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Find out what Mumsnetters' children though of The Secret Horses of Briar Hill by Megan Shepherd and illustrated by Levi Pinfold

81 replies

UrsulaMumsnet · 11/10/2016 16:50

Set in the midst of WW2, The Secret Horses of Briar Hill is a novel about the enduring power of storytelling and the imagination, complete with drawings by award-winning illustrator Levi Pinfold.

We ask all winners to share their thoughts about the book on this discussion thread. However, you don't have to win a free copy to take part in the discussion - anyone who has read The Secret Horses of Briar Hill can post their feedback here (and you can buy the book now).

Everyone who posts on this thread before 1 December will be entered into a prize draw to win a £100 Love2shop voucher.

This giveaway is sponsored by Walker Books

Find out what Mumsnetters' children though of The Secret Horses of Briar Hill by Megan Shepherd and illustrated by Levi Pinfold
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Rae1000 · 12/12/2016 19:59

Many apologies for my tardiness. Received book a bit late & now my eldest daughter of few words is wading through it. She has said she is quite enjoying it though no more information!

danson16 · 30/11/2016 23:06

This is a great story, I had to read it to know what happened. It is definitely a must read. I love that its so different, even though it is set back in world war 2, its not what I expected. A great read!

todormirchev · 29/11/2016 21:19

Touching and emotional story set in World War II. The building and developing of characters, on one hand, and wonderful pencil illustrations on the other, create a magical athmosphere. In my opinion this is a children book, that relates to adults as well. I highly reccomend it.

babyowl · 27/11/2016 18:54

Absolutely beautiful illustrations & a very thought-provoking read.

The storyline mixes the realities of war, death, trauma, TB, bullying and fitting in with other children with finding solace and ways to cope. It was nice that there were no explanations at the end for the magical horses and it was left to the reader to decide.

It's a very emotionally tear-jerking story with lots of themes.
The writing style is similar to Michael Morpurgo.

Teacupkat · 27/11/2016 10:48

My niece really enjoyed it which is high praise indeed as she is a huge bookworm and is always glued to a book! She devours as many as she can!

Alibongo67 · 26/11/2016 20:33

This book is enchanting , beautifully illustrated and an easy read.

cavylover · 26/11/2016 15:45

Very enjoyable book with first class illustrations throughout which add to the magical storyline. Many thanks.

princessgray · 25/11/2016 22:07

Beautiful illustrations.

midi1975 · 25/11/2016 17:21

A lovely, thoughtful magical book. It is well worth reading. I enjoyed it as did my 9 year old grandaughter. Well written.

kateandme · 25/11/2016 17:13

its a beautiful book. the illustrations are all flowing and its like entering a Narnia type novel obviously with different subject but it has that flowing magical way with it.yet its still told realisticly so it its fake or fairytale esq and get the point across.

MOOON5 · 25/11/2016 16:35

This book has had mixed reviews from my 9 year old son.....though hhas been pretty much favourable. The drawings were enjoyed the most!

ftovey7 · 15/11/2016 14:53

This is a lovely novel set in World War II at a children's hospital, it is about magical winged horses that are invisible to all but Emmaline who sees them in the mirrors.
It is a novel which is beautifully written and brings to life a world where darkness can be defeated by those who are brave enough to fight it.
Looking forward to Megan's next novel

FernieB · 15/11/2016 12:12

Beautifully illustrated book - the drawings are wonderful and really bring the horses to life. Sadly, I was less impressed with the story. It felt a bit contrived and didn't really seem to go anywhere. Not really my kind of book.

Alibongo67 · 14/11/2016 15:53

Heart warming story, beautifully written and illustrated. A little bit of magic and a lot of imagination. Lovely read for children, thank you for the book. Its a keeper.

jammy388 · 30/10/2016 14:46

A beautifully written and illustrated book but I wasn't able to suspend my disbelief quite enough to find it really satisfying.

tishist · 29/10/2016 23:56

I love the illustrations

NijKay · 29/10/2016 20:23

I'm not a big fan of reading, but this is an absolute must!

Jocelynne123 · 29/10/2016 19:39

I thought that this was a lovely book. The story line was really good and encouraged he use of your imagination. The pictures really were beautiful and just helped set the scene perfectly. Xx

molly57 · 29/10/2016 16:43

Well written. Keeps the reader captivated.

jamielmdjs · 28/10/2016 22:53

A magical mystical journey. the world war is a great setting for a story. beautifully illustrated.

baconbap · 28/10/2016 22:05

a wonderful story

wef1984 · 28/10/2016 21:12

My eldest daughter loved the book as she loves horses

Dessallara · 28/10/2016 21:02

I've just started it. Illustrations are lovely and love reading it :)

lcorrall88 · 28/10/2016 15:15

I have such a poor imagination. However that being said, I really did like this book it really opened up my mind to a world of imagination because of the great illustrations to go alongside it.

niki34 · 28/10/2016 11:10

my teenage daughter & i have both read the book firstly the illustrations are absolutely amazing some covering a double spread they are so intricate & really add to the reading experience. The book itself is really magical and has the reader gripped the whole story is put together so well it is centred around a hospital & winged horses who live within the mirrors and she discovers one in the gardens of the hospital. It was quite a quick read & would recommend it to adults aswell as it has alot of meaning and emotional aspect the perfect book to read and share with your older children.

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