On Monday, BBC Radio 4's Today Programme continues their excellent Summer School Holiday linked feature on book recommendations for children. More specifically, the coming week's theme is that of nature writing for the young.
My immediate thought was this affords a cracking opportunity for the SD massive to submit much-loved titles from their formative years, and irrespective of any less than 21st century politically correct content!
Notwithstanding the out of print status of the many titles that flitted across the grey matter of this 66-year old, this did not dull my enthusiasm for submitting the following recommendation:
"Red Vagabond - The Story of a Fox - by C.D. Adams with scraperboard illustrations by Denys Watkins-Pitchford ('BB'):
This vividly told tale of a fox ("Tag"), first published in 1951 and set against the background of wildlife on the Welsh border, will appeal not only to the young but those who love the outdoors and who's pulse quickens at the first 'bite' of Autumn.
Adam's practised eye for the oft' overlooked, his expert knowledge of wildlife habits, and the depth of his understanding of the subject and countryside in general result in a tale of exceptional charm that is unencumbered by modern-day sensibilities as personified by Chris Packham's sterile and overly opinionated take on the Great Outdoors.
The mood of Red Vagabond is further enhanced by the wonderfully evocative artwork (monochrome woodcuts) by the late Watkins-Pitchford MBE, better known as 'BB', and a fine author & journalist who also wrote a story of a fox: "Wild Lone".
OK, the chances of this book getting a mention are slim indeed but if you submit nothing you may expect nothing.
K
My immediate thought was this affords a cracking opportunity for the SD massive to submit much-loved titles from their formative years, and irrespective of any less than 21st century politically correct content!
Notwithstanding the out of print status of the many titles that flitted across the grey matter of this 66-year old, this did not dull my enthusiasm for submitting the following recommendation:
"Red Vagabond - The Story of a Fox - by C.D. Adams with scraperboard illustrations by Denys Watkins-Pitchford ('BB'):
This vividly told tale of a fox ("Tag"), first published in 1951 and set against the background of wildlife on the Welsh border, will appeal not only to the young but those who love the outdoors and who's pulse quickens at the first 'bite' of Autumn.
Adam's practised eye for the oft' overlooked, his expert knowledge of wildlife habits, and the depth of his understanding of the subject and countryside in general result in a tale of exceptional charm that is unencumbered by modern-day sensibilities as personified by Chris Packham's sterile and overly opinionated take on the Great Outdoors.
The mood of Red Vagabond is further enhanced by the wonderfully evocative artwork (monochrome woodcuts) by the late Watkins-Pitchford MBE, better known as 'BB', and a fine author & journalist who also wrote a story of a fox: "Wild Lone".
OK, the chances of this book getting a mention are slim indeed but if you submit nothing you may expect nothing.
K
