The Times Children's Book ofthe Week 9th April 2023Shortlisted for the Historical Association's Young Quills2023 AwardInspired by a true family story, Michael Rosen presentsan astonishing account of perseverance, love and hope in wartime.Beginning in 1939, young Solly in London exchanges letters withhis teenaged cousin, Bernie, in Poland.While Solly is evacuated and tries his best to adjust to lifein the English countryside, Bernie's parents know that as Jews they'renot safe staying in Warsaw, so they send Bernie to the Russian-occupiedside of the country in the hope that he'll be saferthere.Soon, though, he is arrested and sent off to a forced labour campin Russia.As the cousins exchange sporadic letters, they try to keep theirspirits up, trading jokes and observations about the world changingall around them.Then Bernie seizes the opportunity to join the "Anders Army" andfight the Axis powers, and tells Solly all about his experiencesin Iraq and eventually Italy, where he fights alongside the Britishat the famous Battle of Monte Cassino.Does Bernie survive and find a safe place to call home? With breathtaking illustrations by beloved illustrator MichaelForeman, this is an unforgettable story of courage and love, perfectfor the whole family to share.Michael Rosen is one of the best-known figures in the children'sbook world, known for his work as poet and author of classicbooks such as WE'RE GOING ON A BEAR HUNT.This book is a perfect companion to POPPY FIELD by Michael Morpurgoand Michael Foreman. Together, the books are a wonderful introductionto the history of the great wars of the 20th centuryand the importance of Remembrance. REVIEWS OF PLEASE WRITE SOON"An important book authored by two legends of British children’sliterature, Please Write Soon should be required readingfor everyone" BOOKTRUST"highly recommended. It doesn’t take long to read, buthas a lot to say and has a big impact." KidsBookreview"highly recommended. It doesn’t take long to read, buthas a lot to say and has a big impact." Booksfor Keeps
