Irvine Hunt's novel for children (and adults too!), The Drover's Boy, is loved by everyone who reads it and we have had some really good reviews. The most gratifying compliment of all however, came from a parent at Croftlands Junior School in Ulverston after Irvine visited there to talk about The Drover's Boy and his life as a writer. She has given us permission to quote from her email.'Just wanted to write and thank you for giving your reading at my son’s Junior School this week. My 10 year old son, Sam, has no interest in reading whatsoever, as he believes it to be "stupid and boring"………. So, imagine my surprise this morning when he asked me for the money to buy your book! Even more surprisingly, when I told him that I had no cash on me he took the money out of his piggy bank and is buying it himself! This really is a remarkable turn of events, so I would like to sincerely thank you for whatever you said or did that has aroused this interest in reading. Long may it continue!'
It's lovely to find an email like this amongst all the day to day stuff in your in-box and wonderful to think that Irvine's talk has made such a difference to a child.
School visits vary. Success depends on good preparation by class teachers beforehand. The Drover's Boy, with its tale of Cumbrian geese drovers in the early 20th Century is an excellent subject for a talk. The children love to hear about the battles between Henry and Torse, the cantankerous Irish drover. They particularly enjoy the practical jokes Henry plays on Torse. Cumbria Magazine, reviewing The Drover's Boy this month, suggest it is a must for school libaries.
Lovely to get such good feedback, especially from a child, the most honest critic.
ReplyDeleteI also read Drover's Boy after a dry spell of reading and it inspired me to read again. It's got the right balance of ease and imagination. Everything a good story should be!
Dot