The Brontës: Children of the Moors

by Mick Manning, Brita Granström

A highly-illustrated retelling of the Brontë sisters life in Haworth in the Yorkshire Dales told from Charlotte Brontë's point of view.

Genres: Picture Books, Biography, Nonfiction, Childrens, History

48 pages, Hardcover

Published March 16, 2016

About the author

Manning went to school in Keighley and then studied at at Bradford College. He studied illustration and graphic design at Newcastle Polytechnic (now the University of Northumbria) 1979 - 82 and then illustration and animation at the Royal College of Art London 1984-87 . Later he devised and ran the BA honours Illustration option at the Glasgow School of Art while maintaining a freelance career. In 1998 he resigned to concentrate on writing and illustrating children's books full-time. British artist-illustrators Xavier Pick, Helen Stephens and Mark Hearld number among his ex-students. Manning's first book A Ruined House was chosen by Quentin Blake in The Laureate's Party (Red Fox) as one of his personal top 50 children's books of all time. Manning is known for his collaborations as author and co-illustrator with partner Brita Granström. Books from their young non-fiction series "Wonderwise" won the TES, Silver Smarties and English Association Awards and were also shortlisted for the Royal Society Science Book Prizes (then called The Rhone Poulenc) on three occasions. They won The English Association award again in 2005 with Voices of the Rainforest and again in 2008 with Greek Hero. Their book Yuck! is referenced in the Mike Leigh film Happy Go Lucky. Tail End Charlie, a picture book about his father's Second World War experience as an RAF air gunner during 1944 was shortlisted for, and televised on, the Blue Peter Book Awards 2010. It was also shortlisted for the ALCS Award and was nominated for the Carnegie Medal 2010. Manning is a direct descendant of 18th Century Italian artist Bonifacio Musso, and Musso's London-born son Charles Muss who was himself, among many other things, a British illustrator. In 2011 Mick and Brita won a fourth English Association Award with the follow up to Tail-End Charlie; Taff in the WAAF a fascinating book about his mother's war including her experiences as a Chicksands 'Y' station listener for Bletchley Park. In 2011 he was elected a Fellow of The English Association.

Manning's other children's non fiction picture books include science titles such as: How Did I Begin? (this book looks at the amazing development of a human baby from fertilised egg to birth and was shortlisted for the Rhone Poulenc Prize in 1996) Woolly Mammoth (with the NHM, London), Dino Dinners (with the NHM, London), Nature Adventures and 'What Mr Darwin Saw, (this book about the life of Charles Darwin and his discoveries was shortlisted for the Royal Society's science book prize in 2011.)

Reviews

[Hilary]

A factual picture book about the lives and works of the Bronte family. This book had lots of information about life during this period of history, the lives of the family and an overview of some of their books. Although this was enjoyable and informative I found the layout a bit busy and the illustrations and colours not to my personal taste. I felt the whimsical style of the illustrations did not suit the Brontes or their situation.

[Shiloah]

This was a fairly comprehensive biography of the Bronte family for a children’s picture book. Prepare for an hour for reading aloud. Definitely worth it. We loved it. Glad we bought this one.

[Charlotte]

Maybe it's silly to rate a picture book but I thoroughly enjoyed it! The illustrations are beautiful and the story seems to be legit (it doesn't hide the fact that everyone died at a young age). Now that I live near those famous moors I really want to get into the world of the Bronte sisters and read at least Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights! This little "biography" was a great way to start.

[Meg]

It is difficult to find a children's picture book which tells the story of the Bronte family from England. Mick Manning & Brita Granstrom have written and illustrated a beautiful historical fiction book that is told in a dream sequence by the narrator who was actually portraying a shepherd boy in a 1967 BBC production. As the story begins...Charlotte becomes the narrator of the 1820-1855 saga about the family of five siblings and their parents. Charlotte, Emily, & Anne become famous writers, first using men's names in order to be published. The book includes quotes, factual information about the town of Haworth, and poems written by Emily interwoven among the lovely watercolor drawings. This book will be an informational treat for children, ages 8-12.

[Beth]

An interesting concept well executed. A great introduction to a literary family for upper primary, lower secondary students.

[Andy Hickman]

THE BRONTES: CHILDREN OF THE MOORS
Neat tie-in to the author’s personal experience on the BCC programme of Wuthering Heights.
Delightful illustrations, especially of the prominent birds of the moors: curlew, lapwing, skylark.
You have to feel for Barnwell!
“A Little While” is a wonderful poem by Emily Bronte
****

[Dolors]

Perfect choice to introduce the Brontë Sisters to my daughters. They loved the illustrations and Emily's spirited character particularly. This is a keeper.

[Jennifer]

I loved the illustrations and the story. I loved learning more about this family. It was so sad though. Thank you Mick.