Seven For a Secret by Laurence Anholt & Jim Coplestone

It's not often that I'm reduced to tears by a children's picture book (let alone an adult novel for that matter), but this profoundly moving account of a little girl's correspondence with her grandfather had me in floods. Unable to sleep one night because of the noise of the city where she lives, Ruby writes a note to her grandfather, who is far away in the countryside. And so begins a series of letters between the two, in which each relays details of their everyday lives, and expresses their continuing hope that one day they will meet. The increasingly fond letters are punctuated by the presence of magpies, as Grampa tells Ruby about the birds who keep him awake, and teaches her 'The Magpie Song'. It becomes apparent that Grampa's health is deteriorating, then when Ruby sees a single magpie on her balcony (1 for sorrow), we realise that he has died. It was this cleverly implied execution which so tugged my heart strings. Anholt's skilful writing is complemented by Copplestone's softly energetic illustrations, which provide a subtle exposition of the story beyond the letters themselves. Further tears ensued in the final, fold-out spread, when Ruby discovers Grampa's secret, a generous legacy that will ensure her family's security. A memorable, moving, and ultimately uplifting tale.