Swallows and Amazons (2016 film) reminder of the value of allowing children to get outside and explore instead of being mollycoddled by fearful parents." He added, "The film adds an espionage subplot that feels a little underpowered to really provide the intended narrative oomph, danger or excitement, but in an age in which the teen heroes and heroines of YA adaptations are routinely given ridiculously proficient combat skills, there's something nice about watching kids mucking about and learning basic wilderness skills." Geoffrey Macnab in "The Independent" began by saying, "This new adaptation of Arthur Ransome's novel evokes a long-lost era in which kids didn't just
Winter Holiday (novel) Nansen's books about his crossing of Greenland in 1888 and his Arctic expedition from 1893–1896 in the "Fram" and by sledge, which are extensively referenced in the novel. Brother and sister Dick and Dorothea Callum meet the Swallows and Amazons during the winter beside the lake. Whilst observing the stars in an isolated barn, Dick and Dorothea encounter the other children and shortly become firm friends. They become part of the group, and join in their play of Arctic expeditions. The holiday is extended when leader Nancy Blackett catches mumps and the group is quarantined and cannot return to their