Archive | May 2022

Pets Aplenty by Malcolm D Welshman

May14

Sniggering And Snorting Throughout!

Pets Aplenty by Malcolm D Welshman is an absolutely wonderful account of the life of a novice vet. It is the third book in the Pets In A Pickle series but can be read as a stand-alone.

This was a delightfully entertaining book that literally had me laughing out loud. I made my way through the book snorting and sniggering throughout at the antics of the animals!

The action all sprang to life under the masterful pen of Malcolm Welshman. I adored the droll inner voice when dealing with a badger; and the Jack Russell with the bad case of wind was absolutely hilarious! The serious young boy rehearsing for the nativity play also appealed to my sense of humor.

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The Boy At The Top Of The Mountain by John Boyne

May11

Corrupting The Young

The Boy At The Top Of The Mountain by John Boyne is a powerful children’s historical novel that consumed me from the start. It is perfect for ages ten and over.

The novel is written in the third person from the point of view of young Pierrot who is half French and half German. It is set in the 1930’s and into the end of World War II. John Boyne has cleverly written the story which draws the reader in. We ’hear’ and ‘see’ the action through Pierrot’s eyes whilst also remaining detached to witness the character change. We are far more aware of what is going on than the character.

In Paris there is light and love and family. In contrast to the mountaintop which should have clean air but is tainted with deceit, fear and evil.

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Emberly: The Impossible Princess by Jonathan Grant

May11

Oh How He Loves Us

Emberly: The Impossible Princess by Jonathan Grant is a beautiful and unique way to tell our daughters about Jesus who loves them.

Jonathan Grant has taken the bare bones of the Cinderella story and filled them with the truth of the Gospel. Seasoned Christians will be easily able to recognise the parallels and the truth of the Gospel within the tale.

As we read with our daughters, each page opens up a discussion e.g. the prince is searching for a bride, just like Jesus is searching for each and everyone of us. He will relentlessly pursue us because He does not want to lose any of His children.

We see that our sin, shame and secrets are laid on Jesus. The cross transferred our sins to the sinless One.

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A Year Of The Teacher by Steve Logston

May10

A ‘Wow’ Ending

A Year Of The Teacher by Steve Logston is a compulsive read that drew me in from the start.

The action is told in the first person enabling the reader to become intimately acquainted with the lead character’s thoughts and feelings. We follow him through his first year of teaching.

Teaching requires commitment and dedication. The reader witnesses the conflict between school duties and the pull of having a personal life.

As a young man the lead character had other interests such as being in a band and drinking alcohol. As a female I found it difficult to relate to his lifestyle but this did not detract from recognising that the book was well written.

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