Francesca Simon, Guest Editor February 2021: "I first read Philippa Pearce’s Tom's Midnight Garden as an adult, staying up all night to finish it, and sobbing at the end. It’s about Tom, sent away to relatives while his brother is sick, who discovers that when the grandfather clock strikes 13 that the modern world disappears and he is transported back to the magnificent Victorian garden which once existed at the back, and meets Hatty, the girl who once lived there. I envy anyone reading this book for the first time."
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This is one of the most touching and magical children’s books I’ve ever read and it’s one that’s stayed as fresh in my mind as if I’d just read it yesterday. Tom’s imaginary garden is beautifully portrayed and the characters and situations within are richly satisfying and the poignancy of the moments are cherished. Children will love the story and it is as relevant now as it was some 40 years ago when it was first published.
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Peter England, Una Stubbs and Crawford Logan star in this BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisation of Philippa Pearce's enchanting time-slip tale.
When his brother catches measles, Tom is sent away to stay with his Aunt Gwen and Uncle Alan, and is thoroughly fed up about it. What a boring summer it's going to be! But tedium turns to adventure when, lying in bed one night, he hears the old grandfather clock in the hall strike thirteen. What can it mean? As Tom creeps downstairs and opens the door, he finds a beautiful garden, and glimpses a girl in old-fashioned clothing. As he revisits the garden over the next few nights, he watches the seasons change from spring to autumn, and children come and go. But no-one seems to see him - until he meets Hatty, and the two become firm friends. With his new playmate, Tom embarks on the adventure of a lifetime...
This magical drama stars Peter England as Tom, with Una Stubbs as Aunt Gwen and Crawford Logan as Uncle Alan. The wonder and excitement of much-loved children's classics lives on in BBC Radio's acclaimed full-cast dramatisations, complete with evocative music and sound effects. Duration: 2 hours 15 mins approx.
The LoveReading4Kids Editorial Team have read and reviewed Tom's Midnight Garden and determined it is suitable for children aged 7-12 years old
Tom's Midnight Garden features in the following genres: Featured Books for 9+ readers, Recommendations, Fantasy / Magical, Children's and Young Adult Fiction, Children’s, Teenage and Educational, Classic Literature, Recommended Children's eBooks, Featured Books for 7+ readers, Featured Books for 11+ readers
Tom's Midnight Garden is available in Hardback, CD-Audio, Ebook, Paperback
Tom's Midnight Garden was written by Philippa Pearce and published by BBC Physical Audio an imprint of BBC Audio
Yes it is part of BBC Children's Classics series
£9.89
