For award-winning, internationally-acclaimed author Rosemary Sutcliff (1920-92). By Anthony Lawton: godson, cousin & literary executor. Rosemary Sutcliff wrote historical fiction, children's literature and books, films, TV & radio, including The Eagle of the Ninth, Sword at Sunset, Song for a Dark Queen, The Mark of the Horse Lord, The Silver Branch, The Lantern Bearers, Dawn Wind, Blue Remembered Hills.
It is, I think, the eve of Chinese New Year – the next year is the year of the horse. So a little celebration with a picture again of Rosemary’s beloved Troubadour, now at home here in Leicestershire countryside and perhaps preparing to ride the fields on Midsummer Eve? Why? The answer perhaps is to be found in Rosemary’s lovely little story The Roundabout Horse, also pictured. And she was, according to academic Margaret Meek, writing in Books for Keeps.
Sunflower is a special roundabout horse. Although made from wood, he has real feelings and Jenny is a very special girl. When she rides Sunflower, something magical happens. A little story from Rosemary, but I love it. And I have always thought there was animated film also struggling to get out ….
In The Roundabout Horse, Rosemary Sutcliff’s illustrated children’s story, Sunflower is a special roundabout horse. Although he is made from wood, he has real feelings. Jenny is special. When she rides Sunflower, something magical happens both to him and to her. I love this short children’s story from Rosemary, and my children did too when they were young.
ROSEMARY SUTCLIFF (1920-92) 