Bill Condon has mostly written award-winning books for the teen/YA market in Australia. But I believe he has himself a winner in the younger readers area with The Simple Things.
It's a sweet story about Stephen.
He's a bit shy and a bit awkward; an only child.
During the school holidays his parents take him to visit old Aunt Lola in the country.
He's a bit shy and a bit awkward; an only child.
During the school holidays his parents take him to visit old Aunt Lola in the country.
She's cranky, abrupt and rather scary. But Stephen quickly learns that her bark is worse than her bite and that they share many things in common.
The whole way through this book I thought that Bill Condon had sat in on the same 'how to be a good Aussie dad' lessons as my husband. They told the same jokes, tormented their children with the same knee squeezes and used excessive amounts of sarcasm whenever possible! But I guess that's partly what made this story so endearing for me.
Stephen goes fishing, gets to know the neighbours, plays Bingo with Aunt Lola and helps to arrange her surprise 80th birthday party.
The Simple Things is a homage to the joys inherent in everyday life. It's a delight from start to finish.
Perfect for 7-10 year old readers or to read aloud with 5-6 year olds.
The Simple Things is a homage to the joys inherent in everyday life. It's a delight from start to finish.
Perfect for 7-10 year old readers or to read aloud with 5-6 year olds.
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