It's the summer holidays, and the Walker children are staying at Bank Ground Farm (Holly Howe) - otherwise known as Captain John, Mate Susan, Able-Seaman Titty and Ship's Boy Roger - are excited to set sail on their boat Swallow and camp on Wild Cat Island. Exploring their new territory, camping in the open skies, swimming in the lake and fishing for their dinner would be adventure enough - but then they meet two fierce Amazon pirates who challenge them to a war.
Arthur Ransome's classic Swallows and Amazons stories begin with this first book, a delightful evocation of a wonderful summer of adventure, discovery and friendship. Inspired by the author's own real-life sailing adventures in the Lake District as a child, this enchanting story is accompanied by Ransome's simple but characterful black and white illustrations.
Book Reviews
"The book I remember most from childhood. I wanted to be with them on their escapist adventures with their boats and picnics and summer in beautiful Cumbria" -- Miranda Hart * Daily Express *
"You'll want to give this to your children as a window on a time when adventures came from swimming, fishing, camping and exploring rather than in an Xbox...The best line is when Nancy reveals that she is really called Ruth, but changed her name when she heard that pirates are ruthless" * Independent *
"A book that has stood the test of time... enchanting and escapist" * Sunday Express *
Film Review
"My 6 old granddaughter stayed overnight and we decided to watch the the film having read the book.. She loved it! This is a magical film, beautifully filmed, directed and acted and sticks closely to the original story. In this film Titty doesn’t have a name change nor are there any Russian spies as in the more recent version of the book. It tells the story simply and as such has the magic to captivate and inspire a six year old!"