Author Elizabeth Goudge
First published 1946
Publisher University of London Press, London, UK
The valley of Moonacre is shadowed by tragedy but Maria Merryweather is determined to right the ancient wrongs.
Story
Moonacre Manor is paradise to Maria Merryweather when she moves in with her cousin Sir Benjamin. But the enchanting Moonacre Valley is clouded by the ancient tragedy of the Moon Princess and the little white horse. Desperate to bring peace back to the beautiful valley, Maria embarks on an adventure, but can she do it alone?
Why we chose it
A fairy tale fantasy – that gave many readers a life-time longing for a circular tower room at the top of a spiral staircase.
Where it came from
Living in Marldon, Devon, Elizabeth Goudge was inspired to set The Little White Horse in the West Country. She always felt that the area was made for fairytales. As an admirer and avid reader of Jane Austen, many readers compare her Victorian Gothic descriptions of Moonacre Manor to Northanger Abbey.
Where it went next
Winning the Carnegie Medal in 1946, The Little White Horse went on to be translated into many languages. In 1994, it was adapted into the television mini-series Moonacre, and in 2008 into the film The Secret of Moonacre . Harry Potter author, J.K. Rowling, says it was her favourite childhood story and one of the things that inspired her to become a writer.
Associated stories
Other children’s stories by this author include Henrietta’s House (1942) and Linnets and Valerians (1964). She also wrote many short stories and novels for adult readers.
Author Elizabeth Goudge
First published 1946
Publisher University of London Press, London, UK