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A Stitch in Time (Lively novel) facts for kids

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A Stitch in Time
A Stitch in Time, book cover.jpg
British edition cover
Author Penelope Lively
Country United Kingdom
Language English
Publisher Heinemann
Publication date
1976
Pages 139
ISBN 9780434948970
OCLC 906166114

A Stitch in Time is a children's novel written by Penelope Lively in 1976. This exciting book won the Whitbread Award for children's books in the same year it was published. It was so popular that it was re-released many years later as a modern classic.

The story invites young readers to explore a mystery that connects the past and the present. It's a great read for anyone who loves a good puzzle and a touch of history.

About the Story

A Stitch in Time takes you on a journey with a girl named Maria Foster. She is spending her summer holiday in the beautiful seaside town of Lyme Regis, in England. Maria is a quiet and imaginative girl who often feels a bit lonely.

Maria's Summer Holiday

During her holiday, Maria finds herself in an old house. This house seems to hold many secrets. She starts to notice strange things that no one else does. These are not just sights, but also sounds and feelings. It's as if the house is trying to tell her something.

A Mysterious Connection

Maria begins to hear sounds that seem to come from the past. She hears a baby crying, a dog barking, and even a spinning wheel. These sounds lead her to believe she is connecting with a girl from long ago. This girl's name is Harriet, and she lived in the same house during the Victorian era.

As Maria learns more about Harriet, she feels a strong bond with her. She starts to imagine Harriet's life and what it was like to grow up in a different time. Maria becomes very curious about Harriet's world.

Unraveling the Past

The more Maria connects with Harriet, the more she wonders if something sad or difficult happened to Harriet. The sounds and feelings she experiences hint at a past event. Maria feels a strong need to understand what happened. She tries to piece together clues from the past to solve the mystery. This journey helps Maria understand more about herself and the world around her.

About the Author

Penelope Lively is a famous British author. She has written many books for both children and adults. Her stories often explore themes of memory, history, and how the past affects the present. She is known for her beautiful writing style and her ability to create deep, thoughtful characters. Penelope Lively has won several major awards for her books, including the Booker Prize for her adult novel Moon Tiger.

Awards and Recognition

A Stitch in Time won the Whitbread Award for children's books in 1976. This was a big honor for the novel.

What is the Whitbread Award?

The Whitbread Awards were a set of important literary prizes in the United Kingdom. They were given out every year to celebrate the best books published in different categories. These categories included novels, poetry, biographies, and children's books. Winning a Whitbread Award meant a book was recognized as outstanding. The awards are now known as the Costa Book Awards.

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