Archive | December 2022

Curly Worm by Linda Sawdon

Dec17

Very Charming

Curly Worm by Linda Sawdon is a very charming tale for the under fives.

It is a beautiful book as we follow the exploits of a worm who joins a dancing class.

The story is written in rhyme and has a bouncy rhythm to it. This will make it easy for children to join in once they have heard it a few times.

All the book is beautifully illustrated. There are some very charming, friendly-faced animals. Each page can be used as a starting point for discussions with our children.

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The Adventures Of Gorg by Julia Sawyer

Dec17

Sound Advice

The Adventures Of Gorg by Julia Sawyer is a powerful little book for the under tens to help them cope in the modern world.

We learn that we all have the same primitive thinking – no one likes me; there’s danger; etc – and we have them same body responses – get ready to run etc. Our negative thoughts are not unique to us.

Julia Sawyer shares coping mechanisms – think positive thoughts; share a cuddle blanket; etc. We learn that we are not alone and we are not unique.

Julia Sawyer is a clinical psychologist who has written The Adventures Of Gorg to help children to identify and to deal with their thoughts.

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Family Secrets At The Inglenook Inn by Helen Rolfe

Dec16

Charming

Family Secrets At The Inglenook Inn by Helen Rolfe is the most charming contemporary novel about family, love and support. It is sure to put a smile on your face as you read.

A warm welcome awaits at Inglenook Inn where guests are treated to delicious treats and home-cooked meals. Nothing is too much trouble.

A family crisis leaves the inn short-staffed but new recruits step in. The inn functions as a family with love and care dished out in spades.

Even the best of families can face hard times. We witness the devastation a tragic accident had on a family as we see the damage that PTSD can do when it is not understood. Families find different ways to cope, no way is right or wrong. Families must wade through life as they feel is right for them.

Secrets have a habit of coming to light. It is easier to bear a burden when it is shared.

All the characters were well drawn, likable and realistic. There were some wonderful verbal exchanges.

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The Golden Oldies Book Club by Judy Leigh

Dec14

Never Too Old

The Golden Oldies Book Club by Judy Leigh is the most delightful, fun-filled contemporary novel that will warm your heart on a dull winter’s day.

Once more Judy Leigh has constructed a totally charming tale that I adored. Her characters are an eclectic mix raging in age from teens to a great grandmother in her nineties. The main characters are in their early seventies.

These characters show the reader that while there’s breath in their bodies, life is for living. We are never too old to try new things and to have new adventures.

This is a cosmopolitan read as we travel from a cider-making farm in Somerset to one in France for a week. There are similarities and differences showing we can all learn from each other.

There are many different households making up the village – from marriages in trouble to singletons to multi-generational families. Each household has different challenges to face and to overcome.

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