The Flying Classroom
Adventures and friendships in a 1930s boarding school
Erich Kastner author Anthea Bell translator Walter Trier illustrator
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Pushkin Children's Books
Published:6th Nov '14
Should be back in stock very soon
A captivating story of friendship and adventure unfolds in The Flying Classroom, where Martin and his friends face challenges and surprises.
Set in a 1930s boarding school, The Flying Classroom tells a heartwarming tale of boyhood adventures, friendships, and the anxieties that come with growing up. The story revolves around Martin and his friends, who experience the joys of school life through snowball fights, unexpected kidnappings, and a mysterious character known as 'No-Smoking' living in a railway carriage. As the Christmas holidays approach, the boys prepare for end-of-term festivities, but surprises and challenges await them, culminating in a secret that alters their lives forever.
The narrative captures the essence of childhood, blending fun with poignant moments that resonate with readers of all ages. Martin's circle includes his nervous friend Uli, the cynical Sebastian, the adventurous Johnny, and the always-hungry Matthias. Together, they navigate the ups and downs of their school days while learning valuable lessons about bravery and friendship. The inclusion of whimsical elements, such as a play about a flying classroom and a calf named Eduard, adds a magical touch to the story.
Written by Erich Kästner and beautifully illustrated by Walter Trier, The Flying Classroom remains a classic that continues to enchant readers. Kästner's storytelling, combined with Trier's deceptively innocent drawings, creates a timeless experience that captures the spirit of youth and the bittersweet nature of growing up. This book is not only a delightful read but also a reflection on the complexities of childhood and the bonds that form during those formative years.
There are so many books where it's the combination of author and illustrator that makes you love them. In the case of The Flying Classroom and The Parent Trap... it's the combo of author, illustrator and translator. The bold line drawings by Walter Trier are the work of genius... As for the stories, if you're a fan of Emil and the Detectives, then you'll find these just as spirited -- Melanie McDonagh, 'Children's Books of the Year' Spectator A perfect story for Christmas!... The Flying Classroom tells of the friendships and adventures of a group of lively boys... As Christmas gets ever closer, hopes and fears are raised and, in the final pages, beautifully resolved -- Julia Eccleshare, Books of the Year Lovereading4kids A treasure-trove of childhood reading Huffington Post Walter Trier's deceptively innocent drawings are as classic as Kastner's words; I never tire of them -- Quentin Blake Gorgeous Books Are My Bag A marvellous piece of history... This book moved me to a place that few books do. Oh, just buy it! Bookwitch It's not the most famous book by the author of Emil and the Detectives but it's his best. This lovely looking reissue breathes new life into the school story -- Alex O'Connell, Books of the Year The Times Generous and wise -- Julia Eccleshare, Books of the Year Guardian (On both The Parent Trap and The Flying Classroom) I enjoyed every word of both, before reluctantly passing them onto my grandson. They explore childhood with wit and invention while spinning magical yarns interwoven with the erratic and bizarre actions of adults and the independent-mindedness of children -- Amanda Hopkinson PEN Atlas Books of the Year Magical -- Daniel Hahn Independent Children's Books of the Year Warmly recommended, as is The Parent Trap, which, two film versions notwithstanding, survives as an affectionately humorous portrayal of family life Irish Times The Flying Classroom dazzles with its perceptive depiction of schoolboys, schoolmasters and snowballing Irish Times [A] charmingly illustrated... pleasingly sentimental tale of early 20th-century boarding-school life Publishers Weekly Atmospheric... bittersweet... a memorable exploration of bravery, boyhood and friendships Wall Street Journal
ISBN: 9781782690566
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: unknown
160 pages
3rd edition