We used chapter 2 of this book to put into a play script as a literary exercise with year 3 children. They absolutely loved it and it was perfect for We used chapter 2 of this book to put into a play script as a literary exercise with year 3 children. They absolutely loved it and it was perfect for this purpose. I found it light and funny, quite silly, but enjoyable....more
I have really enjoyed reading children's literature and this one was recommended by my daughter who is an avid consumer of books. We went to the OxforI have really enjoyed reading children's literature and this one was recommended by my daughter who is an avid consumer of books. We went to the Oxford Literary Festival to hear Frances Hardinge talk and she piqued my interest there, so this is the book my daughter urged me to read first. It does not disappoint. I found it gripping to read. Frances Hardinge is a quirky person and this book reflects her character somehow. The book gave me the impression of being really well researched. The concept of a lie tree is just so whacky. Her writing is so illustrative somehow, by that I mean that it inspired really strong pictures in my mind. However, I don't think there is a character in the book that I actually liked. There was something very dark about the story. I liked the way she explores the position of girls in Victorian England....more
I found this book really imaginative, thought provoking and unconventional. All qualities that I often find lacking from current children's literatureI found this book really imaginative, thought provoking and unconventional. All qualities that I often find lacking from current children's literature. I really enjoyed the characterisations. Parts of it are also really funny. I also felt nervous at times for Al, in his need to break in to his old house in order to access the time machine....more
I did enjoy reading this. There was an element of suspense which made me think it would be good to read to a class. I liked the fact that we were intrI did enjoy reading this. There was an element of suspense which made me think it would be good to read to a class. I liked the fact that we were introduced to OCD via the main character. I think books that make you aware of conditions like this, a little like being introduced to Autism in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime are valuable. The Curious Incident however is far funnier. I felt it didn't quite match up to to other books in this kind of genre, but think that is a side issue, and this book would be eminently enjoyable in its own right especially by children. I think the author weaves two elements of suspense very skilfully in to the story....more
This book was so heart warming on several levels. I enjoyed the developing and unexpected friendship between Callum and Iona which was cut unexpectedlThis book was so heart warming on several levels. I enjoyed the developing and unexpected friendship between Callum and Iona which was cut unexpectedly short. Callum's mum was just as you would want a mum, welcoming and hospitable. It was lovely to read about ospreys and it made me want to find out more. It's a book based on friendship between Callum and his friends on bikes and Callum and Iona and Callum and Jeneba....more
I suppose Carroll should be credited with inventing the nonsense genre, but I find Alice inWonderland a little dull to read. The characters are not IikI suppose Carroll should be credited with inventing the nonsense genre, but I find Alice inWonderland a little dull to read. The characters are not Iikable. I do appreciate the vivid imagination. His stories have become legendary. We all seem to know them without having read them. I enjoyed the poetry in the book and yet again seemed to know a lot of it without having read it. I think my mum must have read the poetry to us as children....more
I absolutely loved this book, the first one I have ever read by Pullman. It is so beautifully written. The story is gripping and I loved the way realiI absolutely loved this book, the first one I have ever read by Pullman. It is so beautifully written. The story is gripping and I loved the way reality and story telling were interwoven. Wow, powerful book! ...more
I enjoyed reading it and found it gripping but didn't take much to the dirt, the bones, eating the birds, etc, that really did make me feel a little sI enjoyed reading it and found it gripping but didn't take much to the dirt, the bones, eating the birds, etc, that really did make me feel a little squeamish and the existence on the roofs gave me vertigo. I found the way Matteo appears in her bedroom a little creepy and not sure that I found Charles to be a plausible character. They seemed to live in squalor and mess, so found the concept of Sophie being beautiful a little hard to believe as it seemed she always had food stains on her mismatched clothes. I like the quirkiness of the story and the characters. I felt though that the story wasn't quite as polished as it could be? ...more
Charming storybook of individual stories which all form part of the main story. There was something quite simple and lowkey and old fashioned, and yetCharming storybook of individual stories which all form part of the main story. There was something quite simple and lowkey and old fashioned, and yet very inventive and creative. I did wonder about the translation in to English, obviously never as good as the original. I felt that maybe the significance of names and rhymes were lost in translation, but nevertheless a charming book....more
Poignant book about musicians who had played in concentration camp in the second world war. Could be used as part of a topic on that part of history -Poignant book about musicians who had played in concentration camp in the second world war. Could be used as part of a topic on that part of history - thought provoking for children....more
Suitable for Year 3 upwards. Found his style slightly cloying and emotional, but that's from an adult's perspective - think it would be good for a chiSuitable for Year 3 upwards. Found his style slightly cloying and emotional, but that's from an adult's perspective - think it would be good for a child....more
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