His Name Was Walter cover art

His Name Was Walter

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His Name Was Walter

By: Emily Rodda
Narrated by: Wendy Bos
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About this listen

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

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)

©2018 HarperCollins Publishers Australia Pty Limited (P)2018 HarperCollins Publishers Australia Pty Limited Fairy Tales, Folk Tales & Myths Fiction Growing Up Growing Up & Facts of Life Literature & Fiction Multigenerational Family

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)
All stars
Most relevant
loved it. Brilliant narrator. could wait to listen to more of it. great ending.
his name was walter.

his name was walter

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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.

Fairly disappointed

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

amazing

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

Clever and creative

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In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.