Children’s Book of the Week: Lionel’s Grand Adventure (Lionel and the Golden Rule)

This week’s choice for Children’s Book of the Week is the delightful read, Lionel’s Grand Adventure (Lionel and the Golden Rule) by Paul R Hewlett. With its well-constructed text and its light touch, it has all the right ingredients for the intended reader; originality, humour, a touch of magic, a likeable hero, and above all a sound lesson in how to treat others. Please read my full review below.

About the Book

Lionel’s Grand Adventure is a beginning chapter book about a twelve-year-old boy who is constantly subjected to ridicule from his mom and older brother. Things change when he makes a seemingly innocent discovery, and the magical, yet unpredictable, Three-Toed Pot-bellied Walbaun takes him on the adventure of a lifetime, with some surprising consequences.

About the Author

Paul R. Hewlett is the author of the Lionel’s Grand Adventure series. Lionel’s Christmas Adventure: Lionel Learns the True Meaning of Christmas is the third book in the series. His debut book, Lionel’s Grand Adventure: Lionel and the Golden Rule, was released in December of 2011, followed by Lionel Turns the Other Cheek in March of 2012. In addition to writing the Lionel’s Grand Adventure books, Paul co-authors a children’s /young adult blog called Sher A. Hart: Writing As Art. Paul is a US Air Force vet who is married and has a “senior” dog named Joe that he and his wife adopted from the local rescue facility. His aim is to increase and foster children’s interest in reading by combining entertainment and values.

 

My Review of Lionel’s Grand Adventure (Lionel and the Golden Rule)

 

Lionel’s Grand Adventure (Lionel and the Golden Rule) is a story about a short, chubby, ill-coordinated twelve year old boy who is often the butt of other’s jokes. Badly treated by his own brother and suffering a mother who constantly yells at him and criticises him, Lionel often looks for peace. Seeking refuge in his new bedroom one day (he and his family have just relocated from the Massachusetts to a small town in Missouri) he discovers what he thinks is a larger than average rabbit’s foot in the closet. He soon finds out the foot has magical powers. He also soon finds out, from the local candy store owner, an old eccentric few take seriously, all about the legend of the Three-toed Pot- bellied Walbauns,  and realises it is not a rabbit’s foot he possesses at all, but a foot of one of the very same creatures.   But will Lionel put this to good use!

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story and particularly liked the magic weaved by the Three-toed Pot-bellied Walbauns, which never quite worked the way it should, but always seemed to achieve the right results.  This book is extremely well-written and very readable and held my attention throughout.  With its well-constructed text and its light touch, it has all the right ingredients for the intended reader; originality, humour, a touch of magic, a likeable hero, and, above all, a sound lesson in how to treat others. ‘Do unto others as you would have them do unto you’ – The Golden Rule.

I think parents could read this aloud to younger children whilst enjoying it themselves, and those old enough to read will have no problem.  Either way, it is an excellent book.

I highly recommend Lionel’s Grand Adventure (Lionel and the Golden Rule) for children aged 5 to adult. I will certainly be reading more of Paul Hewlett’s books myself, in the future.

    Buy on Amazon              Other Books by Paul R Hewlett                Sher A Hart Blogspot

Also available in paperback

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Children’s Book of the Week: The Adventures of the Frog Prince by J.R. Barker

My choice for this week’s Children’s Book of the Week is the fun read, The Adventures of the Frog Prince by J.R. Barker. This is a quick and witty read which I would deem suitable for 8/9 year olds and upwards. My review is posted below.

About the Book 
The Prince had problems; he was stranded in a moat and was trying to come to terms with being small, green and surprisingly springy.
He must try to find out who wants him out of the way and why, whilst avoid being eaten by things that are bigger than him.                                                 Will he ever be human again?

About the Author

Jo Barker has been writing short stories for many years as a hobby and has now finally published. At the moment she is writing children’s tales but there are plans for other books. Read more…

My Review of The Adventures of the Frog Prince

The Adventures of the Frog Prince is a story about an arrogant, irresponsible and selfish young prince who wakes one day to find himself outside his own castle, inside his own moat, and no longer inside his own body. As the title suggests, the Prince has become a frog. Unable to comprehend why this should have happened to him, though he does have a few ideas, he sets out to find those responsible for this unwelcome transformation. Realising there are quite a few royal subjects he has offended, he starts to make a mental list of names. He surmises one of these people must be a witch. But how many witches are there? And where are they hiding? And how will he be able to tell if they really are witches or not? Finding the culprit may prove even more difficult as the castle is full of guests from all across the kingdom who have tuned up with their daughters to hear who the Prince will choose to be his bride. But then, amongst these guests, he unexpectedly finds the most unlikely supporter to help him in his quest.

This is a funny and fast-moving tale written in a style which I thoroughly enjoyed.  The characters are well-developed, likeable and, in some cases, quite comical.  I particularly liked the spider with the lisp. The scenes are nicely descriptive and it is easy to visualise the backdrop. Though the ending isn’t too much of a surprise, it is good.

My only real disappointment was the lack of illustrations. This does not make the story any less of an entertaining read, but I do feel some illustrations would enhance the experience for younger readers.  As an adult, I would happily read more books from this author.

Get Your Copy on Amazon          Visit Jo’s Website