Named Children’s Book of the Week by The Times!

Inspired by a true family story, Michael Rosen presents

an astonishing account of perseverance, love and hope in wartime.

Beginning in 1939, young Solly in London exchanges

letters with his teenaged cousin, Bernie, in Poland.

While Solly is evacuated and tries his best to

adjust to life in the English countryside, Bernie’s parents know

that as Jews they’re not safe staying in Warsaw, so they send Bernie

to the Russian-occupied side of the country in the hope that

he’ll be safer there.

Soon, though, he is arrested and sent off to a forced

labour camp in Russia.

As the cousins exchange sporadic letters, they try to keep their

spirits up, trading jokes and observations about the world changing

all around them.

Then Bernie seizes the opportunity to join the Anders

Army and fight the Axis powers, and tells Solly all about

his experiences in Iraq and eventually Italy, where he fights

alongside the British at the famous Battle of Monte Cassino.

Does Bernie survive and find a safe place to call home?

With breathtaking illustrations by beloved illustrator Michael

Foreman, this is an unforgettable story of courage

and love, perfect for the whole family to share.

Michael Rosen is one of the best-known figures in the children’s

book world, known for his work as poet and author of classic

books such as WE’RE GOING ON A BEAR HUNT.

This book is a perfect companion to POPPY FIELD by Michael Morpurgo

and Michael Foreman. Together, the books are a wonderful introduction

to the history of the great wars of the 20th century

and the importance of Remembrance.