LoveReading4Kids Says
Shortlisted for the Marsh Award for Children's Literature in Translation, awarded biennially since 1996, was founded to celebrate the best translation of a children’s book from a foreign language into English and published in the UK. It aims to spotlight the high quality and diversity of translated fiction for young readers.
Gripping from its opening moment onwards, this award-winning book that doesn’t miss a beat from its thrilling beginning to its satisfying ending. Disturbed during the night of contemplation before he is made a knight, sixteen-year-old Turi is handed a letter which must be secretly delivered. Keeping his identity hidden and keeping the letter safe at all times, Turi travels through deadly danger in which survival depends on adhering to the chivalric codes of courage, friendship and honesty. A thrilling adventure which is full of heart.
Julia Eccleshare M.B.E
Find This Book In
| Suitable For: |
|
| Other Genres: |
|
| Recommendations: |
|
Tonke Dragt Press Reviews
A fast-moving, wonderful old-style adventure... cinematic in its visual detail... a European classic... far loftier than Harry Potter and beautifully presented in this most attractive edition -- Eileen Battersby Irish Times
Gripping from its opening moment onwards, this award-winning book doesn't miss a beat from its thrilling beginning to its satisfying ending -- Julia Eccleshare
A charming story told simply and captivatingly... the first English translation of a classic of European children's literature which ... deserves to be richly treasured Booktrust
The plot is central, and extremely gripping, but the writing also delivers lovely detail and evocative description Guardian Children's Books
The Letter for the King will get pulses racing... Pushkin Press deserves every praise for publishing this beautifully translated, well-presented and captivating book -- Amanda Craig The Times
The publishing in English of Tonke Dragt 's The Letter for the King brings back ancient, yet deeply pleasant memories. She's always at the top of the list when writers of my generation are asked which books they loved in their childhood, and justly so -- Erwin Mortier
A fantasy about a 16-year-old medieval squire who finds danger, true friendship and first love on a mission to deliver a letter that can save a kingdom. The award-winning translator Laura Watkinson conveys its rich symbolism, vividness and economy of style -- Nicolette Jones Sunday Times
A classic quest narrative... a thoughtful and endearing hero, whose loyalty and nobility - qualities much ignored today - sustain him throughout. Dragt's illustrations are mystical and timeless -- Philip Womack Literary Review
This 1962 pulse-pounding epic follows Tiuri, a young knight-candidate who breaks hits sacred vigil to heed a desperate cry for help. Translated from the Dutch for the first time, this old-school quest story will keep all high-fantasy addicts riveted from the first page Metro
Beautifully constructed... gripping, delightful and true Guardian
A fast-paced quest... Great for high-fantasy fans Metro
An absolute pleasure... immensely enjoyable... vivid and intelligent Newbooks
Fluidly translated by Laura Watkinson [The Letter for the King] is an old fashioned quest story... a wonderfully simple, wonderfully gripping story -- Melanie McDonagh Spectator
Explores themes of bravery, loyalty, and commitment, along with a coming of age story which will inspire budding young readers today, just as it did when first released. The Letter for the King not only caters for a young adult audience but would also be an ideal bedtime story for parents looking to share reading with their children We Love This Book
A compelling story which twists and turns and keeps the reader gripped throughout Parents in Touch
If you find Game Of Thrones too gory or simply want to be ahead of the curve then this is for you. It's an epic adventure that will sweep you up into a world of knights, villainy and peril -- Melissa Cox, Waterstones Stylist
A medieval fantasy of the highest order, action-packed and atmospheric -- Robert Dunbar Irish Times
A cracker Spectator A true page-turner Sunday Times
A Piece of Passion from Adam Freudenheim, Publisher, Pushkin Press and Pushkin Children's Books The Letter for the King by Tonke Dragt is the classic Dutch children's book. Already translated into more than a dozen languages, made into a feature film and with over 1 million copies sold, The Letter for the King is one of the most gripping, page-turning novels I've ever read. My 8-year-old son and 10-year-old daughter both loved it and couldn't put it down either. I started reading it aloud to them, and then one morning when my son woke early he creeped into my bedroom and 'stole' the bound proof in order to finish it - later he sheepishly explained that he just couldn't wait for me to finish reading it aloud, he had to know what happened next! For anyone who likes a heart–thumping tale of good vs. evil, of lone young hero desperate to save a kingdom, this is the book for them. This beautiful edition, printed in Italy, includes a wonderful hand–drawn map of the kingdoms of Unuawen and Dagonaut on the endpapers, original illustrations by the author, and is a wonderful gift for any fan of classic fantasy in the Tolkien mould.
