A short illustrated play set in World War Two, perfect for class reading as well as performance, written by Julia Donaldson, author of the modern classic The Gruffalo. Perfect for the 75th Anniversary of D-Day in 2019. World War Two has been declared and the Chiver's children are sent to the safety of the countryside. They are delighted to be brought back home when it looks like the Germans aren't going to invade after all. But the air-raid siren goes off and this time it's frighteningly real. This dramatic and touching play brings Manchester during the Second World War and its people to life, and provides a variety of opportunities for school classes to explore both historical and literacy topics in an involving and creative setting. Also includes helpful tips on staging and costume. 'This touching play brings to life the Second World War in a very accessible way for junior children' - Books for Keeps

ジュリア・ドナルドソンが描く本作は、日常の象徴であるブラックベリーと戦火の爆弾を鮮烈に対置させ、歴史の重みを子供たちの瑞々しい感性で浮き彫りにします。マンチェスターの空襲という過酷な現実を、単なる悲劇としてではなく、家族の絆と生きる意志の物語として昇華させた筆致は、児童文学の枠を超えた作家としての真骨頂と言えるでしょう。 戯曲形式ならではの没入感は、読者を当時の緊迫した空気へと誘い、歴史を知識ではなく血の通った体験へと変貌させます。空襲警報に震えながらも明日を信じる子供たちの姿は、あまりに切なく、それでいて力強い。暗闇の中でこそ輝く人間の気高さと希望の光を、ぜひその目で見届けてください。