One of the greatest modern fairy stories, this tells of the strange giant Iron Man who appears from nowhere and begins a reign of terror throughout the countryside as he smashes up the farmers’ tractors and diggers. How the farmers try to bring down the Iron Man and how his powers end up being used to save the world in a fight against the space-bat-angel-dragon unfolds in this brilliant and mysterious story. ~ Julia Eccleshare
Perfect for Reluctant Readers as well as keen readers. To view other titles we think are suitable for reluctant readers please click here.
This classic has been chosen by Simon Bartram, September 2010 Guest Editor: "This is a strange tale about a giant iron man that roams around the land satisfying his appetite be eating farm machinery and scrap metal. The humans are scared of what they don't understand and plot the Iron Man's demise. Soon however, the realise that they need his help when a sinister visitor from outer space threatens the entire world. Throughout the book there are power struggles and conflicts until ultimately peace is secured by the Iron Man's bravery and wisdom. From the first page to the last, you are on his side."
A stunning, new, limited edition version of a much-loved children's classic. Part modern fairy tale, part science fiction myth, The Iron Man describes the unexpected arrival in England of a mysterious giant "metal man" who wreaks havoc on the countryside by attacking the neighbouring farms and eating all their machinery. A young boy called Hogarth befriends him and he and the extraordinary being end up defending and saving the earth when it is attacked by a fearsome "space-bat-angel-dragon" from outer space. This children's classic, with its message of peace and hope, is known and loved all over the UK and is here presented as part of an exciting new collaboration between Walker Books and Faber and Faber.
Ted Hughes is widely considered one of the greatest poets of his generation and indeed one of the greatest writers of the twentieth century. He was born in Yorkshire in 1930, and was Poet Laureate from 1984 until his death in 1998. In 1974 Hughes was awarded the Queen’s Gold Medal for Poetry. In 1977 he was awarded an OBE for services to Literature, and was awarded the Order of Merit in 1998. His most widely read classic children’s story The Iron Man, has been adapted for both stage and screen, and is regarded as one of the greatest children’s books of all time.
