Find a book
Donate
English Cymraeg

The Little Match Girl Strikes Back

by Emma Carroll, illustrated by Lauren Child

Interest age: 9 to 11
Reading age: 7+

Published by Simon and Schuster, 2022

  • Adventure
  • Chapter books
  • Historical

About this book

12 year-old Bridie sells matches on the mean streets of Victorian London. Her mother works 14 hours a day making matches in the Bryant and May factory… and the poison from the factory is making her ill. Even though they work so hard, they are very poor and often hungry. Then one New Year’s Eve, when Bridie seems to have lost everything, she lights her three remaining matches with miraculous effects.

Some readers might know the Hans Christian Andersen fairytale The Little Match Girl, which does not have a happy ending. Be assured this new Match Girl tale is much more cheery!  The story is a reimagining of true historical events where women working in the Bryant and May match factory go on strike because of terrible pay and conditions. But in this story young Bridie is their inspiration.

It’s a thrilling tale and Bridie is a wonderful character brought stunningly to life in Lauren Child’s magnificently beautiful illustrations, many of them based on real photographs of match sellers and workers from the time. The innovative layout of the text makes this a particularly vibrant read. Emma Carroll and Lauren Child are a brilliant pairing and this book would make a wonderful gift.

About the illustrator

Lauren Child is a multi-award-winning, bestselling writer and artist whose books are known and loved the world over. She is the creator of characters including Clarice Bean, Ruby Redfort and Charlie and Lola.

Lauren Child has been at the forefront of innovation in children's books for over 15 years and has raised the profile of illustration as an artform for all ages. She's worked with mixed media, pioneered text as an integral part of illustration and collaborated with artists across different fields.

Lauren is also a passionate advocate for visual literacy and the importance of quality picture books for children. She is also passionate about encouraging creativity in children and adults. She is a trustee of House of Illustration, a gallery set up by Sir Quentin Blake. She has been awarded an MBE for her work and was appointed as an Artist for Peace by Unesco in 2008.

More books like this

Explore our Bookfinder

Lists of recommended reads

  • Books set in Victorian times

    These fiction books are all set in the nineteenth century, and are suitable for ages 7-11. They provide an insight into Victorian lives, shining a light on different aspects of society, with settings as varied as Cardiff, London and a travelling circus. They are all realistic stories.

  • Great Books Guide Cymru 2023: 8 to 9

    The best English, Welsh and bilingual books from 2023 for 8- to 9-year-olds

Discover more booklists
Share this page Twitter Facebook LinkedIn