My Stepfamily; Rosie's First Day at School
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Cover Story
The anarchic hero of many daring adventures, William, as depicted on our cover by Thomas Henry in one of his effective, humorous pen and ink illustrations, is now a period piece. A William de nos jours illustrated by Tony Ross and aimed at a younger audience stands alongside him. This new William will be featured in adaptations of the stories by Martin Jarvis. Richmal Crompton, author of the William books, is the subject of this issue's Authorgraph. Thanks to Macmillan Children’s Books for their help with this November cover.
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My Stepfamily
Illustrated by Heather Dickinson
Rosie's First Day at School
Illustrated by Christopher O'Neill
The 'Talking It Through' series provides books to help children discuss emotional dilemmas. In My Stepfamily Kim must come to terms with Mum's new boyfriend and his daughter Clare. When they move in, Kim has to share a room and cope with a younger child who always seems to get her own way. She learns that Clare, too, is vulnerable and needs protecting by a big sister.
Rosie's First Day at School has an interesting parallel structure. While Rosie goes through her school day, we also see what Mum and baby Thomas and the family dog are doing at home. Children in new and strange places can wonder what is happening at home, and, perhaps, long to be there. Rosie does have homeward longings, but she also enjoys her day. Both stories have cheerful, realistic illustrations and will be reassuring to children in similar circumstances.
