Alta Halverson Seymour – författare

Told through the harrowing experiences of the Van Rossem family of Kuyfoort, this is the story of the great flood that swept over Holland in January, 1953. The courage and heroism of the people in their fight against the encroaching sea, the search for and rescue of survivors and the reclamation of their homes and land are depicted.“How the wind blows tonight! As if it wants to tear the house up by the roots,” says Tante Anna. But the van Rossem family isn’t worried. Isn’t their house strong and solid? And the dikes that hold back the sea—aren’t they strong, too?That very night they waken to the shriek of sirens and the clang of church bells. They hear an even more frightening sound, too—the rush of water flooding the house.And then comes the cry that strikes terror to the heart of every Dutch boy and girl: “Get to your attic. The dike gave way!”

Originally published in 1961, this book tells the vivid story of 14-year-old Teresa Nagy and her family, as they join the Hungarian Freedom Fighters and live through the terror of the Hungarian Revolution of 1956.The reader is taken on a dramatic journey and relives the dangers and excitement of one family’s flight to the safety of the Austrian border.A gripping read.

ILLUSTRATED BY FRANK NICHOLASFar out to sea, the freighter Stjerne ought the storm bravely. At home in the little Norwegian fishing village, Arne and his family waited and prayed. It was the Christmas season, and the Stjerne was the Christmas ship this year, bearing Yuletide gifts and other good things for the village.But more important than the gifts, the Stjerne carried her gallant crew—and Arne’s brother Gustav, her first mate.How Arne does his part to help bring the Christmas ship safely into port makes a thrilling tale.Mrs. Seymour has woven the picturesque Norwegian customs of celebrating Christmas into a fine story of Norway. The book is illustrated with many attractive line drawings by Frank Nicholas.This is the second in a series about Christmas around the world.