Captain Rosalie

The centenary of the First World War has brought a full postbag of titles about children and war, including Michael Morpurgo’s Our Jacko and Poppy Field and The Button War by the Newbery medal winner Avi, to name but a few. These three are excellent reads, but the greatest discovery has been a small book by Timothée de Fombelle, a French playwright and author known, but not previously by me, for his Vango adventure series and “Toby” books, who has collaborated with the talented illustrator Isabelle Arsenault… De Fombelle writes minimally for maximum effect and Arsenault’s mostly red, black and white ink and watercolours are stunning. A perfect little book about war, grief and peace that packs a mighty punch. -- Alex O’Connell * The Times *
[a] poignant, beautifully produced volume. -- Nicolette Jones * The Sunday Times *
“Captain Rosalie is a sensitive, at times playful and very moving glimpse into the past.” * The Scotsman *
“Incredibly sad, but written in a way that leaves you with hope. You might still need a handkerchief close by.” * Primary Times *
“A gently told and heart-wrenching story that brings home the full and dreadful impact of war.” * Carousel *