OWEN AND THE SOLDIER by Lisa Thompson
PAPERBACK
Author: Lisa Thompson
Illustrator: Mike Lowery
OWEN AND THE SOLDIER is a gentle and moving story about friendship, memory, and finding the courage to speak up. Owen is having a hard time at home, and he feels alone with worries he doesn’t know how to share. His favourite place is a quiet bench in the park, where a crumbling stone soldier sits and seems to listen.
The soldier becomes someone Owen can talk to, a steady presence when everything else feels uncertain. But when the town council plans to remove the statue, Owen realises that the one thing that gives him comfort is about to be taken away. If the soldier is to be saved, Owen must find a way to make others understand why he matters.
Lisa Thompson writes with warmth and sensitivity, making Owen’s emotions easy to relate to. The story gently explores themes of loss, remembrance, and bravery, showing how even quiet voices can make a difference.
Perfect for readers aged 9+, Owen and the Soldier is a touching and thoughtful read. It’s a story about standing up for what you care about and finding strength when you need it most.
About Barrington Stoke: Barrington Stoke publishes super-readable books designed for readers of all abilities - including those with dyslexia, reluctant readers, and learners of English as an additional language. Their titles use a dyslexia-friendly font, cream paper, and clear layouts to reduce visual stress, making high-quality stories accessible and enjoyable for everyone.