Winner of the Marsh Award 2011 for Children’s Literature in Translation. Translated by Martin Cleaver. In this newly formatted edition of Letters to Anyone and Everyone, Toon Tellegen conjures up a world where the creatures of the earth can send a letter to the sun (and get an answer); where you can actually write a letter to a letter; and where just writing something down can make it true. Perfectly complemented by Jessica Ahlberg’s delicate illustrations.
Ever since I received this book it has stayed by my sofa. It is so delightfully calm and intuitive. The idea of writing a letter and receiving a wonderful reply is so stunning. Wouldn’t that go some way to solving some of the worlds’ problems!! ( Don’t quote me on that one!)
The tortoise for instance, who had a problem as he woke up to discover he was in a hurry! So he wrote to snail, who replied…
Dearest Tortoise,
That is a tragedy for you. It’s so cruel when you’re in a hurry. Fight your way out of it and defeat it. Fold it into an insignificant ball, then bury it in the ground. Above all, keep your cool, If you and I lose cool, what then?
The snail.
What a joy! Heartfelt and emotive, great for learning about empathy.
The new hardback edition with bookmarking ribbon is a wonderful book to have and that is why I and others in the family keep reading it again and again.
Written by Toon Tellegen is a Dutch writer, poet, and physician, known for children’s books, especially those featuring anthropomorphised animals. The illustrator, Jessica Ahlberg studied at Winchester School of Art and illustrated many books for children. She lives in Brighton and is the daughter of Janet and Allen Ahlberg.
Published by Boxer Books, this edition is an excellent part of their increasing and beautiful portfolio.
Sue Martin Children’s Literacy Specialist
