Friends and Brothers

You need to be careful with this one. Like Hoppity-Gap it gives the impression of being for younger children than would, I think, appreciate it. The format and the illustrations suggest a My Naughty Little Sister or Joe and Timothy type of story. In fact, these tales about William and his younger brother Charlie are subtle and funny in quite a sophisticated way. William has his eighth birthday in one story and I'd think his contemporaries and older experienced readers will get the most out of this book. I enjoyed it very much; the relationship between the two is touchingly explored and with a good deal of wit.