Brave Janet Reachfar

Janet Reachfar #1

by Jane Duncan, Mairi Hedderwick (Illustrator)

During a sudden snowstorm, Janet ventures out onto a forbidden hill to rescue a lost sheep only to wind up needing help herself.

Genres: Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1975

About the author

Jane Duncan was the pseudonym of Scottish writer Elizabeth Jane Cameron, best-known for her My Friends series of semi-autobiographical novels. She also wrote four novels under the name of her principal heroine Janet Sandison, and some children's books. She was born in Renton, West Dunbartonshire and brought up in the Scottish Lowlands where her father was a police officer, but much of her childhood was spent in the Highlands on the Black Isle in Easter Ross, on her grandparents' croft "The Colony", the "Reachfar" of her novels. She graduated in English from the University of Glasgow and did various secretarial jobs before serving as a Flight Officer (Intelligence), WAAF during World War II. Afterward, she lived in Jamaica for ten years, returning to Jemimaville, near "The Colony", in 1958 as a widow. In 1959 Duncan became something of a publishing sensation when Macmillan Publishers announced that it would be publishing seven of her manuscripts. The "Reachfar" (My Friends) series is narrated by Janet Sandison and follows her life (which in outline parallels that of the author) from the World War I period through to the 1960s, depicting the people she encounters and showing how her crofting upbringing influences her in whatever society and geographical location she finds herself.

Reviews

[Christine Headley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm currently re-reading Jane Duncan's adult 'My Friend' books with much enjoyment, and was delighted to see that this children's book was illustrated by Mairi Hedderwick, who went on to create my favourite series of children's books, those involving Katie Morag. Katie Morag obviously learned a bit from Janet Reachfar, but Janet has a more extensive wardrobe (though fewer siblings). There are two more and I will be looking out for them!

[Michele · Rating 3 out of 5]

Janet lives with her busy family on a farm in Scotland. When a massive snow storm rolls in Janet wants to help bring in the sheep from the pasture. She sneaks away, bringing her dog Fly. They attempt to rescue a sheep and newborn lamb, only to need rescuing themselves. Beautiful watercolor illustrations.