Book Review by Jill Smith©Jan19
Title: Charlie the Cheeky Spider
Author: Brian Dale
Illustrator: Jennifer Scicluna
Publisher: Possumwood Publishing
Charlie was born with his many brothers and sisters on a quiet, still night, in the light of a full moon. His mother noticed he was different right away. He kept asking questions and was never still. He grinned a cheeky grin. So that’s why she called him Charlie. He was impish and liked to play tricks on his family. He was growing bigger and he realised it was time to leave home, so he wove threads into a parachute and jumped into the air. He was blown a long way from his country home to the suburbs and he landed on a window sill.
He was ready for more adventures, so he crawled inside. There he found a family to live with and he happily introduced himself, to Mr and Mrs Pan and Junior Pan. He was a talking spider and loved to hear Mrs Pan scream, and he was especially fond of her chocolate cake mix that was left all over the bench and floor when she’d run in fright. This is just the first of many adventures.
I can imagine Brian or any teacher reading this book to a group of school children and having them enjoy it when Charlie went – Creepy crawly, creepy, crawley, creepy, crawley … boing!
This is a charming chapter book for young readers about a very cheeky spider. The illustrations by Jennifer Scicluna are carefully matched to the story and I must say Charlie is a cute cheeky spider. I’m giving my signed copy to my granddaughters and I’m sure they’ll love it.
And now for something completely different – a memoir with a difference.
Book Review by Jill Smith©Jan19
Title: Far Away and Further Back
Author: Patrick Burns
This is a collection of anecdotal short stories about one man’s working life and journey around many countries.
His life in business as Human Resources rep for a large company would seem innocuous at first, but, as in all aspects of living, the people around him and the journey he takes to become the person he is in each point in time, is the story.
The memoir is not in chronological order but that enhances the jigsaw frame as each story contributes to the whole picture of who Patrick Burns is and how he faces each stage of life. From being a small boy at a birthday party and being charmed by the host, to enduring family visits with his grandparents who are literally from another age. Having unpleasant interviews in China with a zealous Police Inspector, with a definite, will I get out of here feel. Then the recollections of his early expat days when he moved from England to live in America.
His stories are enchanting and I’m sure he relates his adventures with gusto to those he speaks to. This book is just like a conversation, and one I’m glad I had the opportunity to read.
There are more reviews to come! I’m reading more great books so stay tuned.
Book Review by Jill Smith ©Jan19
There are so many strange things that happen in Nevermore that the reader feels dragged along by the strong current of an exciting imagination. Thanks, Jessica Townsend, I was unable to go to sleep until I’d finished turning the last page. I rated this and the first book Nevermore, Five Stars on Goodreads. I loved every twist and turn. I loved the feeling of comfort and homeliness of the Deucalion Hotel, Morrigan’s ever-changing bedroom and Jupiter’s cosy nook. I eagerly await the next instalment in Morrigan Crow’s journey.
It’s New Year’s Eve and my hubby and I be joining some friends to see the New Year in.
It’s the 22nd December and Christmas is almost here. I’d like to wish all my family, friends and blog followers an especially happy Christmas and New Year celebration. May 2019 bring you all good news, work you enjoy and relish, time with family with hugs and laughter. That’s what I’m looking forward to.
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All of the above are my 40 books for the annual Goodreads reading challenge. Right now I’m almost finished the second part of Terry Springs OUR SONG books. I had already read these as a manuscript but am enjoying re-reading them as Kindle books.
The start book blurb above states this book is the conclusion of the Duffy and Macintosh family feud. This is a twelve book series and it is stunning from beginning to end. Returning to the rivalry behind the curse is like meeting up with an old friend, one that deals with horrific wartime battles, subterfuge and deceit within families and in the political arena. Again I heartily recommend Peter’s books as he is Australia’s, Wilbur Smith. These books continue to be page-turners that envelop the reader.
50,296 words validated – and I’m done – Yay! I did manage to give it a satisfactory ending. Next, for the editing (but not right now!)
jillsmith
