A Spoonful Of Sugar Review

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I was sent a copy of A Spoonful Of Sugar to review, this book is a true story of life as a Norland Nanny in wartime England written by Brenda Ashford, Published by Hodder & Stoughton in hardback.

I have to say I enjoyed reading this and it does open your eyes to how easier it is to raise children in today’s times. The one thing I admire most is how Brenda dedicated so much time and love to these children.

Brenda considers herself to be mother to one hundred children, though she didn’t have a family of her own. Brenda devoted her life to giving children the best possible start in life and in A Spoonful of Sugar she recalls her experiences as a young trainee nanny in wartime England – unofficially cementing for herself the status of the Nation’s Nanny.

Brenda’s affinity with children stems from a young age, as she celebrates the birth of her baby brother (now 83). We see her reapply the values which she learns from her early youth to her career as a nanny in her efforts to provide an idyllic childhood for the children in her care.

Caring for both poverty-stricken evacuees, children in privileged Kensington nurseries and everyone between, Brenda talks about the varying responsibilities of nannying during wartime, including protecting children from bomb blasts and malnutrition.

Poignant, uplifting and incredibly touching, A Spoonful of Sugar is the story of a sensitive, compassionate and caring nanny who helped hundreds of mothers raise their children. Touching on issues of childcare that are still very relevant today from teaching good manners to instilling confidence – Brenda Ashford provides a fascinating insight into bringing up happy children, past and present.

Brenda Ashford is 91 and lives in Milton Keynes. Although she never married or had children, the walls of her flat are covered with photos of the children she looked after, and their children too.

21st June 2012, priced £12.99