Children's Bookshelf

Dominion, Volume 23, Issue 33, 2 November 1929, Page 28

Children's Bookshelf

Brief Reviews of the Latest Books for Young People.

All young people enjoy books about their own country, and for that reason junior readers will welcome “The Secret Station,” by Ellersley Hall (Whitcombe and Tombs, Ltd.) This is an exciting story of two young New Zealanders, a secret radio station, and a shipwreck. In this well-planned tale the author has introduced several delightful characters who are real New Zealand boys—so typical of our young manhood that they will remind yon of many boys you know. We are pleased to see so many good books by New Zealand authors being published, and we commend “The Secret Station” to all seeking an exciting, well-written and wholesome book for boys.

We have just received a very charming book of fairy tales (“A Road to Fairyland,” by Erica Fay, G. P. t»utnam’s Sons, Ltd.) which can be strongly recommended as an inexpensive gift or prize for young people. Twelve beautiful and fantastic tales are offered in this book, which is printed in extra large type, thereby making it suitable for even tbe youngest of readers. Erica Fay appears to know her fairyland, and she has the happy gift of transporting her young readers on a magic carpet to wonderland. It can truly be voted a delightful book.

When a well-known author turns his attention to' children’s tales, one generally expects something worthy of careful consideration. E. Temple Thurston, the output of whose facile pen has delighted many a grown np, has now collected and retold a collection of wonderful stories' for young

people “Come and Listen,” is the working title of the book, which is published by G. P. Putman’s Sons at 2/6 net. This collection includes several of the world's best-known short stories, all of which have been carefully retold by the author. ‘ -'The Bible, Greek myths and mediaeval legend have been drawn on for tbe tales Mr. Thurston has chosen. Numerous delightful pen-and-ink sketches by Flora Twort add to the charm of this very pleasing book.