FICTION

Ann at Highwood Hall

by Robert GRAVES
illus. by Edward Ardizzone. 48p. Seven Stories. Jul. 2017. Tr $16.95. ISBN 9781609807436.
COPY ISBN
Gr 3–5—This slim volume contains seven of Graves's poems, rereleased from their first publication in 1964. The selections, originally written for Graves's grandchildren, vary in subject, from "Ann of Harwood Hall," about a Victorian English girl who runs away to live in the Duke's Harwood Hall, to the brief "I Have a Little Cough Sir," where a child with a cough fears her mortality. The poems have a very British sensibility, with some of the humor and subject matter a bit darker than most contemporary verse for children in this age range. The language is also challenging, with several poems written in iambic pentameter with complex rhyme schemes and sentence structure. Ardizzone's illustrations are remarkably detailed and breathe new life into the collection.
VERDICT Overall pleasing, though this may be a tough sell for less experienced poetry readers. Adults and fans of Graves or Ardizzone are the best audience for this one.
Reviewed by Ellen Norton, Naperville Public Library, IL , Jul 01, 2017

Be the first reader to comment.

Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

BOOKS

Maddie and Mabel Ready for Snow
by Allen, Kari
BOOKS

Welcome to the Woofmore
by Gephart, Donna & Lori Haskins Houran
BOOKS

Eleven Houses
by Oakes, Colleen
BOOKS

Don’t Let the Forest In
by Drews, CG
BOOKS

Summer Nights and Meteorites
by Reynolds, Hannah
BOOKS

A Vile Season
by Ferraro, David
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?