LoveReading4Kids Says
LoveReading4Kids Says
Reading Age 8+ Interest Age 9+
Juno is furious with her mother for leaving her with her grandfather during the holidays as she goes to help people they don’t know, far away.
Grandpa’s house is deep in the countryside, there’s no-one to play with, nothing to do, until Juno finds an old dolls’ house in the attic, complete with its forlorn little family. Soon, with Grandpa’s help, she is making them a new house, and with her mum’s parting words in her head, working to make it a home too. This small holiday pastime helps Juno understand the true meaning of home and it bring her closer to her mum too.
Katya Balen’s story is tender and profound, characterized by her ability to explain complex issues simply for young readers. Once again, Richard Johnson’s illustrations are beautiful, the perfect match for the story.
Andrea Reece
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About
Little House Synopsis
The importance and meaning of home is explored in this thought-provoking new novella from Carnegie Medal winning author Katya Balen.
Juno’s furious about being sent to stay with her grandfather for the summer. She’ll miss all the fun she and her friends had planned for the holidays. She’ll also miss her mum, but it’s her mum’s fault for leaving anyway. Then Juno discovers a long-forgotten little family in her grandfather’s attic. As she works to carefully craft a new home for them, can she learn to forgive her mum and understand her reasons for going away?
Packed with luminous, lyrical prose that makes Katya a firm favourite.
About This Edition
ISBN: |
9781800902558 |
Publication date: |
14th March 2024 |
Author: |
Katya Balen |
Illustrator: |
Richard Johnson |
Publisher: |
Barrington Stoke Ltd |
Format: |
Paperback |
Pagination: |
80 pages |
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Other Genres: |
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Press Reviews
Katya Balen Press Reviews
'An enchantingly told, exquisitely illustrated story about a young girl's move from cosy innocence to a growing understanding of some of the sadnesses in the wider world. It oozes with all the charm of a beloved grandparent’s home – a wild garden, creaking staircases, and a sloping attic with true treasure to be found. And so much good food it made my mouth water!' – Nicola Penfold
'Fierce, brace and compassionate' – Natasha Farrant
'It was charming, tender and shone a sensitive spotlight on the true meaning of home. As for Juno's grandfather's cooking … well, all I can say is I would like to stay there myself!' – A.M. Howell
'Beautiful and heartbreaking and glorious all at once. A little masterpiece.' – Struan Murray
Author
About Katya Balen
Katya Balen is an award-winning author of books for children. Katya's debut novel, The Space We’re In, was published in 2019 and was highly commended for the Branford Boase Award. Her second, October, October, won the Yoto Carnegie Medal. Her third novel, The Light in Everything, was published in 2022.
When she’s not writing books, Katya likes to scroll through dog-rescue websites, bake, and attempt to keep all her house plants alive. She lives in London with her partner and their dogs Raffi and Mouse.
More About Katya Balen