Can classmate Julie protect the brothers from vanishing? With warmth and humor, Carnegie Medalist Frank Cottrell Boyce transports readers from the steppe of Mongolia to the streets of Liverpool in an immigration tale that is compelling, miraculous, and often laugh-out-loud funny.
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"I listened to this on CD and the telling was awesome - great expression, English accents and heartwarming effort. Really refreshing to have a contemporary story dealing with illegal immigrants, prejudice, friendship, isolation in such a positive and believable manner without being sentimental. The author's contribution at the end gives the story a context and adds a nice touch to the tale. Although a little slow to start, this story throws out a hook and reels you in. Although targeting the upper primary reader, I have passed this on to my adult friends and all have thoroughly enjoyed it, and their almost adult children have got caught up in it too."
— Jennie (4 out of 5 stars)
" I so admire Cottrell Boyce's light touch with important themes. I also love this book's art design, with the lined pages and photographs integrated into the story--it gives it such a real feeling, while all the while you're wondering what kind of story it will turn out to be. I'm very glad to have gotten a chance to read it unspoiled as I think knowing the ending must change the way you read it a lot. "
— Susan, 2/19/2014" A heart warming and enthralling tale that, although strictly speaking a children's book, I'd recommend to everyone. For me the sign of a good book is one that moves you and also leaves you wanting to know more, this was a hit on both counts. I found it engaging and un-put-downable and will definitely be looking to find out more about both Mongolia and also the experiences of children from other countries who come to live in the UK. "
— Phil, 2/11/2014" Using polaroids to supplement the story was effective. Author afterword also interesting. "
— Karen, 2/3/2014" Being a friend can be hard, but well worth the effort. The format of this books should interest all ages! "
— Mary, 1/25/2014" This was a cute little book with a sweet story line. It was a quick read, but it was worth it. And the Polaroid photographs that go along with the story add so much more. "
— Anna, 1/13/2014" This book was about Mongolia, so you think I would have been devouring it and giving it 5 stars. I liked it better than the other book I brought with me on vacation, but I wasn't blown away by it. "
— Samantha, 1/9/2014" Absolutely beautifully done. Simple and poignant. Delicately, achingly affecting. "
— Kelly, 1/6/2014" Immigration story told from a young girl's perspective. "
— Karen, 1/2/2014" short and sweet. reminiscent of his other work, millions, of which i was a big fan. "
— svm, 12/16/2013" Short and simple but powerful story about understanding different cultures. The narrator is an 11 year old Liverpool girl meeting two boys from Mongolia. All of us enjoyed listening to this on our car trip. "
— melody, 12/14/2013" Lot of punch for such a short book about two brothers from Mongolia and their "good guide" outside of Liverpool. "
— Mercy, 11/30/2013Frank Cottrell Boyce is the author of Framed, Cosmic, the new Chitty Chitty Bang Bang novels, and Millions, which was made into a movie by Oscar-winning director Danny Boyle. He is also a successful writer of film scripts and, along with Danny Boyle, devised the opening ceremony for the London 2012 Olympics.
Sarah Coomes trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London and spent three blissful years there, learning how to cry, speak Shakespeare, and stage fight like a tiger. She is a comedienne and an actress, appearing in numerous television shows in England, including a recurring role as Nurse Leonard in the popular series EastEnders. She won the 2008 Westminster Prize for her play Hookie and an AudioFile Earphones Award for her narration of The Unforgotten Coat by Frank Cottrell Boyce in 2011.