«Trevor Roberts is a cub reporter in a small town in eastern England during the 1950s whose big break as a journalist comes when he interviews a World War I Navy veteran about his famous pet tortoise. Foreman's book is based on the true story of Henry Friston, who was shipped off to Gallipoli as a gunner on the battleship HMS Implacable. Henry's detailed narrative, which unfolds over days of interviews, and pages from his diary recount desperate naval battles, the hazardous landing of Allied troops on the Turkish coast, and the close shave that brought young Henry his unusual pet, christened Ali Pasha, who saved his life and became his constant companion and troop mascot. The text deftly conveys both the thrills and horrors of war and touches on some important moral issues, particularly when Henry comes to understand during a truce that the enemy is no different from him and his British companions. Foreman is that rare artist who writes as well as he illustrates. His simple but engaging text is complemented by his charming, movement-filled watercolor vignettes and spreads, reproduced in black and white. The story teaches history with a light touch, and the focus on the emotional bond between the young soldier and his beloved tortoise will captivate even the most cynical teen heart. An original middle-grade novella with unusual richness and depth. (author's note) (Historical fiction. 8-12)»

Kirkus Reviews

«Based on the entrancing true story of Harry Friston, a 21 year old seaman caught up in the hell of Gallipoli who befriends a tortoise, Ali Pasha. He (the tortoise) later became an international celebrity, even appearing on Blue Peter. Foreman knew both Harry and Ali Pasha and has illustrated this as beautifully as you would expect.»

The Bookseller

«We meet Henry Friston and his tortoise Ali Pasha during the 1950s, when Henry is telling his amazing adventures to a young newspaper reporter. The story begins with Henry as a boy and then goes on to his time in the Royal Navy. On 6th May 1915, Henry rejoined his battleship after ten days on 'X Beach', ferrying the wounded from Gallipoli. This incredible story is based on true facts and it tells how, amid all the horror, Henry met a tortoise... and managed to keep him. The harshness of war is contrasted with the hope and warmth of a special relationship to bring us yet another superb and emotional story from a true master. Extracts from Henry's journal combine with superb illustrations from who else but Michael Foreman to bring us a story to capture hearts. Unputdownable.»

Parentsintouch.co.uk

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The writer and illustrator Michael Foreman grew up during World War II in a world inhabited by soldiers, sailors and American GIs. Perhaps then, it is unsurprising he has gone on to create a number of stories featuring war as the backdrop, including War Boy and War Game.
Now, one hundred years on from the start of World War I, Foreman introduces us to a new, rather unlikely hero - a tortoise named Ali Pasha. Based on a true story, the tale of Ali Pasha is revealed through flashbacks and journal entries that chart his journal from the battlefield of Gallipoli to a small village in Suffolk. Interspersed with evocative illustrations and exploring themes of heroism, friendship and triumph over adversity, the text is the perfect introduction to World War I history for children - not to mention an engaging story for readers of any age. Depending on the themes you choose to develop, it can be the basis of a powerful book topic for both lower and upper Key Stage 2.

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Clare Pearson, Teach Primary