Saturday, 2 May 2020

Eric and Scrunchball by James and Alice Reynolds



There is a deep charm to this picture book telling the true story of the separation of Eric and his Scottie Dog when Eric went to serve as an Army Chaplain, and was taken prisoner at the fall of Singapore.

It is the tale of Scrunchball (real name Tim) the dog waiting for Eric’s return – it is a one level a very simple tale, but there is a poignancy in the waiting which comes from the contrast with the joyful illustrations of the cheeky Scrunchball. A window on the pain of separation for men and women waiting for loved ones that have gone to war, the grieve of those for whom the wait was in vain as they would not return.

It is good that there are picture books such as this helping us to tell big stories to children.

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