The story of a young girl in a sanatorium and the magical winged horses that only she can see, this is beautifully written, beautifully illustrated, a book that will move all who read it and leave a lasting impression on many. Emmaline is sick with what she calls the ‘stillwaters’, and traumatised too by a terrible event in her past, though this is wartime and her story is not unusual. The adults around her are kind, but her real solace comes from the winged horses she sees in mirrors. When she finds one wounded she determines to save it and, instructed by the mysterious Horse Lord, brings colour into the grey sanatorium. Emmaline is a heroine in the tradition of Mary Lennox, or David Almond’s Mina, an extraordinary, vital character with a vision that transcends her surroundings. ~ Andrea Reece
December 1941. Britain is at war. Emmaline has been evacuated away from the bombs to Briar Hill Hospital in Shropshire. When she gets there she discovers a secret. It's not to be shared, not to be told to anyone, even her friend Anna. But she'll tell you. This is Emmaline's secret. There are winged horses that live in the mirrors of Briar Hill.
Exquisitely illustrated by Levi Pinfold, winner of the Kate Greenaway Medal,The Secret Horses of Briar Hillhas all the makings of a modern classic.
This is a very special book indeed. Not only because of the sheer beauty of its production, illustrated as it is by Greenaway medal winner Levi pinfold, known for his exquisite colour, mesmerising picture books, but here demonstrating what he can do with simple line and restricted to black and white. But also because it is an enthralling, moving and evocative tale set in the midst of World War Two. [...] This is a beautifully written story of bravery and resilience with a terrific sense of time and place and which reminds us all of the fragility of life. Highly recommended do thoughtful readers of any age. * The School Librarian *
The book was clear and well written and I got quite engrossed in it the illustrations were a nice touch and added to the story. * Teen titles reader review *
Author
About Megan Shepherd
Megan Shepherd is the acclaimed author of The Madman's Daughter trilogy and The Cage. When she is not writing, she can usually be found horseback riding, day dreaming at coffee shops or gardening at her farm in the mountains of western North Carolina.
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