Black Hearts in Battersea facts for kids
First edition (US)
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| Author | Joan Aiken |
|---|---|
| Illustrator | Pat Marriott (UK) Robin Jacques & others (US) |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
| Series | Wolves Chronicles |
| Genre | Children's novel |
| Publisher | Doubleday (US) Jonathan Cape (UK) |
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Publication date
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1964 (US) 1965 (UK) |
| Media type | Print (Hardback & Paperback) |
| Preceded by | The Wolves of Willoughby Chase |
| Followed by | Nightbirds on Nantucket |
Black Hearts in Battersea is an exciting adventure novel for young readers. It was written by Joan Aiken and first came out in 1964. This book is the second story in her popular Wolves Chronicles series. It continues the adventures from The Wolves of Willoughby Chase.
The story is set in a slightly different version of England in the early 1800s. In this world, King James III rules the country. The book follows a young orphan named Simon. He plans to study painting in London. But his plans are quickly changed by a series of thrilling adventures. Joan Aiken wanted the book to feel like big events had already happened. She also included a complex plot, like those found in Charles Dickens's books. She thought this would be great for children who love to reread their favorite stories.
Contents
TV Show Adaptation
In 1995, Black Hearts in Battersea was made into a television series. James Andrew Hall adapted the book for TV. It aired on BBC1 from December 31, 1995, to February 11, 1996.
TV Show Cast
- Mark Burdis as Scrimshaw
- Jade Williams as Dido
- Roger Bizley as Captain Dark
- Annette Badland as Dolly Buckle
- John Altman as Midwink
- Gemma Sealey as Sophie
- William Mannering as Simon
- Richard Woods as Boy with Wheelbarrow
Radio Play Adaptation
The book was also turned into a radio play by Lin Coghlan. Marc Beeby directed this BBC Radio version. It starred Joe Dempsie as Simon, Nicola Miles-Wilden as Dido, and Emerald O'Hanrahan as Sophie.
Radio Play Parts
- Part One: Young Simon arrives in 18th-century London. He wants to study painting. Instead, he gets caught up in wicked plots. These plots are by people trying to overthrow the King.
- Broadcasts: BBC Radio 4, December 23, 2009, and December 21, 2011.
- Part Two: Simon and Sophie must save the King. They face many dangers from the plotters. These include a shipwreck and wolf attacks. They also narrowly escape an exploding castle in a hot air balloon.
- Broadcasts: BBC Radio 4, December 24, 2009, and December 22, 2011.
Radio Play Cast
- SIMON ..... Joe Dempsie
- DIDO ..... Nicola Miles-Wildin
- SOPHIE ..... Emerald O'Hanrahan
- DUKE ..... John Rowe
- DUCHESS ..... Sheila Reid
- COBBE ..... Ben Crowe
- MRS COBBE ..... Annabelle Dowler
- MR TWITE ..... Rhys Jennings
- MRS TWITE ..... Tessa Nicholson
- JUSTIN ..... Sam Pamphilon
- BUCKLE ..... Nigel Hastings
- MRS BUCKLE ..... Kate Layden
- DR FURNEAUX ..... Bruce Alexander
- DR FIELD ..... Ewan Hooper
- MOGG ..... John Biggins
- GUS ..... Joseph Cohen Cole
- JABWING ..... Piers Wehner
- WOMAN ..... Kate Layden
See also
In Spanish: Los malvados de Battersea para niños
