"A small, timid refugee from wartime London--and from a sadistic mother--and a lonely villager who has reluctantly accepted the child form a bond of love and trust that is deeply touching. . . . a vivid cast for an English story with universal and timeless appeal."--IRA Children's Book Award Committee. ALA Notable Children's Book; 1982 ALA Best Books for Young Adults; 1983 "Horn Book" Fanfare Honor List; 1982 IRA Children's Book Award; "Booklist" 1982 Young Adult Editors' Choices.