40 x 40: Barkbelly

I read to the kids every night.

I sit in an armchair at the end of our bed. Ethan and Martha curl up under the covers with their mum and I spout off a chapter, funny voices and all.

We've read some good books (The Awful Tale of Agatha Bilke) and some bad books (Howl's Moving Castle). We've had ones that have made us laugh (all the Mr Gums) and others that have made us cry (Kensuke's Kingdom).

But when I am old and grey and dribbling into my Horlicks the one book I will look back on with the most fondness is Barkbelly by Cat Weatherill.

Weatherill is a professional storyteller, she tours the country reciting tales to audiences both young and old, and that shows in her writing. Barkbelly is a sheer joy to read aloud.

It is also a cracking story.

When a wooden egg falls from the sky it is taken home by an elderly couple. It hatches into a small wooden boy and they raise it as their own child. A tragic accident in the school playground sees Barkbelly flee the village and go on the run. He moves from place to place, bumping in to an assortment of weird and wonderful characters, until he discovers his true origins and ends up on a remarkable rescue mission.

If you are in the habit of reading to your offspring and have yet to come across this book then I cannot recommend it highly enough. It is a truly magical experience for both reader and listener. And there are plenty of opportunities for silly voices.

It makes it into my 40x40 list because it reminds me of my favourite part of every day, one that I know can't go on for much longer but which I sincerely wish will never end.

Comments

[Charlotte]

Thanks for the recommendation. I am always on the lookout for good read-aloud books, ones that will serve my mixed age audience (10, 8 and 5). Sometimes it's hard to please everyone but this sounds like a goodie.

[Jackie (Farm Lane Books)]

Sounds fantastic! Which age group do you think it is most suited to?

[Scott Pack]

Jackie, for reading aloud I think any age from 5 or 6 up but it is more of a 9+ book really. Mine were 6 and 8 when I read it to them.

[nmj]

Perfect, now I know what to get for my younger nephew's birthday! I got him Mr Gum last time. I still smile at the seagulls with tattooes on their wings who sometimes smoked.

[nmj]

Tattooes? Surely I mean tattoos!

[D.J. Kirkby]

Why can't that part of your day go on much longer? Of course it can! N3S isn't wuite so keen on Barkbelly as he is on the Mr Gum books. He is deeply immersed in the newest Mr Gum book - the secret hideout and enjoying every word.

[richard whittle]

One day you will have grandchildren and that wonderful part of the day will come back to you. Not sure you want to hear that right now.