Author Lucy M Boston
First published 1954
Publisher Faber & Faber, London, UK
On his first visit to his grandmother at her ancient house Green Knowe, Tolly meets the spirits of his ancestors, the children and animals who lived there centuries earlier.
Story
The Children of Green Knowe is the first book in a six book series about a manor house, Green Knowe. Tolly, a young boy, visits the ancient house to spend Christmas with his great-grandmother. In the house he discovers the spirits of children and animals who lived there in generations before. He builds a relationship with three spirits in particular: Toby, Linnet and Alexander. Cut first by flood water and then by snow, Tolly’s great grandmother tells stories of the house and the people who lived there.
Why we chose it
A magical story which has become a classic.
Where it came from
The house was based on Lucy M. Boston’s house, where she lived in while she wrote the books, The Manor in Hemingford Grey, Huntingdonshire, UK. Through the books she brings to life the lives of the people she imagines having lived in her 12th century home.
Where it went next
The Children of Green Knowe was adapted for Jackanory in 1966. A BBC serial followed in 1986.
Associated stories
The other Green Knowe stories are The Chimneys of Green Knowe, The River at Green Knowe, A Stranger at Green Knowe, An Enemy at Green Knowe, The Stones at Green Knowe and Demon at Green Knowe.
Author Lucy M Boston
First published 1954
Publisher Faber & Faber, London, UK