Media & Books

The Trust has written two books on Child Migration, one of which has recently been made into a film called "Oranges & Sunshine". To buy a book or DVD, just click on the image or link shown.

Empty Cradles / Oranges & Sunshine

Empty Cradles was first published in 1994 and was re-issued in 2011 to coincide with the film of the book, entitled "Oranges and Sunshine".  It describes the founding and early years of the Child Migrants Trust and was written at a time of severe financial crisis when the Trust's funds were under threat. Royalties from this best-selling book ensured that the Trust's vital work  - reuniting former Child Migrants with their families - could continue. It has been presented to the Australian and British Prime Ministers at the recent apologies.

'The secrets of the Lost Children of Britain may never have been revealed if it had not been for (the actions of) Margaret Humphreys' - Sunday Times

'Brought tears to my eyes. It is impossible to ready Empty Cradles without thinking "These could be my parents. These could be my children. " ...Despite the sadness and anger at its centre, hope remains the principal message of this remarkable book.' - Terry Waite, The Times

'It is a story that defies belief' - The Independent

'A modern Florence Nightingale' - Sydney Morning Herald

Oranges & Sunshine DVD - U.K. only

The DVD of the film was released in the U.K. on 25th July 2011.  Click here to order your copy.

Lost Children of the Empire

The Trust's first book 'Lost Children of the Empire' was written by Philip Bean and Joy Melville. Published in 1989 by Unwin Hyman, it is now out of print but still available from libraries and as a second-hand book. 

This useful guide to the mixed motives behind child migration - 'this inhuman chapter in British history' -  provides many moving accounts of the experiences of individual former child migrants both past and present. It includes a varied selection of photographs and vivid examples of oral history.

Lost Children takes its name from the television documentary, screened  in Britain, Australia and other major centres of child migration, which inspired  the award-winning 'The Leaving of Liverpool', an ABC/BBC television mini-series.