book we meet the 4 children, and the father makes a very brief appearance bringing gifts to the children returning home after traveling.
This is a nonfiction book and though it is informative I will now be doing more of an Indepth research into the children, their lives and their family.
I see the children had two elder sisters and their mother who passed all within a close time due to tuberculosis.
It sounds like the children didn’t have many friends outside of themselves and their family. Making up stories and creating their own very small child sized books was a way they entertained themselves. They loved reading and would read anything they could get their hands on including literature and their mother’s bible.
The four surviving children all died young, such tragedy! Their father outlived them all.
The book is atmospheric, you can just imagine them sitting at a table making these little books with wallpaper scraps for the cover.
The Little Book of the Little Bronte’s will propel those interested in English literature and learning more about these literary greats to do your own research. I will definitely be doing this.
Children have not only the opportunity to learn the basics about this family history, but it includes instruction on making your own book. Who knows this may interest some to continue on to becoming a published author.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
THE AUTHOR
Sara O’Leary (saraoleary.ca) is a writer for both children and adults. The Ghost in the House is her first novel. She has a degree in screenwriting from the University of British Columbia and teaches at Concordia University in Montreal. A former literary columnist for The Vancouver Sun and CBC Radio, she also writes short fiction. She has written a number of critically acclaimed books for children, including This is Sadie, which was adapted for the stage by New York City Children’s Theater.
Have you read anything by the Bronte’s? Thanks for stopping in. Have a marvelous day!
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