Please Write Soon: An Unforgettable Story of Two Cousins in World War II Award-winning team by Michael Rosen (author) and Michael Foreman (illustrator)

The Times Children’s Book of the Week 9th April 2023
Shortlisted for the Historical Association’s Young Quills 2023 Award
Inspired by a true family story, Michael Rosen presents an astonishing account of perseverance, love and hope in wartime.
Beginning in 1939, young Solly in London exchanges letters with his teenaged cousin, Bernie, in Poland.
While Solly is evacuated and tries his best to adjust to life in the English countryside, Bernie’s parents know that as Jews they’re not safe staying in Warsaw, so they send Bernie to the Russian-occupied side of the country in the hope that he’ll be safer there.
Soon, though, he is arrested and sent off to a forced labour camp in Russia.
As the cousins exchange sporadic letters, they try to keep their spirits up, trading jokes and observations about the world changing all around them.
Then Bernie seizes the opportunity to join the “Anders Army” and fight the Axis powers, and tells Solly all about his experiences in Iraq and eventually Italy, where he fights alongside the British at the famous Battle of Monte Cassino.
Does Bernie survive and find a safe place to call home?

With breathtaking illustrations by beloved illustrator Michael Foreman, this is an unforgettable story of courage and love, perfect for the whole family to share.

Michael Rosen is one of the best-known figures in the children’s book world, known for his work as poet and author of classic books such as WE’RE GOING ON A BEAR HUNT.

This book is a perfect companion to POPPY FIELD by Michael Morpurgo and Michael Foreman. Together, the books are a wonderful introduction to the history of the great wars of the 20th century and the importance of Remembrance.

REVIEWS OF PLEASE WRITE SOON
“An important book authored by two legends of British children’s literature, Please Write Soon should be required reading for everyone” BOOKTRUST
“highly recommended. It doesn’t take long to read, but has a lot to say and has a big impact.” Kids Bookreview
“a poignant and engaging book.” Books for Keeps

Our October 2022 Ages 11+ Book of the Month

Our book of the month for children aged 11+ is Please Write Soon by one of the best-known figures in the children’s book world, Michael Rosen.

This beautifully written book is a paperback exclusive and inspired by a true story about Michael Rosen’s family. It is about perseverance and hope in the face of true horror and hardship – it is a perfect introduction to the history of the Second World War and very fitting in the lead up to Remembrance day at the beginning of November.

Olivia - Book Club Editor, Ages 7+

Product Details

Catalogue number

615 in Setanta SCB Offer January 2026

Format

Hardback

ISBN

9780702303180

Publisher

Scholastic

Date published

April 7th, 2022

Other details

80 pages

Condition

New

Author/Illustrator

Michael Rosen

Michael Rosen was born into a London Jewish family, the son of two distinguished educators – Connie and Harold Rosen. Michael’s childhood was rich in books, stories and conversation.

Michael attended Middlesex Hospital Medical School for a year but transferred to Wadham College, Oxford to study English Literature. At Oxford, he started to realise his ambition of acting (as well as writing and directing). Michael still says that if he wasn’t a poet, he’d like to be an actor. Anyone who has seen him in performance knows that he already is!

The narrowness of his course of study proved a source of dissatisfaction and Michael began looking outside his recommended reading to contemporary working, class ballads. He retains a passion for street rhymes, popular songs and folk stories.

Michael Rosen has been writing poetry since the age of 18. His first collection, Mind Your Own Business, was published in 1974. Although it was not planned as a collection for children, it appeared on Andre Deutsch’s children’s list. This, says Michael, was a turning point – “Suddenly it all fused: the writing, the performing, the popular audience. It was just incredibly exhilarating.”

He quickly made a name for himself with his collections of humorous verse and picture books for children. He is described as one of the most significant figures in
contemporary children’s poetry, drawing closely on his own childhood experiences, and ‘telling it as it was’ in the ordinary language children actually use.

Michael is now a poet, author and broadcaster, and was Children’s Laureate from 2007-2009.