| Title | Horace |
| Place | England |
| Publication date | 1 July 2004 |
| Pages | PB 224 pages |
| Price | £6.99 |
| Author | Chris d’Lacey |
| Publisher | Yearling |
| Edition | |
| Special features (maps, etc.) | |
| ISBN | 978-0440864455 |
Writing a review is a personal insight into you as a person, because your review whilst written by you is on display with the idea that others will be interested in your thoughts and ideas about something IN this case I am writing about ‘Horace’ by Chris d’Lacey This is a Corgi Yearling book, obviously aimed at the teenage audience, but those younger will enjoy the story as well. Used as the central character is Joel with his friend Kenny as his sidekick (romantically in love with Joel’s sister); to these two are Joel’s family and I have to say it is nice to have a story which is warm, family orientated, and for once without violence.
‘Horace’ does bring together many themes, e.g.
- family in trouble
- theft
- altruism
- good deeds
- love
- infatuation
- teenage angst
- greed
- cross cultural love
‘Horace’ was published in 2004 by Corgi, and the 15 years difference between then and now in terms of society is at once obvious, but you do wish things as described were still sustainable.
Chris d’Lacey is a well-known author of children’s books and Horace’s publication coincided with Chris’ 10th anniversary of writing children’s fiction; and in that time he has published twenty-one (21) books
Like Chris (and Joel) I am also drawn to looking in charity shops, and I as they have done, have seen and purchased forlorn teddy bear looking for a new home In the past before hospitals had to make changes due to the superbug, I used to clean and tidy up my purchases and donate them for children in hospital, a little light for someone in what would have been a bleak time.
In the story of Horace, his role becomes pivotal in saving the family from potentially not having a home and having to make substantial changes in the family life He is found to be a very well-known bear of pedigree, stolen and discarded by the thieves, almost a dustbin bear; and then like a phoenix is raised to new heights of love and being treasured. Joel is at once his protector, saviour, hopeful owner, and also the person who has to decide what is right and wrong
I would urge anyone who enjoys a well written story, with a love of character, and especially teddy bears to read Horace, and dream!