Framed
by Frank Cottrell-Boyce, illustrated by Steven Lenton
Interest age: 9+
Reading age: 9+
Published by Macmillan Children's Books, 2015
About this book
The story centres on Dylan Hughes, the only boy left in a small Welsh mountain town called Manod, where there is little work and a shrinking community. His parents run a garage and Dylan's logbook of customers captures his small-scale horizons.
Then one day, a convoy of vans arrives at the disused mine, taking into storage the entire collection from the National Gallery of Art. Dylan's interests are football, cars and Ninja turtles - but, through these, the worlds of high and low culture collide and this changes everything.
This is an immensely entertaining book, about the power of art to bring about change and to redeem. It is beautifully characterised, funny and profound.
About the author
More books like this
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Cosmic
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The Astounding Broccoli Boy
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Lists of recommended reads
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Children's books set in Wales
Wales lends itself naturally to some brilliant stories, with its incredible, varied scenery: towering mountains and tumbling hills and gasp-worthy coastline. It's also a country of storytelling, full of myths and legend: dragons and witches and tales of King Arthur. If you live in or are from Wales (or just going for your holidays), you may be looking for books set there to share with your child. Here are just a few of our favourites for you to check out.
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Art and creativity
Books are a wonderful way to introduce children to art and creative exploration. They can encourage readers to see their own potential and break down barriers to creativity by demonstrating that everyone is an artist, no matter their experience level. Many stories also highlight the power of expression and its positive effect on emotional wellbeing – something which is especially important for children who find it hard to discuss their feelings.
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