Review
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Based on the entrancing true story of Harry Friston, a
21 year old seaman caught up in the hell of Gallipoli who
befriends a tortoise, Ali Pasha. He (the tortoise) later became
an international celebrity, even appearing on Blue Peter. Foreman
knew both Harry and Ali Pasha and has illustrated this as
beautifully as you would expect., The Bookseller
Evocative First World War story of heroism and friendship, based
on the true story of a tortoise celebrity! Lots of publicity
planned and a classroom toolkit available., The Bookseller
The writer and illustrator Michael Foreman grew up during World
War II in a world inhabited by soldiers, sailors and American
GIs. Perhaps then, it is unsurprising he has gone on to create a
number of stories featuring war as the backdrop, including War
Boy and War Game.
Now, one hundred years on from the start of World War I, Foreman
introduces us to a new, rather unlikely hero - a tortoise named
Ali Pasha. Based on a true story, the tale of Ali Pasha is
revealed through flashbacks and journal entries that chart his
journal from the battlefield of Gallipoli to a small village in
Suffolk. Interspersed with evocative illustrations and exploring
themes of heroism, friendship and triumph over adversity, the
text is the perfect introduction to World War I history for
children - not to mention an engaging story for readers of any
age. Depending on the themes you choose to develop, it can be the
basis of a powerful book topic for both lower and upper Key Stage
2. -- Clare Pearson, Teach Primary
We meet Henry Friston and his tortoise Ali Pasha during the
1950s, when Henry is telling his amazing adventures to a young
newspaper reporter. The story begins with Henry as a boy and then
goes on to his time in the Royal Navy. On 6th May 1915, Henry
rejoined his battleship after ten days on 'X Beach', ferrying the
wounded from Gallipoli. This incredible story is based on true
facts and it tells how, amid all the horror, Henry met a
tortoise... and managed to keep him. The harshness of war is
contrasted with the hope and warmth of a special relationship to
bring us yet another superb and emotional story from a true
master. Extracts from Henry's journal combine with superb
illustrations from who else but Michael Foreman to bring us a
story to capture hearts. Unputdownable., Parentsintouch.co.uk
Trevor Roberts is a cub reporter in a small town in eastern
England during the 1950s whose big break as a journalist comes
when he interviews a World War I Navy veteran about his famous
pet tortoise. Foreman's book is based on the true story of Henry
Friston, who was shipped off to Gallipoli as a ner on the
battleship HMS Implacable. Henry's detailed narrative, which
unfolds over days of interviews, and pages from his diary recount
desperate naval battles, the hazardous landing of Allied troops
on the Turkish coast, and the close shave that brought young
Henry his unusual pet, christened Ali Pasha, who saved his life
and became his constant companion and troop mascot. The text
deftly conveys both the thrills and horrors of war and touches on
some important moral issues, particularly when Henry comes to
understand during a truce that the enemy is no different from him
and his British companions. Foreman is that rare artist who
writes as well as he illustrates. His simple but engaging text is
complemented by his charming, movement-filled watercolor
vignettes and spreads, reproduced in black and white. The story
teaches history with a light touch, and the focus on the
emotional bond between the young soldier and his beloved tortoise
will captivate even the most cynical teen heart. An original
middle-grade novella with unusual richness and depth. (author's
note) (Historical fiction. 8-12), Kirkus Reviews
Book Description
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An evocative WW1 story of heroism and friendship,
based on real events.
About the Author
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Michael Foreman is one of the UK's pre-eminent
children's illustrators. A Kate Greenaway Medal-shortlisted
author he has illustrated many best-selling books for children,
including War Boy and War Game. Michael is also the illustrator
for many of Michael Morpurgo's best-selling books, including Not
Bad for a Bad Lad (Templar Publishing, 2010)