The Brontës: Scenes from the Childhood of Charlotte, Branwell, Emily, and Anne [Paperback]

Catherine Brighton (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 5 and up

Few literary families were as touched by genius — or drama — as the Brontës. Set against the backdrop of the Yorkshire moors, Catherine Brighton's illustrated biography brings Charlotte, Branwell, Emily, and Anne to life. All children play at make-believe, but the Brontës went a step further, creating and chronicling their own charmed universe in their remote parsonage at Haworth. Based on elder sister Charlotte's journals, The Brontës recounts days spent in their isolated world, "dear Papa's" sermons, and the children's increasingly obsessive interest in creating imaginary worlds.

Dreamy, detailed illustrations show the romance of the family's existence, while the authentic voice of Charlotte creates a moving portrait of a glittering, fanciful world every bit as enchanting as the ones these young artists created.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

A tepid first-person narrative introduces readers to the Bronte family as elder sister Charlotte recounts days spent on wild Yorkshire moors, "dear Papa's" sermons, and the children's growing interest, even obsession, in creating imaginary worlds. While tracking the four siblings' artistic growth--from games to stories to tiny written books--the text does little more than scratch the surface of a fascinating and worthwhile subject. Background information is sorely needed--where is Haworth? what are the moors?--as are suggestions for further reading. Dreamy, detailed illustrations dwell on romantic aspects of the family's existence: the Brontes, who were poor, here look privileged and well-dressed. On the other hand, Brighton is successful in suggesting the constant presence of figments of the imagination--larger-than-life toy soldiers hover in doorways, windows are conduits to distant lands. Ages 4-10.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

Grade 2-4-Brighton, whose child's-eye view of Mozart (Doubleday, 1990) may enlighten young music lovers, has attempted to illuminate four other prodigies-the Bronte children-by illustrating parts of Charlotte's early journals. It is unlikely that readers will come to this book with any experience or knowledge of the subject, and the use of Charlotte's own words precludes much explanation of just who these children were. The author tries to compensate for this by providing a very brief prologue and epilogue to put the journal entries in context. Many of Charlotte's vignettes are charming fantasies or thumbnail sketches of life on the moors. They have an appeal that may entice youthful dreamers. The detailed watercolors evoke the openness of the landscape, but Brighton's attempts to illustrate the children's fantasies within the scenes of their real life are less successful. The characters' faces have a flat, universal quality and vary little from those depicted in her other books, except in hairstyle and clothing. This might be the sort of serendipitous reading that will be dimly remembered and provide easier entry to Jane Eyre later on.
Sally Margolis, Deerfield Public Library, IL
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Frances Lincoln Children's Books (January 10, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1845073347
• ISBN-13: 978-1845073343
• Product Dimensions: 10.4 x 8.2 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,753,480 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Dear Book, Hard to Place, October 4, 2011

By 

C. A. Willey (Atlanta, Ga.) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Brontes (Hardcover)

I've had this book for a good while. I can't remember where I picked it up. I've decided to give it to an adult friend who loves the Brontes as I do. This is very charming with lovely illustrations but I can't imagine many children relating to it. It seems to be more of a book for adults who love the Brontes. The text and illustrations have a nostalgic feel for the early 19th Century British world that I'm sure my friend will enjoy. So it's a lovely book but not really the choice for the traditional picture book situation.