When Lenny Levi's father goes off to fight in the Second World War, he tells his son to be brave and gives him a brass badge with a lion and a unicorn on it, fighting each other too.
Lenny has to learn to be brave: brave when bombs are dropped in his street, brave when he's evacuated to a big house in the country, and brave when spiteful children tease him and call him names.
The only place Lenny can really feel at home is the secret walled garden, with a stone unicorn high up on a pedestal that looks as lonely as he feels. It is here, with wise words to help him and a guardian angel to look over him, that Lenny begins to understand the true nature of courage.
This lovely book will strike a chord with anyone who has ever felt homesick and alone. Full of detail and character it embraces the past and the present with unique poignancy and power.
Shirley Hughes' minutely observed, beautifully executed, illustrations conjure up a world that is full of charm and activity.
A read-aloud story book children will love.
