It’s Francis’s 90th birthday, and friends and family have gathered to celebrate his life. He can’t help reminiscing; it’s as if the ghosts of people he once loved and knew have also come to the party. The most important time of his life was during World War II. He was a pacifist when it started, believing that there was never a good reason to kill another person. When war broke out he was a conscientious objector and, although he was a teacher, he was sent to work on a farm to help the war effort.

Pieter, his younger brother, thought differently. He joined the RAF and, tragically, was killed. To honour him, Francis joined up trained as a secret agent. He went on many dangerous missions in France behind enemy lines, but the ‘wolf ’ was always close on his heels.

This is an homage to Morpurgo’s Uncle Francis, a great man. Barroux is more than an illustrator; he is a co-author, speaking through his art. Together, they’ve produced a charming and moving account of the life of Francis Cammaerts, as well as recounting the truth of one man’s war with the enemy, and with himself. It was difficult to place this book in an age bracket, because, although the story is aimed more for the upper end of the nine-12 age category, the format and the illustrations tend to place it at the lower end. However, in the end, anyone who loves a true story, told with sensitivity and respect, will love this one.

Reviewed by Wendy Noble
Age Guide 10+