The Iron Man Ted Hughes Lovereading - -Year 4 (age 8-9) More books from this list Book 33 of 42. View the next book in this list View the next book in this list This title is in stock Price £3.74 RRP £4.99  Saving £1.25 (%25)   Download Extract    Buy This Book

Julia Eccleshare's comment:

One of the greatest modern fairy stories, this tells of the strange giant Iron Man who appears from nowhere and begins a reign of terror throughout the countryside as he smashes up the farmers’ tractors and diggers. How the farmers try to bring down the Iron Man and how his powers end up being used to save the world in a fight against the space-bat-angel-dragon unfolds in this brilliant and mysterious story.

Perfect for Reluctant Readers as well as keen readers.  To view other titles we think are suitable for reluctant readers please click here.

This classic has been chosen by Simon Bartram, September 2010 Guest Editor: "This is a strange tale about a giant iron man that roams around the land satisfying his appetite be eating farm machinery and scrap metal. The humans are scared of what they don't understand and plot the Iron Man's demise. Soon however, the realise that they need his help when a sinister visitor from outer space threatens the entire world. Throughout the book there are power struggles and conflicts until ultimately peace is secured by the Iron Man's bravery and wisdom. From the first page to the last, you are on his side."

About The Author

Ted Hughes was born on 17 August 1930 in Mytholmroyd, a small mill town in West Yorkshire. His father made portable wooden buildings. The family moved to Mexborough, a coal-mining town in South Yorkshire, when Hughes was seven. His parents took over a newsagent and tobacconist shop, and eventually he went to the local grammar school.

In 1948 Hughes won an Open Exhibition to Pembroke College, Cambridge. Before going there, he served two years National Service in the Royal Air Force. Between leaving Cambridge and becoming a teacher, he worked at various jobs, finally as a script-reader for Rank at their Pinewood Studios.

In 1956 Hughes married the American poet Sylvia Plath, who died in 1963, and they had two children. He remarried in 1970. He was awarded the OBE in 1977, created Poet Laureate in December 1984 and appointed to the Order of Merit in 1998. He died in October 1998.