The Amazing Tale of Ali Pasha

On May 6, 1915, Henry Friston, a 21-year-old sailor, returned to his battleship after ten days in Hell, also known as X Beach, Gallipoli. He had not eaten or slept for three days and had been ferrying wounded from the battlefield when he met a tortoise. This inspiring and impactful story by Michael Foreman OBE teaches young readers lessons of hope and how it can come from the most unlikely places. Retold through journal entries and Henry's accounts, the story is brought to life by stunning illustrations and evocative language.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 128 pages
Publication date: 28 September 2023
Publisher: Templar Publishing

On May 6th, 1915, Henry Friston, a 21-year-old sailor, returned to his battleship after a harrowing ten-day ordeal in Hell. Hell, also known as X Beach, Gallipoli, was a mere 180 meters long and 7 meters wide. Henry, tirelessly transporting wounded soldiers from the battlefield, had gone without food or sleep for three days. Amidst the relentless bombardments, an unexpected companion crossed his path—a tortoise.

This remarkable and profoundly moving tale, penned by the acclaimed children's author and illustrator Michael Foreman OBE, imparts valuable lessons about hope and its unexpected origins. Told through journal entries and Henry's recollections to a young reporter named Ali, the story comes alive through the captivating illustrations and evocative language. This timeless story will resonate with generations of readers to come.

Henry's journey in Hell began on April 29th, 1915, when his ship, HMS Highflyer, was sunk by a German submarine. He managed to survive and clung to a piece of wreckage for three days before being rescued by a passing Turkish boat. However, his ordeal was far from over. He was transferred to a hospital ship, where he continued to care for the wounded.

On the third day, as Henry was making his way back to the hospital ship, he stumbled upon a tortoise. The creature was small and fragile, and it seemed to be in distress. Henry took pity on it and decided to bring it aboard the ship. He placed it in a box and tended to it, providing it with food and water.

As the days passed, Henry and the tortoise became inseparable companions. They spent their time together, sharing stories and observing the world around them. The tortoise, named Tommy by Henry, seemed to bring a sense of calm and tranquility to the ship. It would often crawl up to Henry's chest and rest there, providing comfort during the chaos of the war.

Despite the harsh conditions and the constant threat of danger, Henry and Tommy remained steadfast in their friendship. They faced each challenge with courage and determination, never giving up hope. Their bond became a source of inspiration for the other sailors on the ship, who looked up to them with admiration and respect.

One day, as the ship was preparing to leave the hospital ship, Henry received news that his younger brother, Frank, had been killed in action. He was devastated by the news and felt a deep sense of guilt and responsibility. He knew that he had to stay strong for his fellow sailors and continue to care for the wounded.

With Tommy by his side, Henry continued his work on the hospital ship. He worked tirelessly, day and night, caring for the sick and injured soldiers. He never lost sight of the importance of his mission and the sacrifices that were being made.

Finally, after ten long days in Hell, Henry and the rest of the crew were able to leave the battlefield. They were greeted with cheers and applause as they sailed back to England. Henry was hailed as a hero for his bravery and selflessness, and Tommy was celebrated as a symbol of hope and resilience.

In the years that followed, Henry and Tommy remained close friends. They continued to share stories and adventures, and their bond became a source of inspiration for many. Henry wrote a book about his experiences in Hell, which was published and became a bestseller. Tommy, too, became a celebrity, appearing in newspapers and magazines and even making a cameo appearance in a Hollywood film.

Their story serves as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope. It teaches us that even the smallest and most unlikely creatures can bring joy and comfort to those in need. It also reminds us of the power of friendship and the importance of never giving up, even in the face of adversity.

In conclusion, this inspiring and impactful story from Michael Foreman OBE teaches young readers valuable lessons about hope and resilience. Retold through journal entries and Henry's accounts, the story comes alive through the stunning illustrations and evocative language. It will resonate with generations of readers, reminding us of the power of friendship, courage, and determination in the face of adversity.

Weight: 292g
Dimension: 152 x 198 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800785304