Celandine (novel) facts for kids
First edition cover
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| Author | Steve Augarde |
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| Illustrator | Steve Augarde |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
| Series | Touchstone Trilogy |
| Genre | Children's, young adult, fantasy, bildungsroman |
| Publisher | David Fickling Books |
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Publication date
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22 August 2006 |
| Pages | 496 |
| ISBN | 978-0-385-75048-6 |
| LC Class | PZ7.A9125 Cel 2006 |
| Preceded by | The Various |
| Followed by | Winter Wood |
Celandine is an exciting fantasy novel for young readers by Steve Augarde. It's the second book in his amazing Touchstone Trilogy series and came out in 2006. This story actually takes place about 90 years before the first book, The Various. It follows the adventures of a brave girl named Celandine, who was born in 1901. Her story happens during 1914 and 1915, right when World War I was beginning.
Celandine runs away from her strict boarding school because she really doesn't like it. She's too scared to go home, fearing her parents will send her right back. So, she looks for a safe place in the Wild Wood near her house. She never expects to find a hidden world there! This world is full of secret tribes of tiny folk who are very protective of their independence. It's also a place where danger can pop up when you least expect it. Celandine, who is a bit of a troubled character, finds both a safe haven and a special purpose among these little people. She's the only one who truly believes they exist.
Celandine's Amazing Adventure
The book starts with Celandine escaping from her boarding school. This is her third try to run away. She gets on a train and meets a soldier who was hurt in the war. He seems to be about the same age as her brother, Freddie, who sadly died serving as a volunteer soldier. Celandine helps the soldier light his cigarette. She also meets a nurse who is surprised by Celandine.
Celandine goes back to her family's farm but doesn't go inside. She doesn't want to face her angry father. Instead, she climbs a nearby hill and makes a special hooting sound. This is a signal! A small child Celandine calls Fin suddenly appears and jumps on her. Fin is full of love and asks for cake. This is where the story goes back in time to explain things.
Celandine was only 10 years old when she first saw the "little people." She was resting under a tree, which is the same place Fin finds her later. Soon after Fin, his father or guardian also appears. When Celandine returns to her normal life, no one believes her story about seeing these tiny folk. Only her brother Freddie believes what she saw.
What Does the Name Celandine Mean?
The name Celandine comes from a type of flowering medicinal herb. It could be either the Greater celandine from the poppy family, or the Lesser celandine, which is a kind of buttercup. This plant is important in all three books of the trilogy. However, the descriptions in the books don't make it clear which specific plant Steve Augarde had in mind.
Meet the Characters
- Celandine Howard: She is the main character and hero of the book. Celandine loves mischief and can cause trouble, which worries her parents and governess. She grew up rich, so she can be a bit spoiled and selfish. But deep down, she has a kind heart. She has light-colored, wild hair, but her eyes and eyebrows are dark and serious.
- Freddie (Wyndham Frederick) Howard: Freddie is Celandine's older brother by three years and her favorite. He is a sensitive and unselfish person, but also incredibly brave. He loves a good adventure! Freddie was the one who suggested they search for the mysterious "small people" Celandine saw in the trees. He also really loves Celandine. He has light, frizzy hair, similar to Celandine's if it were allowed to grow out, and light-colored eyes.
- Thos (Thomas) Howard: Thos is Celandine's older brother by five years. He is very serious and can be quick-tempered, just like his father. He has dark eyes and dark hair.
