I loved this story and the concept of relating a modern day character to a historical figure. The story was told well. ( )

A charming book sure to be enjoyed by younger readers everywhere. ( )

My 8 year old son and especially my 6 year old daughter liked this story which we all enjoyed as a bed time read. We discovered the chapters were a bit long for this in general, but there were places to break these in two. We have a box set of Morpurgo and some books are a bit heavy, but this one is more fun and fantastical and I felt no need to stay and talk about anything after the reading. Towards the end it was very exciting for my daughter. I imagine that as a resource to learn about the time of Walter Raleigh, this is a great way to start in school lessons. ( )

When Bess goes to a family party at the Tower of London she meets an old man who tells her that her ancester is the Elizabethian explorer Sir Walter Railigh. She keeps him a secret untill he steals the crown jewels when they confess to her elder brother. At that time her father is in debt and the have to sell their farm. Walter comes the rescue and the family buy the old family farm where Walter lived as a child. ( )

A charming book featuring a friendly ghost who doesn't quite understand the twentieth century way of doing things...
Bess Throckmorton discovers she is related to Sir Walter Raleigh at a family reunion, and when she visits the tower of London, discovers his ghost who is still seeking revenge for his execution and family left in poverty all those years ago. Sir Walter befriends young Bess and comes back to Devon with her where his tries to help out, but keeps landing Bess in trouble! When Bess's parents say they'll have to give up their farm, Sir Walter puts a plan into action involving the crown jewels. Needless to say, being a book for under tens, all is resolved very happily in this sweet novel. ( )