Philippa Pearce Critical Essay | Critical Essay by Mrs. E. D. Moss

Critical Essay by Mrs. E. D. Moss

"The Children of the House" is an elegant piece of writing, sad but at times wryly humorous…. The four children are alive and individual; their exploits, under Tom the heir, those of imaginative, country-loving children. Philippa Pearce has given this chronicle, which is a tragedy in muted tones, shape, form, and meaning. Her sense of period is exact, enhanced by an extraordinary flair for dialogue; her love of fun is much in evidence in this [story].

Mrs. E. D. Moss, "Historical Fiction: 'The Children of the House'," in Children's Book News (copyright © 1968 by Baker Book Services Ltd.), Vol. 3, No. 4, July-August, 1968, p. 205.