A Drop of Golden Sun

Author:

Kate Saunders

Illustrator:

N/A

Published by:

Faber & Faber

First Published:

7 Mar 2024

Ideal for readers aged

9-12y

My Review

Such a lovely, sunny, summer read! Jenny is auditionning for a part in a film which is clearly based on the 'Sound of Music' premise. She and her mother are whisked off to sunny southern France for the holidays while Jenny starts filming along with her new friends, her 'film family'. It's not an eventful book, but one where characters learn to muddling along and find friendship despite their apparent differences, and in which kindness, compassion, and understanding come out on top. It's a book that leaves you with a smile - one of those that my daughter read, brought to me the moment she had finished it, and added to the top my book pile by my bed! This is always an accolade!

It's perfect for fans of 'The Sound of Music', would-be actors, and anyone who wants to feel like they are basking in French sunshine!

Heads Up!

Jenny's father died when she was a toddler and the book explores a little of what it means for her and her mother to grieve, and to move on. One character has a drinking problem, which she resolves to tackle towards the end of the story.

Publisher Review

It's 1973 and Jenny has been cast in a major motion picture. Her ordinary life is about to become extraordinary! From the Costa-winning author of Five Children on the Western Front. 12-year-old Jenny is in shock. She's just been cast as one of the lead roles in a feature film. She's going to be a child actor! Soon she must jet off to France, to the idyllic Château Mouchotte, where she will join her film family: three other children and two renowned actors. The glitz and glamour of being on set is a million miles away from Jenny's normal life, but showbiz is never straightforward and there's one fierce and famous actor that threatens the whole shoot. It's up to Jenny and her friends to keep the peace and save the film. Jenny is about to experience a life-changing summer in the spotlight!