Product Description

As Lenny's father goes off to fight in the second world war, he gives his son a brass badge with a lion and a unicorn on it. Lenny keeps it with him when bombs are dropped on his street and when he has to be evacuated to a big house in the country. He misses his parents a great deal, and the other children there and at school are spiteful in teasing him. But, he finds a secret walled garden to escape to with a stone unicorn. Here, he meets the wounded soldier, Mick and learns again how hard it is to be brave. It is the unicorn who finally rescues him from his sadness and loneliness and proves itself to be his guardian angel by bringing his mother to him.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #16693 in Books
• Published on: 2000-09-07
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 64 pages

Customer Reviews

An amazing picture book for those studying children in the war
I recently bought this book to add to my classroom library with a view to looking at the effects of the Second World War on children. Although year 6 children usually consider themselves 'above' picture books; this (along with the equally beautiful Rose Blanche) has to be an exception. this is not a picture book for young children - it is that rare thing; a picture book aimed at 9 year olds and above. (Children younger than that would find the content disturbing and hard to understand.)

The illustrations, typical of Shirley Hughes, are wonderful; and the story line is great, helping to clarify the children's insight into life during the Second World War. The child's emotions are captured well, and the story is very well written. I shall be using it to begin our mini unit on evacuation, and I'm sure it will help the children to understand better what life was like then.

Shirley Hughes - as good as ever1
A children's picture/story book suitable for all juniors. The book can easily lead into discussion with older children and be a 'story with a happy ending for the little boy' with younger ones.Ideal for study of evacuation during WWII (KS2) - not too long, a 'quick read' out loud. Contrasts in lifestyle/emotions/friendship/bullying are all issues raised. Wonderfully believable characters and delightfully evocative illustrations.

A good read for younger children
A moving story about a boy who's been evacuated and misses his Mum. The book was really helpful for people studying WWII. It has excellent pictures for young children, that are very detailed and have a magical feel. It shows how evacuees felt in the WWII.

Its a favourite with young children and older children will really relate to it. I think it would be good for people/teachers who want to talk about bullying and many other different issues.

The book is generally the right length but I would suggest reading it in two sittings. Few sentencecs on each page mean that younger children would also enjoy it.

Overall, it is a decent book for a variety of ages.