Violet Mackerel's Possible Friend is Branford's fifth book is this lovely, lovely series.
It is also the second time that Branford has been shortlisted for the CBCA (her first book, Violet Mackerel's Brilliant Plot received the honour award in 2011).
In the Brilliant Plot we meet young Violet and her mum as they are getting ready to go to work in their stall at the local markets.
Violet tends to be a worrier but she doesn't let it stop her.
When she spies a beautiful blue china bird at one of the stalls she becomes determined to earn the money to buy it.
This is a story that celebrates the small things in life. It also cherishes family, friendship, honesty, perseverance & environmental awareness.
The following books see Violet admitted into hospital to have her tonsils out, rescue wildlife and attend her mother's marriage to Vincent.
Book 5 picks up the story after the wedding and their move into a new home together.
Violet is anxious about making new friends in her new neighbourhood. Will there be anybody? How do you make new friends? What do you say? What do you do?
In Violet's inimitable way, she comes up with the "theory of swapping small things."
She decides to leave a small parcel and note in a knothole in the fence. When she returns later, Violet is delighted to discover her note gone...and a new one in its place.
Violet shows us that a good relationship takes time & that differences can be a little off-putting. But, ultimately the shared experiences and the shared joy of a true friend are worth it.
The gorgeous hard cover books are lovingly illustrated by Sarah Davis.Perfect for the developing 6-8 yr old reader.
We really are matching each other at the moment. I just read the first Violet Mackerel book this week! I'd never got to reading one before. I'm keen to seek out the others now. It's a particularly charming book. I love the somewhat hippy vibe.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds lovely.
ReplyDeleteI'm actually reading one children's book after the other at the moment. Your wonderful review of Sebastian in a Hat made me buy it and I loved it.
They are charming books Louise aren't they.
ReplyDeleteI found the 5th book less 'hippy' and more environmental friendly.
I suspect I will get all the picture books and information books read for this years CBCA but I seem to be avoiding the teen section!
Caroline I'm so glad you love Sebastian too. I noticed the Violet's in the US & UK had different covers, but still looked very sweet and charming.