Rory Sparkes and his family live in Brenwell Heath in London. Their story is set in the past, in a time when life is a little simpler. Rory has a couple of friends, Guy and Adrian but also an enemy, the school bully, Billy Baxter. And he has an older sister, Clare, who drives him mad.
When the circus comes to town, it brings along a group of kids who join Rory’s school for a while. Although Rory isn’t at all sure he wants these new kids around, he soon realises that having Evie and the others (including Donna the elephant) in his life may be exactly what he needs.
Rory Sparkes is a quintessentially British, middle-grade novel about being yourself. It is about friendship, compassion and forgiveness. Hugh Bonneville, who may be better known from our screens in Downton Abbey and the ‘Paddington’ films than as a children’s author, tells Rory’s story in a style that is equally funny and profound. A lot of the references are very English and may not make sense to younger Australian readers. My son (8) didn’t find this off-putting, however, and understood the gist of the story. He loved the silliness and the warmth of this fun tale and we’re looking forward to the next instalment.
Reviewed by Amanda Brinkman
Age Guide 7+
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Just like Rory Sparkes, Hugh Bonneville grew up and went to primary school in South East London. Later on, he studied Theology at the University of Cambridge and became a professional actor in 1985. His career has spanned radio, television, film and stage, including highly acclaimed appearances in David Walliams’s Mr Stink and the voice of Santa in Stick Man, as well as Downton Abbey and the Paddington films.
Now grown up and verging on ancient, Hugh would like to make it clear that he loves his sister very much. Even when she sings.
0 Comments