Loyal Creatures

Book excerpt: 'Tender and terrible; beautiful, brave and brutal ... one of very best novels I have read.' Michael Morpurgo *NOTABLE BOOK – CBCA Book of the Year Awards 2015* *SHORTLISTED – Australian Book Industry Awards 2015* *SHORTLISTED – REAL Children’s Choice Awards 2016* *SHORTLISTED – Speech Pathology Australia Book of the Year Awards 2015* They were loyal creatures, the men and horses of the Australian Light Horse, but war doesn't always pay heed to loyalty. This is the powerful story of a 16-year-old volunteer and his horse in World War One and the journey towards his own kind of bravery. Like many of his mates from the bush, Frank Ballantyne is keen to join the grand adventure and do his bit. Specially as a chest full of medals might impress the currently unimpressed parents of his childhood sweetheart. So Frank ups his age and volunteers with his horse Daisy ... and his dad. In the deserts of Egypt and Palestine he experiences all the adventure he ever wanted, and a few things he wasn't expecting. Heartbreak, love and the chance to make the most important choice of his life. From Gallipoli to the famous charge at Beersheba, through to the end of the war and its unforgettable aftermath, Frank's story grows out of some key moments in Australia's history. ‘A poignant and deeply moving tale of friendship, loyalty and courage, and the bravest act of love.’ Kids’ Book Review ------------------ PRAISE FOR MORRIS GLEITZMAN ‘Readers can't get enough of him.’ The Independent ‘A brilliantly funny writer’ Sunday Telegraph ‘A virtuoso demonstration of how you can make comedy out of the most unlikely subject’ Sunday Times ‘He is one of the finest examples of a writer who can make humour stem from the things that really matter in life.’ The Guardian