Recently, I’ve had the great pleasure of reading a charming book writtenfor children but with a deeper message that can apply to us all; regardless of age. Edward Mark Fitzgerald’s first children’s book, a tale called “The Adventures of Wilbur Burrows” in his “The Last Fairy Tales” series, is one I’ve been looking forward to for a while and it did not disappoint.
Beautifully illustrated, the book tells the story of Wilbur Burrows, a mole who must leave the safety of his home underneath the ground in search for food. The outside world is not as warm and cosy as his home, and he discovers that not all is happy and light out there for someone who doesn’t quite fit in outside of their own environment. It definitely spoke to the younger me who dealt a lot with being bullied and not fitting in for the simple reason of being different, and for this reason I feel that it is a fantastic read for older children who may be encountering the same kind of things in their own day to day lives. Wilbur’s spirit throughout the book does not waver against the adversity he faces and so I did find myself cheering him on as the book progressed.
As a children’s story, I found this to be more appropriate for an older age bracket of about 8 and above due to some of the language used (difficulty, nothing inappropriate). The imagery summoned in the words works well with the beautiful pictures accompanying the text, and the rhyming added a level of charm to it.
I’d recommend this book to anyone whose child feels a little bit different from the other kids (and sure, aren’t we all?), as it’s a great message, and would make a great story to read together. It’s currently available to order on Amazon in print and kindle copies here. The print copies are retailing at 7.50, the Kindle versions a little cheaper at 3.23. You can also check out an excerpt on Edward Fitzgerald’s website using this link.
I’ve got a signed copy of “The Adventures of Wilbur Burrows” to give away to one lucky reader. If you’re interested in checking out the first of the “The Last Fairy Tales” series, check out the giveaway below!
I was not paid for this book review, it wasmerely a book by a local author that I came across and really liked, so decided to pass the message on!
Wilbur sounds like a determined character 🙂 I like a book with a positive message.
Oh I forgot to say, my favourite book was Heidi, I loved it 🙂
Loved Heidi, definitely in my top ten!
Ooh I will definitely be getting this for a niece’s bday! I don’t know a lot of children’s books so this was a big help. Thanks for the tip! xx
Aleks from http://www.sisterhoodofthetravelingwags.com
Aw this seems sweet, I miss kids books. I loved Beatrix Potter when I was little xxx
Sounds like a lovely book!
My favourite book was Swallows and Amazons.
I’ve never read it but have heard great things; it’s now on my list to look up!
Granny perkins thinking cap – its really old but I managed to source one for Aidan 🙂
Ooh might have to look that one up! Thanks for reading!
Fingers crossed. It sounds like a really lovely book Lisa.
Good luck!
Sounds like a great book. I read a lot as a kid so hard to choose from so many. I really enjoyed The Chronicles of Narnia series.
I still haven’t read all of them – I really must! Thanks for reading 🙂
I had a book called the mushroom war i used to read it once a week
Sounds like a lovely book. My favourite was The Secret Garden 🙂
I loved that book! Thanks for entering!!
Sounds like a fab book to add to our collection!
Best of luck, thanks for reading 🙂
sounds fab! I’d love to be included in the draw. When I was much younger I adored the Marmaduke series of books – I must see if the library has them as I reckon my guys might love them too!
Loved them!! Best of luck 🙂 must check our library down here too!
Oh how lovely Lisa, I love to discover new books 🙂 My favourite children’s book is The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter 🙂 x
This sounds like a lovely book, my favourite was The Little Princess.
I absolutely adored that book too!! So sad but oh so lovely. Thanks for reading 🙂
Looks like a wonderful book! 🙂
Thanks, I really enjoyed it anyway, hopefully others will do the same 🙂
My favorite book was the SecretGarden and the RailwayChildren! Lovely book, the illustrations look gorgeous!