1 JUNE 1962, Page 15

is a pleasure to see Miss Olivia Manning appreciating the

unusual quality of John Symonds's work, though he is not wholly as unrecognised as she suggests. His adult novels are little known, but in the sphere of the imaginative story for children he has earned distinction and success. If it were not for the scant attention given to children's literature in this country the special flavour of Mr. Symonds's work that so intrigued Miss Manning would be widely recognised. The Magic Currant Bun, The Isle of Cats, Lottie and Elfrida and the Pig have a humour and fantasy that are quite unique and to which Andre Francois, Gerard Hoffnung and Edward Ardizzone responded with inspired illustrations. He is undoubtedly in the top rank of writers for children.

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