The Boy of the Bells - Tapa dura

"Beautifully illustrated, very attractive page presentation with clear, bold printing ... sympathetic story that appealed to boys and girls ... has a message that all children can appreciate ... The children repeatedly asked for it during the Christmas season." Somerset County Council Children's Books Review "The illustrations by Margot Datz are exquisite." Daily Express

Carly Simon follows the success of her first book for children, "Amy the Dancing Bear", with an enchanting Christmas story. Writing for children has kept alive for her the magic years when her own children were younger, and she has dedicated this book to her son Ben. The "Boy of the Bells" is set in a small village in the north called Noel, the first stop on Santa's voyage at Christmas. Ben and his sister Miranda live with their his grandfather, but for a year now Miranda has been unable to speak, and nobody knows why. Ben and Grandfather are in despair, and long to hear her voice again. On Christmas Eve, when Grandfather asks Ben to climb the squeaky stairs of the village bell tower to ring the bells to welcome in each hour of Christmas, Ben thinks of a plan to help his sister. At 11 o'clock, he rings the bells twelve times to summon Santa an hour early, hoping to speak to him. Will Santa come? Will he be able to help Miranda? Magical and inspiring, with a special message for children, Carly Simon's Christmas tale will delight young readers. Margot Datz perfectly captures the different moods of the tale with her vibrant illustrations. This colourful book will make an ideal gift at Christmas-time.