The lure of the theatre draws Ralph but acting is not what his family wants for him. Can he persuade them? A wonderfully nostalgic story about one boy’s determination to see his dreams come through and a fascinating and vivid picture of Britain in the 1940s. Be sure to check out Just Henry, A Spoonful of Jam, A little Love Song.
From the award-winning author of "Goodnight Mister Tom" comes the classic "Cuckoo in the Nest", packaged with a beautiful, fresh new cover.Amid the rubble of post-war Britain, Ralph is entranced by the theatre. He loves seeing the performances, talking to the actors, the buzz of the audience, and the corridors and dressing rooms backstage.But how can a working-class boy achieve his dream when there is no opportunity for theatre training? It will take great courage. "Cuckoo in the Nest" is the first of The Hollis Family books.
'A fascinating story and a vivid picture of Britain in the 1940s.' The Times
'The author has a wonderful gift for hanging a richly woven tapestry around an essentially simple frame.' Times Education Supplement
Author
About Michelle Magorian
Michelle Magorian is undoubtedly one of the pre-eminent children’s writers of historical family drama and of books set around the Second World War. She may not be a household name but that’s purely because she doesn’t write as frequently as those more obvious bestselling novelists. Just Henry is her seventh novel. Unlike some authors Magorian writes when the time is right having first undertaken considerable research, followed by a lot of thinking time before actually putting pen to paper and then there’s always the very important rewrites to polish the story. Magorian loves the research and the writing in equal measure but particularly loves writing dialogue.
Interestingly, Magorian’s first love when she was younger was to be an actress but she also loved writing and day dreaming – the perfect combination for a successful novelist. Here at Lovereading4kids we urge parents and children to try out the wonderful writing, experience the roller-coaster of emotions you’ll get from reading a Michelle Magorian novel. We’re confident you’ll be swept up into a time and place that should never be forgotten.
Click here to read a Q&A with the author from top children's publisher Egmont.
