SuitabookThe Sleeping Stones
Beatrice Wallbank
- Reading
- Read the opening as a mystery, pausing to track the old stories, stones and unexplained feelings. Later, discuss how the action changes the meaning of home, friendship and responsibility.
- Themes
- Friendship, trust and flawed protagonists: Gruff and Matylda become friends while dealing with jealousy, fear, isolation and anger connected to their different circumstances. Friendship is presented as emotionally valuable without making either child idealised; their flaws are part of how the relationship develops.
- Home, land and belonging: Gruff feels deeply connected to his farm and fears losing it, while Matylda fears being surrounded by new people and never settling. The story appears to value attachment to place and community while also giving serious attention to the outsider’s uncertainty.
- Welsh folklore and magical power: Old stories, standing stones, Welsh language and mysterious powerful beings shape an island adventure involving ancient anger and a storm. The book gives these elements a prominent role in its magical adventure.
- Worth knowing
- Expect suspense around strange stones, ancient magic and a terrifying storm. Possible loss affects the farm, sheep, home and community; the intensity of these scenes and the ending are not clear.