The Golden Scarecrow. By Hugh Walpole. (Cassell and Co. 6s.)—This
strange little book is oddly different from Mr. Walpole's usual work. It contains nine studies of children of varying ages, from three months to ten years, a prologue, and an epilogue. The central theme, that of a Friend whom all children know, a sort of semi-religious ghost with whom they talk and play, may appeal to many child-lovers ; but we confess that it seems to us a sentimental fault in a book which is otherwise full of sincerity. Mr. Walpole has gained a wide knowledge of children's ways,- though rather, we imagine, as a visitor than as an intimate friend ; and he writes with far more sympathy than do most " child writers " of the surrounding " grown-ups " ; indeed, the best bit of work in the whole book is the vision of Young John Scarlett's mother, the night before Young John goes to school. So far as practical questions are concerned, Mr. Walpo!e passes with credit a most searching test of nursery knowledge ; his only serious mistake lies in assuming that a healthy boy of two is not able to walk straight across a room.
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