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  • His Name Was Walter

  • By: Emily Rodda
  • Narrated by: Wendy Bos
  • Length: 8 hrs and 20 mins
  • 4.4 out of 5 stars (33 ratings)

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His Name Was Walter cover art

His Name Was Walter

By: Emily Rodda
Narrated by: Wendy Bos
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Publisher's Summary

From Australia's favourite storyteller comes a story that shows us the extraordinary power of true love and solves a decades-old mystery. 

Once upon a time, in a dark city far away, there lived a boy called Walter, who had nothing but his name to call his own.... The handwritten book, with its strangely vivid illustrations, has been hidden in the old house for a long, long time. Tonight, four kids and their teacher will find it. Tonight, at last, the haunting story of Walter and the mysterious, tragic girl called Sparrow will be read - right to the very end....

From one of Australia's most renowned children's authors, comes an extraordinary story within a story—a mystery, a prophecy, a long-buried secret. And five people who will remember this night for the rest of their lives.  

PRAISE

"Another magnificent book from Emily Rodda." (Readings)

"Guaranteed to capture the imaginations of 8+ mystery lovers." (Better Reading)

©2018 HarperCollins Publishers Australia Pty Limited (P)2018 HarperCollins Publishers Australia Pty Limited

Critic Reviews

AWARDS

Winner—2019 Prime Minister's Literary Awards (Children's Literature)

Winner—2019 Australian Book Design Awards (Children's Fiction Book)

Winner—2019 CBCA Book of the Year Awards (Younger Readers)

Shortlisted—2019 Davitt Awards (Children's)

Shortlisted—2019 QLD Literary Awards (Griffith University Children's Book Award)

Shortlisted—2018 Aurealis Awards (Best Young Adult Novel)

What listeners say about His Name Was Walter

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Fairly disappointed

Was expecting more from such a talented author, especially since this made it onto the notables list. I was planning on buying the real copy to read to my year 5 class but have changed my mind after listening. Plot and “twists” very predictable. On the contrary, World War and history references are subtle, and will be lost on young readers unfamiliar with nuances of history. Having these explained by characters after the fact comes across as condescending. I still love Rodda, and the idea behind this book is wonderful, but it just falls short in delivery for me.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Clever and creative

Loved how a fairytale was woven into a setting we can relate to. Thought provoking and enjoyable.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

amazing

love the book and the reader did all the voices perfectly especially grace. love it

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

his name was walter

loved it. Brilliant narrator. could wait to listen to more of it. great ending.
his name was walter.

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