Stig Of The Dump

Author:

Clive King

Illustrator:

Edward Ardizzone

Published by:

Puffin

First Published:

1 Jun 1963

Ideal for readers aged

9-12y

My Review

'Stig Of The Dump' has stood the test of time well - it doesn't feel dated, and is a great way into a topic on the Stone Age. What begins as a boy meets boy story set in the modern era, with lots of fun repurposing and survival skills thrown in, climaxes in a vivid and wonderful imagining of the building of a stone circle at an Ancient ceremony as the sun rises, when Barney and his younger sister are swept back in time to join Stig's clan.

Heads Up!

Clive King also wrote an overlooked adventure story set in Ancient Aleppo that encompasses aspects of ancient innovations like the 22 letter alphabet, called (not surprisingly!) 'The 22 Letters' - it's well rated by readers but hasn't been in print for a long time - secondhand copies would be worth tracking down if you have children with an interest in Ancient History!

Publisher Review

The Thing sitting in the corner seemed to be interested. It got up and moved towards Barney, into the light. Barney was glad to see it was Somebody after all. Funny way to dress though, he thought, rabbit-skins round the middle and no shoes or socks. Barney spends a lot of time by himself, and often goes wandering off alone. One day he is exploring by the edge of an old chalk-pit, when it gives way. Finding himself in some sort of cave, Barney is astonished to discover a 'somebody' living there: somebody with a lot of shaggy hair and two bright black eyes, wearing a rabbit skin and speaking in grunts. Barney names him Stig, and the two quickly become best friends. Of course nobody believes Barney when he tells his family all about Stig. But Barney doesn't care. He and Stig are far too busy having a brilliant series of unforgettable adventures. Much-beloved by children for generations, Stig of the Dump is the ultimate story about the joyful freedom of mucking around outdoors, having fun away from the grown-ups . . . !