The Secret Hen House Theatre
Since the death of her mother, Hannah’s family life has been chaotic.
Ignored by their dad, who’s absorbed as much by his grief as by the challenges of running their hopelessly dilapidated farm, Hannah and her brothers and sisters are left to fend for themselves. While the younger kids run riot round the farm, Hannah decides she wants to do something special, something that connects her to her theatre-loving mum. She’s going to write and put on a play in the overgrown hen house she’s found in a remote corner of the farm. Then the farm is threatened with demolition, and Hannah – with her best friend – have to find a way to save it. Perhaps one of the props they’re using in the play is valuable after all…
A beautifully written debut novel for 8-12 year-olds: The Swish of the Curtain meets I Capture the Castle.
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Extras
Helen says: “When I first met my husband, I told him endless stories of my childhood on a farm, writing plays with my friends for our theatre in an old shed. One day, he kindly suggested that I should stop bombarding him with all this stuff and turn it into a children’s book instead. The idea grabbed me immediately. I wanted to write a book which had plenty of adventure and an element of wish-fulfilment but was rooted in the reality of contemporary rural life. Writing the book was the most absorbing and fun thing I’d ever done. I had followed Nosy Crow’s blog since they began and I loved their energy and enthusiasm, so when they told me they wanted to publish my book, it really was a dream come true.”
Kirsty says: “When we first read the manuscript, we knew that this was a winner. It’s beautifully written and the characters come alive as soon as you meet them. It’s funny, moving and a hugely satisfying read. It reminded everyone of books they’d read and loved as children, so we’re keen to ensure it reaches all of today’s readers, too. And this is Helen’s first book – can’t wait to see all the others!”
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Reviews
“Curtains swish again in Helen Peters’s excellent debut novel … A stage-struck 11-year-old girl living on a tumbledown farm, her best friend who is a talented designer, a mean rival with her own theatre group also entering the local competition, a pet ram who butts away unwelcome visitors: what’s not to like?”
“This is a brilliant book. The farm is described beautifully, even the mucky bits, so you feel you know your way around it and love it as much as Hannah. The characters are very real and I like the way arguments between the children are described. I loved this book so much that I read it in one weekend. There are clues that might lead to a sequel and I hope there is one. I’ll be queuing up to buy it.”
“So gripping and unputdownable it seemed to be stuck in my hands”
“In the best tradition of Noel Streatfeild and Pamela Brown, Peters captures the very special thrill of devising and producing a show … It feels refreshing to read such an honest to goodness adventure story”
“Debut author Helen Peters has the kind of entrancing storytelling skills that immediately put her in the league of classic children’s authors such as Noel Streatfeild and Nina Bawden … Imaginative and appealing, The Secret Hen House Theatre is the sort of book that you hope will never end”
“Anyone that loves reading and farm animals or is involved in drama would surely love this book. Helen Peters’ descriptions of farm life are so accurate, the story really comes to life. I couldn’t put the book down!”
“I loved this book about Hannah’s fight to save her farm – and the clever plan she concocts to try to save the day”
“A heartwarming story … with themes of friendship, family, and coming to terms with loss, it’s a moving and inspiring novel.”
“A heart-warming debut that will whisk you away in the spirit of I Capture the Castle. A treat.”
“Where farms meet theatre, the feathers are sure to fly in this fabulous debut novel”
“Peters depicts a cast of strong and believable characters … With a hint of Pamela Brown’s ‘The Swish of the Curtain’, there is much for aspiring young actors to enjoy here, but this hugely enjoyable story of family, friendship and country life will also have a broad appeal for children at upper primary level.”
“As a child I loved The Swish of the Curtain, and The Secret Hen House Theatre is another engaging book about threatened amateur dramatics.”
“Full of action, with a happy ending, this is a book I didn’t want to finish.”
“There is something timeless about Helen Peters’s accomplished and hugely engaging debut novel … Drawn with humour and affection, Hannah’s world is utterly convincing.”
— Children’s Book of the Week“The sort of story you want to melt into … The trials and charms of farm life create a world where characters will start to feel like friends.”
“Helen Peters’ debut evokes the strange wonder of life on a farm with real affection … Hannah’s own problems have to compete with family-sized troubles and the sibling relationships are sweet and realistic. Through Hannah’s inspiring determination the secret theatre blooms into life, and like this story, it’s magical.”
“An engaging tale about family and friendship”
“A beautifully written debut novel”
“One of my favourite summer reads: a contemporary family adventure with secrets, wonderful characters and lots of heart. Dreamy girls will love the drama-competition plot, with nostalgic echoes of The Swish of the Curtain.”
“Absolutely delightful … Astonishingly accomplished for a first novel, it is on one level an engaging story about a group of children determinedly staging a play in a disused old henhouse and, on another, a warm-hearted and compassionate account of a family coming to terms with loss. I enjoyed the proof so much that I read it in two sittings.”
This is a beautifully written, funny, gripping book!! I could not put it down!!!!!!! Please write some more books Helen Peters!! You are an amazing author!!!
Loads of love from,
Omala xxxxxx
Omala Thursday April 4, 2013 #
I loved this book as you really feel as if you are there. The great thing about it is that it really could be real and that really helps to create the atmosphere in your head. Please write another book Helen!
Imogen x
Imogen Monday May 27, 2013 #