Children's Books > w Children's Books > Julia Donaldson

Advantages: interesting plot; sympathetic characters
Disadvantages: fantastical scenes could detract from boy's growth

Solomon has a lot to be concerned about: his mother has left the family; his father is an alcoholic; and his (unrecognised) dyslexia means that he is bullied by his teacher and finds school difficult. When everything becomes too stressful, he escapes to the graveyard, and when plans to demolish his hiding place begin, he is forced to confront his problems. The first section of the novel focuses on Solomon's family, gradually revealing his difficulties ...
...this section, I found the subsequent fantastical section in the graveyard spoilt my enjoyment of the novel. Although the writing was descriptive I found it difficult to sustain my engagement and lost concentration. (It is worth noting that I am not the target audience for this novel and that I generally dislike fantastical tales.) Although it is tempting to interpret this section as a metaphorical account of Solomon's struggle to take positive control ... Read review

Advantages: Deals with issues real teenagers could experience and offers support
Disadvantages: mainly for older teenage readers

An interesting and absorbing book that deals carefully and delicately with numerous sensitive issues which teenagers could possibly face in todays society. I recommend it both to teenagers and parents who wish to buy it as a gift for a loved one. I would certainly read it again and my sister who is slightly younger than me has also borrowed it to read and also enjoyed it thoroughly. The storyline is interesting and thought provoking and I felt genuine ... Read review

Advantages: Fast paced, absorbing and gripping!
Disadvantages: It had to end!!!

Truely one of the best books I have ever read, this author deserves a medal! A real page turner with a cliffhanger at the end of every chapter. I really found myself engrossed in the book and following the adventure as if I was a real part of it. Utterly unputdownable and a recommended read to adults and teenagers alike. This is not usually a style or genre of book I would usually go to but I was definitely pleasantly surprised, this is one book ... Read review

Advantages: Good Story Line, excellent detail on characters
Disadvantages: sometimes it does not make sense

...young and inspired artist. As the story starts when Ginny (the main character) comes home to find a social worker in her house talking too her dad ... Ginny wonders about this whilst finding out that her friend Andy is in town he has come down to work in a restaurant after finishing catering college. Later secrets that her dad has been hiding from her all of her life start to unravel... more family. family who need to know things. Is her mother ... Read review

Advantages: Lovely book - gentle words and soft illustrations.
Disadvantages: Children may be slightly worried until they reach the end.

...found within the binding. Old Hushwing is one of these books. It is a truly beautiful children's picture book that would be a welcome addition to any child's collection. Written by Alan Brown and ably illustrated by Angelo Rinaldi, this is one of those favourite storytime books that is a popular choice among our customers in the library. THE PLOT The plot is simple, but if you don't want to know then please avoid this next paragraph! - It is ...
...barn owl living in the old barn near his house and he is thrilled by watching it and is excited because he thinks it is his little secret. He lies in bed at night listening to it swooping and hunting. The problem begins for him when he finds out the barn is to be converted to make room for Billy's extending family - his mum is having a baby and they need more space. Billy is very upset and, although the builders make sure there is a high up place ... Read review