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A Wayne In A Manger by Gervase Phinn

Jan2

Very Charming & Very Funny

A Wayne In A Manger by Gervase Phinn is a very charming and amusing account of school nativities as seen through the eyes of small children when Gervase Phinn was school’s inspector for Yorkshire.

Nativities are always a very charming part of school life. Much hilarity is found when small children improvise. “Mary sighed and thrust the large doll representing the Baby Jesus, with a fair bit of force, on to the lap of Joseph with the words, ‘You ‘old Him a bit. ‘E’s gerrin dead ‘eavy.’”

There are wise words coming from young mouths. “Allus speak tha mind. Say what tha’s got to say an’ then shurrup.”

And we hear of the Good News of Christmas. “There’s summat special abaat it [Christmas], isn’t there?… People smile more, they look ‘appier.”

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Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Stars by Gervase Phinn

Jan2

Hilarious

Twinkle Twinkle Little Stars by Gervase Phinn is the most enchanting little book about the hilarious tales the author has come across in his years as school inspector for Yorkshire.

Told in a very down to earth, personable style, the reader sniggers and titters throughout. The children are straight faced as they inject humour into what they say. “Can you tell me how many sheep you can see in that field?” “Aye, I can… I can see all on ‘em.”

As well as being literal, the children sometimes mispronounce words. One young one refers to ‘Old Timers Disease’ instead of Alzheimer’s’. It certainly has a friendlier tone to that.

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Dolphin Song by Lauren St John

Dec22

The Rescue

Dolphin Song by Lauren St John is a powerful contemporary YA novel. It is the third book in the White Giraffe series but can be read as a stand-alone. I recommend reading the books in numerical order for character progression and development.

I enjoyed meeting up with familiar faces as we rejoin eleven-year-old Martine and her classmates as they are going on a sea trip around the African coast to see the sardine’s swarm. It is to be a trip of a lifetime – it will be memorable in more ways than one!

Martine has been given the gift of healing animals. This will prove to be vital. She has also learnt about the healing properties of plants from wise Grace, who practices the old ways.

Friendships will be tested. “Friends made you brave. Friends made things fun.” We all need good friends. Classmates have been cruel until they need help, and then rivalries are put aside for the greater good. Working together is far better than being alone. Together we will accomplish far more.

There is nothing like a near-tragedy to put things into perspective. “I’m not happy because we nearly died last night, I’m happy because we’re alive this morning.” A positive attitude will help in our journey through life.

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A Polar Bear Christmas by Lucy Bozzi

Dec21

Delightful

A Polar Bear Christmas by Lucy Bozzi is a delightful book and just perfect for the under-fives. Whatever your age, this tale will enchant you.

The story surrounds three polar bears who are eagerly awaiting the arrival of Santa Bear on Christmas Eve. Lucy Bozzi has perfectly captured the magic of Christmas through the eyes of her characters.

The book is beautifully and simply illustrated by Ilya Tolochka. There is a lot of detail within the pictures which provides a good starting point for discussions with our children.

 A Polar Bear Christmas would be a beautiful addition to any child’s personal library.

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