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Nation

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Authors
by: Terry Pratchett

September 11, 2008
More than 20 years ago now, a good friend pressed a copy of "The Colour of Magic" into my hands that launched a love affair with Terry's books that lasts to this day. Like most frustrated authors who lack the talent to deliver themselves, I read a lot, and I think I have read pretty much all that Terry has written since 198whatever, and yes some of it is quite a lot better than some other bits, but his work has never once been a disappointment.

So I was delighted to see Nation appear on the shelf last week and have just used a rainy Sunday morning to finish it.

A quick summation, of the important points; this is not a Disc World novel, it is a book aimed at anyone over about 9 who can read. It deals with the not inconsequential ... Read More:

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Cookie

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Authors
by: Jacqueline Wilson

October 02, 2008
Another great book by JW, I got this the day it came out, and read it in two days. Very addicting and quite sad at times! Although some of the chracters seem like some in other books, I noticed there were some spelling mistakes too, but otherwise, good book and worth the read.

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His Dark Materials Boxed set (His Dark Materials)

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Authors
by: Philip Pullman

April 02, 2007
This trilogy is excellent. Took me a while to get into book one but once the story really got going I couldn't put it down. Lyra grows into a young adult throughout the trilogy and its wonderful to follow her through her trials and tribulations.

Armoured bears, witches, deamons, god, angels, heaven and hell-all and more are wonderfully thoguht up by Pullman and I recommend these to anyone.

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Once Upon a Time in the North

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Authors
by: Philip Pullman

April 04, 2008
This prequel is the story of how Lee Scoresby met Iorek Byrnison (characters in the His Dark Materials trilogy, and if you haven't read that, better to start there than here). It might fairly be classed as a ripping yarn. It's a tale well told, charmingly illustrated with engravings by John Lawrence: inessential but fun.

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The Firework-maker's Daughter

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Authors
by: Philip Pullman

November 04, 2004
I bought this Pullman book thinking it might be suitable for my 10 yr old daughter. She is doing a project on China so I thought it might bring in an interesting aspect on Chinese culture, as the main character is a Chinese girl called Lila.- Not only did the prose not live up to it's review status, I was shocked to discover that the imagery and moral values are totally unsuitable for young children.(The book has been recommended for 8 year olds and up).
Pullman's main push in his book seemed to be to subtly yet profoundly introduce the philosophies of atheism and humanism - with no hint of this on the cover.
My main concerns as a parent are;
1) The book undermines a child's confidence in his parents;"Didn't your father tell you..." Razvani ... Read More:

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My Sister Jodie

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Authors
by: Jacqueline Wilson

March 06, 2008
A great story about two sisters who have to leave the comfort of home.I enjoyed this great book because Pearl and sister Jodie have some great adventures with a frind called Hartly. But most different ending. Read now.

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Skellig

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Authors
by: David Almond

April 19, 2007
This is just about the worst book I have ever read. The characters to me were about as lifless as rag dolls, The story line is about the most feeble out of any book I have ever read and over all I think it was very badly written and not worth purchasing.

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Wintersmith

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Authors
by: Terry Pratchett

September 27, 2007
This has become one of my favourite books. I've always loved the "witches" series and the "nac mac feegle" who appear in Carpe Jugulum invaded my brain, kicked a few bottles around and dossed down.

This is, as others have said, the third in the "Tiffany Aching" series. I admit I enjoyed the first, wasn't too struck with the second (to start with), but with this one Pratchett is back to his best. It hooked me from the start.

Pratchett's talent and skill is in the folklore and the facts which he uses in the books, the little things, like the old belief in summer and winter Gods, the laying out and sitting with the dead, etc. For me it is these small factual titbits that add to the story and make it more than your typical 'story book'. Some of the ... Read More:

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Jacqueline Wilson Diary 2009 (Diary)

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Authors
by: Jacqueline Wilson

September 11, 2008
This has become one of my favourite books. I've always loved the "witches" series and the "nac mac feegle" who appear in Carpe Jugulum invaded my brain, kicked a few bottles around and dossed down.

This is, as others have said, the third in the "Tiffany Aching" series. I admit I enjoyed the first, wasn't too struck with the second (to start with), but with this one Pratchett is back to his best. It hooked me from the start.

Pratchett's talent and skill is in the folklore and the facts which he uses in the books, the little things, like the old belief in summer and winter Gods, the laying out and sitting with the dead, etc. For me it is these small factual titbits that add to the story and make it more than your typical 'story book'. Some of the ... Read More:

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Sleepovers

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Authors
by: Jacqueline Wilson

March 13, 2008
I thought that it was great that Jacqueline Wilson tackled disability issues however the story was very short especially the ending where all the revelation happens. The story should have been extended so that we could have seen what else happened. It is such a short story that it can be read in like an hour. This book is suitable for junior children and young teenagers.