Quick Look
Robbie's most special friend is his grandfather, who teaches him all he knows of the countryside and the old country ways. Together they leap to the rescue when modern technology fails.
Description
Robbie's most special friend is his grandfather, who teaches him all he knows of the countryside and the old country ways.
But signs of the modern world are all around -- the first television has appeared in the village and Hawker Hunters scream through the air, but it is the old man and the boy who leap to the rescue when modern technology fails.
Time, though, cannot stand still, and even after the death of his beloved grandfather life must go on. With the coming of summer, Robbie's wicked escapades with that wild tinker boy strengthen a friendship that fills the void left by the old man's passing.
In this wonderful story Emil Pacholek brings the characters and the countryside to life in a particularly vivid way.
Reviews
'Set in the small Fife village of Kinchapel in the 1950s, this is a memorable celebration of a boy growing up in a close knit rural community at a time when traditional ways are giving way to the modern world. The boy discovers the mysteries of the natural world and enjoys the customs and celebrations of the changing seasons. He learns to cope with bullies and laugh at the funny aspects of life. He must comes to terms with sorrow and death, but also enjoys several mischievous and exciting adventures with a wild tinker boy McPhee who becomes his best friend. This beautifully written classic of Scottish childhood is funny, fascinating, moving, exciting and timeless.'
-- Treasure Island: A guide to Scottish fiction for young readers aged 10-14, Summer 2003
Links
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