This book will appeal to young readers whose families are or have been transient or who have unresolved family issues
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By: Paintgranny,
on 7/6/2012
Blog: Middle of Nowhere (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: moving house, Shropshire, Add a tag
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By: Zoe,
on 5/30/2012
Blog: Playing by the book (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Maps, Treasure, Boats, Exploration, Moving House, Jonny Duddle, Crosscultural friendship, Pirates, Generosity, Friendship, Adventure, Add a tag
By: Paintgranny,
on 5/17/2012
Blog: Middle of Nowhere (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: moving house, Shropshire, cramped cottage, packing up, Add a tag
Looking back as I pack up my thousands of beloved books, I find it incredible that we've managed to live in such cramped - if picturesque - conditions for so long. There is no way of stretching or moving with ease, no comfortable head height. Indeed, there is an ancient original beam (I think it basically holds you together), which has knocked poor Andy's head many a time.
Not forgetting the time I fell down your quaintly narrow, winding stairs and almost broke my neck one Christmas Eve.
My book collection seems to have mysteriously doubled in size. Ten years of
By: Zoe,
on 2/8/2012
Blog: Playing by the book (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Houses, Hats, Fire, Building, Sweden, Books in translation, Islands, Elsa Beskow, Moving House, Behaviour (good or bad), Add a tag
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By: Bianca Schulze,
on 12/20/2014
Blog: The Children's Book Review (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Family, Ages 9-12, Humor, Chapter Books, Loss, Books for Girls, Tracy Holczer, Moving House, Social Graces, Add a tag
Blog: The Children's Book Review (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Family, Ages 9-12, Humor, Chapter Books, Loss, Books for Girls, Tracy Holczer, Moving House, Social Graces, Add a tag
By: Paintgranny,
on 7/6/2012
Blog: Middle of Nowhere (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: moving house, Shropshire, Add a tag
A week after we dumped a van load of letterpress gear and furniture in our friend's barn, they returned to help us move the bulk of our things over to our new - and temporary - home a few counties away. That morning we found a mysterious bag of cheese scones on the doorstop and I nearly wept, thinking of the good friends we were leaving behind. Getting the garden dug over and pots ready was also hard, remembering the many happy summer harvests we'd enjoyed there. But not so sorry to leave behind the barking dog next door.
My poor studio - look away now, if you are ever contemplating moving your creative space after ten years. It hurts. Did you know that book cases whimper softly as they are emptied?
24 Comments on Taking possession, last added: 7/10/2012
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By: Zoe,
on 5/30/2012
Blog: Playing by the book (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Maps, Treasure, Boats, Exploration, Moving House, Jonny Duddle, Crosscultural friendship, Pirates, Generosity, Friendship, Adventure, Add a tag
The Pirates Next Door by Jonny Duddle has been on my to-review pile for a long time. I really rather like the book, but I’ve found it hard to write a review because I can’t help but read it as a satirical story, commenting on society’s attitudes towards “outsiders” (immigrants, travellers, people who are somehow “other”). It’s been difficult for me to find the words to write a book review rather than a political rant.
M (7) would say it’s a extremely funny story about a dream scenario: just how exciting would it be if a real pirate family pitched up to live in our street whilst they repaired their ship? Answer: VERY! And if they left treasure chests behind? …Even better!
My adult head says it’s a rather acutely observed tale about how most people in a neighbourhood react with horror when an strange family arrive in town; there are complaints the pirates don’t wash, they are untidy, they terrorize the people they come into contact with. All in all, most of the pirates’ (grown up) neighbours agree “they won’t fit in round here”.
After a long list of complaints from neighbours, the pirates eventually move on their way, leaving behind wealth and a display of generosity that puts the local residents to shame.
Did Duddle write this book as a commentary on society’s attitudes to “outsiders”? I don’t know. What I do know is that it speaks strongly to me because of my own experience of foreigner nimby-ism: I once had a family of Kurdish refugees as neighbours who enriched my life with generous gifts of lamb dishes perfumed with dill, and stories of humanity against a backdrop of the atrocities committed against their families by Saddam Hussain. They were lovely people. And yet I witnessed them being harassed, abused and threatened by local residents, residents who didn’t even know where they came from (always calling my neighbours Turks – completely incorrectly) but who for some reason felt threatened by this kind, creative family.
But put aside this personal connection, and you’re still left with a great book (indeed, earlier this year it won the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize). Told in rhyme (I want to sing the text, playing my accordion, as if it were a sea shanty that a pirate might very well sing themselves), this is a story for kids of dreams come true. What fun to have naughty neighbours doing everything that you’ve always wanted to do yourself (not having to wash, making people walk the plan, dressing up like a pirate), and how brilliant that in the end they leave you treasure and invite them to sail away with them next holidays.
The illustrations are glossy and remind me of Pixar animations – no doubt these will appeal hugely to kids used to a diet of tv/film/game animation. There are lots of fun details in the pictures (
5 Comments on When pirates lived next door…, last added: 5/30/2012
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Time is found for things we love! And the girls ALWAYS have time for finding treasure 
By: Paintgranny,
on 5/17/2012
Blog: Middle of Nowhere (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: moving house, Shropshire, cramped cottage, packing up, Add a tag
Oh little cottage. I knew as soon as I stepped over your threshold ten years ago, that you were far too small for us. Two tall people - one exceptionally tall - and all my *stuff*. But I fell in love with your 240 year old stone flagged floor, your vintage cast iron woodburner (which has caused more than one chimney fire), your characterful beams. Who knew that we would mould ourselves so snugly into you and fit even more *stuff* into your many corners and up the walls?
Looking back as I pack up my thousands of beloved books, I find it incredible that we've managed to live in such cramped - if picturesque - conditions for so long. There is no way of stretching or moving with ease, no comfortable head height. Indeed, there is an ancient original beam (I think it basically holds you together), which has knocked poor Andy's head many a time.
Not forgetting the time I fell down your quaintly narrow, winding stairs and almost broke my neck one Christmas Eve.
My book collection seems to have mysteriously doubled in size. Ten years of
30 Comments on Packing up the cottage, last added: 5/21/2012
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By: Zoe,
on 2/8/2012
Blog: Playing by the book (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Houses, Hats, Fire, Building, Sweden, Books in translation, Islands, Elsa Beskow, Moving House, Behaviour (good or bad), Add a tag
My girls are going through a phase where what they most want to do pretty much all of the time is create miniature landscapes, with building bricks, playmobil, sylvanian family furniture and animals, supplemented by all sorts of knick-knacks that little children have a magical ability to accumulate. These “set-ups” as the girls call them are often inspired by the books we’re reading, and the latest book to be given the landscape makeover is The Children of Hat Cottage by Elsa Beskow.
In a nutshell, The Children of Hat Cottage tells the sort of tale many parents will recognise – about children trying to be helpful, but ending up making a bigger mess than there was before.
A mother lives with her three young children in a cottage shaped like a hat. One day she has to leave them at home whilst she goes off to buy yarn to make new clothes (isn’t it liberating and exciting how in fairytale-like stories, it’s perfectly possible to leave children at home alone!). Whilst their mother is away the children decide to do something nice for her; they clean the cottage chimney. But one thing leads to another and disaster strikes… their beautiful little hat home burns down.
Fortunately there is a friendly neighbour who comes to the aid of the children, and together they work to save the day. The mother returns, and though initially shocked, everyone shows great composure, makes the best of the situation and out of hard times, lots of love (and a new home) flourishes.
This is a sweet little story with simple, but lovely illustrations. The themes of independence, triumphing over adversity, and keep one’s cool in the face of disaster are great for shared storytime. The fairytale aspects of the setting will delight children who want to believe in gnomes and little spirits, and the poise with which the mother picks up the remains of her burnt-out life and makes the best of it is something I shall aspire to when things are higgledey-piggeldy in my life.
There’s plenty to like about this story, but hand on heart, I don’t believe this is one of Elsa Beskow’s greatest books. The illustrations are somewhat sparse compared to some of her work. They are quick, fluid sketches rather than the detailed images you find in, for example, Around the Year or Children of the Forest. Still, we’ve enjoyed it and it has inspired plenty of play in our family, as I’m sure it will in yours.
Here are some scenes from one of M and J’s “Hat Cottage set-ups”, including a little cottage we made inspired by the one in the illustration above.
3 Comments on Minature landscapes and giant hats, last added: 2/8/2012
By: Hazel Mitchell,
on 9/12/2011
Blog: Hazel Mitchell (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: ocean, England, sea, Portsmouth, moving house, camden maine, Down East, royal navy, Add a tag
Saturday was beautiful. We had a deck roof to put on, grass to cut, a huge to do list. Blue sky, light breeze, no humidity. Perfect weather for projects!
"Let's go to the sea!" I said. So we did.
Much better than slaving away hammering and staining. We had all day Sunday to do that (which we did).
Playing hookie we scooted Down East to Schoodic Point, a beautiful, wild nature reserve about 1.5hrs drive. The backdrop view from this finger of Maine granite is Acadia National Park. The colours were breath taking. Bright cadmium reds in berrys and hips and haws thrown against viridian green leaves and the ultramarine and prussian of the sea. Surf bubbled and foamed throwing up spits of azure creaminess against grey granite and sparkling malachite rocks. Superb.
Sometimes you just have to obey your desires and GO.
All this beauty was, ofcourse, followed by a cracking fish and chip lunch. OK, not quite up to Yorkshire standards (what is?) but good enough.
This 'call of the sea' seems to be a pervading theme in y life this week. A sketch here from my sketch blog ...
The biggest 'call of the sea' is that we've made the decision (been coming on a long time) to begin the search for a place to live nearer the Maine coast. My hubby works in Belfast, Maine and has a daily commute of about 45mins one way over some beautiful, but very hilly, roads. In winter it can be treacherous and means over 2 hours or more travelling. We have lived in our current house (which we built ourselves) for seven years. It's longer than we imagined we'd stay here. Do I have the seven year itch? Undoubtedly. The 'Call' is strong.
Before I moved to America (2000) I always lived by the sea. I grew up in Scarborough, England, a beautiful fishing town. Then spent 6 years in the Royal Navy and 10 years after that in Portsmouth, England. Coming to America (first to SC) I felt extremely land locked. Although we are only 45 minutes drive from the sea right now ... it's just not the same. Heavens above, if I ever had to live in the Mid West!
1 Comments on The Call of the Sea, last added: 9/13/2011
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By: Zoe,
on 4/13/2011
Blog: Playing by the book (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Houses, Boats, Flags, Moving House, Mark Chambers, Abie Longstaff, Pirates, Add a tag
A month or so ago, I came across some wonderfully inspiring images of a pirate themed bedroom, and as fate would have it the very same week Pirate House Swap by Abie Longstaff, illustrated by Mark Chambers arrived through my letter box. The coincidence couldn’t have been sweeter!
Every year the Clark family spend their holidays at home in the city, but this year they decide to try something new – a house swap. Believing they’ve found the perfect seaside retreat they set off, only to be somewhat surprised to discover their holiday home is a pirate galleon.
The family set about learning the pirate ways necessary to enjoy life on the ocean waves, including how to sleep in a hammock and navigate by the stars. Back in the city the pirates are equally intrigued but willing to give the land lubbers’ life a go, learning about the delights of vacuum cleaners and ovens.
By the end of the holidays both families have had a wonderful time but when they return to their homes things are not quite as they were left, and although the Clark family set about putting things back to rights, they do not completely give up their newly adopted pirate ways.
This story is a dream come true for many children! I’m sure my children are not the only ones who would jump at chance to holiday on a real pirate ship.
The illustrations contain lots of fun details for listeners to point out, including cheeky mice on most pages getting up to all sorts of mischief. However, I did feel that some of the details were included more for adult readers than the intended listening audience (for example, the adverts for other possible house swaps are in tiny print and refer to fairy tale locations). If you like the Shrek movies because they contain in-jokes for the grown-ups you’ll like the similar details in Pirate House Swap.
Pirate House Swap is a fun read in the run up to holidays and has a great theme about learning to adapt to new circumstances and to enjoy different ways of life so I’d definitely recommend picking this book up if you find it at the library. That said, Pirate House Swap does not dislodge our favourite pirate book from its place on the shelves – The Night Pirates by Peter Harris, illustrated by Deborah Allwright.
Having seen the photos of the pirate bedroom, and then fallen in love with the idea of living on a pirate galleon, I was set the challenge of helping the girls transform M’s bed into their own pirate ship.
First task was to design a flag to fly. Using an old pillow case and the very-easy-to-use 3 Comments on All aboard, me hearties!, last added: 4/14/2011
By: Zoe,
on 2/6/2011
Blog: Playing by the book (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Magic, Storytelling, Imagination, Jenny Nimmo, Sleep, Learning to read, 2010, Gwen Millward, Moving House, Add a tag
I’ve been itching to review The Beasties by Jenny Nimmo, illustrated by Gwen Millward ever since we discovered it at the start of the year. It’s one of those books that we’ve renewed the maximum times possible from the library because we just can’t let it go.
Photo: betsssssy
Daisy has moved house and is finding it hard to fall asleep in her new room. She lies awake listening to unfamiliar noises.
What was that?
Daisy’s heart went pit-a-pat.Was it a truck in the street?
No.
It sounded like…… a story!
From out of the darkness a growly voice tells Daisy an exciting story about a faraway king and his ring.
Daisy wondered about that ring.
Was it gold or silver
or studded with jewels?
She wondered
and wondered until
she fell asleep.
The next night again there are again strange noises Daisy is not yet used to. But this time a clickety voice cuts through the darkness to tell a captivating story about a beautiful bird. Before Daisy knows it she’s transported, and happily dreaming.
The third night it’s a musical voice with a sing-song story that lulls Daisy to sleep, but on the fourth night everything is silent. Daisy can’t sleep and longs for a story.
And then there is the faintest of growls. Daisy summons up all her courage and looks under her bed and almost screams – there are The Beasties.
But the Beasties are so very small and so very friendly and it turns out that they are the secretive storytellers who have been visiting Daisy each night, leaving treasures under her bed to inspire stories.
Photo: wildxplorer
And when Daisy asks for another story, Floot (the Beastie with the musical voice) insists that Daisy tell her own story and hands her a shell. At first Daisy doesn’t know what to do but she thinks hard, and slowly begins to weave a story around the shell. As her story ends Daisy smiles, hugs the shell tight and drifts off to sleep imagining herself in her own story.
The Beasties sneak out of Daisy’s room knowing her bed won’t seem so big and her room won’t seem so strange now she can tell her own stories. Their work is done.
A book about how stories can comfort, reassure us and makes us feel at home – this is a fabulous read. Perfect for bedtime, ideal if coming to terms with moving house or rooms, I love how the story acknowledges worries, but turns them round. The girls love joining in with the repeated refrain “What was that? Daisy’s heart went pit-a-pat” and they adore the pictures of trinkets and knick-knacks littering the floor under Daisy’s bed – they know this sort of treasure only too well as it’s exactly the stuff they are always collecting; a feather from here, a round stone from there, a button, a ribbon, a broken earring.
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By: Zoe,
on 9/29/2010
Blog: Playing by the book (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Travel, Houses, Hats, Jutta Bauer, Books in translation, Moving House, Dens, Dollshouses, Peter Stamm, Add a tag
Earlier this month Jutta Bauer received the Hans Christian Andersen Illustrator Award at the at the international IBBY (International Board on Books for Young People) congress in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. Interested to find out more about this German illustrator I tracked down one of the books she has illustrated – When We Lived in Uncle’s Hat By Peter Stamm.
Just as the book arrived I found out that Tutti Frutti Productions, a UK theatre company whose work is aimed specifically at family audiences was about to start touring with a stage version of When We Lived in Uncle’s Hat. Such a lovely coincidence ensured we read the book straight away, and were then quick to buy tickets for the production which is touring to a theatre local to us in a few weeks’ time.
The auspicious signs didn’t end there – upon reading the book for the first time with M and J I experienced a rather strange sense of deja-vu – as if the book had been written for me, right here, right now.
Photo: erix!
When We Lived in Uncle’s Hat is a series of cameo descriptions of different homes a family has lived in, in their search for the right place for them, the home that would suit them all. They try living in the forest, on the church roof, in a hotel and even on the moon, amongst many other places, before finally ending up in a house that makes the perfect home for them. The book closes with the lines:
Now our house has four corners.
And our year has four seasons.
We moved here four years ago…
So … this is where we’ll live for a very, very long time.
This book spoke to me as I too have moved very many times in my life – on average staying in any one place for only three years. But it just so happens that this month we’ve been in this home, where we are now, for four years. A funny case of life mirroring art, but one which further endeared me to this book.
The structure of the book opens up lots of opportunity for flights of imagination and connective moments of empathy. What different places could you live in? What would it be like to live in given circumstances? For example, at one point the family find themselves living under a bridge, where “it smelt strange and the names of people we didn’t know were written on the pillars.”
The simple illustrations using a lot of coloured pencil (in addition to watercolour and collage) didn’t immediately grab me. Perhaps my expectations were too high given her recent accolade? They did, however, intrigue me. I imagine there were some interesting editorial discussions as a result of the content: several illustrations include German words, and these have been left in German in the English language translation, and there is also a (very small) drawing of a naked woman sunbathing – not something I imagine would be welcomed with open arms by most English publishers of picture b
3 Comments on What makes a home?, last added: 9/30/2010
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Posted on 3/24/2010
Blog: Playing by the book (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Houses, Annette Tison, Moving House, Talus Taylor, Add a tag
For my 100th (!) post on Playing by the book I’ve chosen one of my all time favourite books from my own childhood, a book which – fortunately – has also become one my own children adore – Barbapapa’s New House by Annette Tison and Talus Taylor.
Barbapapas are animals which can change their shape in to anything they wish. There are many Barabapapa books but this story (which like all the books in the series, can be read on its own without reference to any other Barbapapa story) recounts how the Barbapapa family create a new home for themselves.
With their large family, they have outgrown their original home and so the Barbapapas move to beautiful, old house. Although in need of some TLC, it is idyllic – turrets and winding staircases with room for all. But one day the wrecking machines come to town – it has been decreed that all old houses are to be knocked down.
The Barbapapa family are relocated to a flat in a high rise tower but they become very unhappy in this uninspiring environment and they decide to move out to build their own home.
They find a perfect location, and all working together create their ideal home. Once again their home is threatened by the diggers and bulldozers but this time the Barbapapas put up a (non-violent) fight, and secure the future of their home. Everyone is delighted and they celebrate with a happy party.
This story, like many Barbapapa stories, has an undercurrent of environmental awareness – it’s understated, but definitely there, with the idea that “modern” doesn’t necessarily equal “better than before”. Although I don’t think I was particularly aware of it as a child, as a parent I certainly do appreciate this subtle backbone to the story.
What I did notice when I was little, and which has stayed with me ever since was the delightful, humorous illustrations. The Barbapapas are just such magical characters – brightly coloured, interested in everything around them. They look not unlike balls of plasticine in their natural state, but can change in to anything – a boat, a ladder, a snail. This ability completely enchanted me as a child (as did Morph for those of you who saw British TV in the 70s!) and my kids now love the friendly, creative characters too.
5 Comments on Barbapapa!, last added: 3/25/2010
seeing the look on the gingers little face ...I could easily have filled up too...hope that it all goes well for you two!!
very interesting to see the process of moving out - so nice that you had all those friends to help you. The new studio looks lovely :)
Moving is a many-faceted enterprise, full of emotions and exhaustion. Your new home looks worth it, so good to see that you have such wonderful help, balsam for the soul, and providing comfort and tea when you need it most.
Good luck,
Merisi
What an oddysey! I'm looking forward to hearing all about your new location as you discover all its wonders!
Lots of camomile tea for the stress. Good luck in your new home.
How exhausting! How nice! How exciting!! Will all those nice people help you unpack?? ;)
Hope you get settled soon!
Your new studio room looks like it is going to be lovely!! Love all the light that comes through the window.
I know you must just be so tired of moving but it is going to be a wonderful change for you.
Hang in there. Sending you hugs,
I can't imagine moving and knowing that you have to do it all again in a couple months!!! Where is the final destination? You are so lucky to have such good friends!!!
I can't even imagine moving out of our house with all my art stuff.Good luck.
Oh my goodness all that packing and moving and it is only temporary!! you are brave. Hope you settle in well though.
Thank you, Gretel, for this progress report. Your photos and words really do express what it is like to Move.
Thank goodness for a sunny day, and lots of friends and loved ones helping with it all.
(Your bookshelf reference reminds me of the last time I had to empty out a bookshelf, so that the wall behind it could be painted. The bookshelf collapsed...it was the books that were holding it up!)
Best wishes to you and Andy. I look forward to more reports when time and energy allow. xo
Before long and you will be calling the new studio, HOME, just like the now vacant place...hate moves but it seems yours went smoothly with all the help. Enjoy the life out of your new place. Stay happy and safe. LOL, opperative word is 'nterfast'
BlessYourHearts
Althought I really enjoy your writing and telling the whole story of your adventure with boxes, vans (and a very cute cricketer)... It just that reading it all makes me almost cry, as I have this adventure of my own in front of me in the very near future to look forward too... less than a week away. And my studio space is all in boxes and I cant even get through to the back (where did all that stuff come from??) But I love your posts and the pictures are too sweet, just love little custard leading the way, what a good boy : ) Moving is such a bitter sweet time, I too will miss my plants that I have to leave behind. But new gardens to plan, plant and enjoy.
Lovely and fun post, all the best to your new home and unpacking all those boxes.
just send me your address if ever you feel bereft of a cheese scone- my favourite things in the whole world to bake!
xx
Thinking of you and sending love your way. Moving is such an upheaval, exhausting both physically and emotionally.
Best to you both, dear Gretel.
What a great adventure, despite the upheaval and uncertainty. It reminds me of our biggest move, from Yorkshire to Dorset, which was a serious case of uprooting. Hoping that your move goes well and that your bookcases will soon be back in business!
Oh Gretel, seeing those pics brings back lots of my own memories of moving house 20+ times, including O/S....
It's my least favourite thing to do, but lots of friends makes the job soooo much easier and a bit of fun and laughter thrown in, lightens the load.
All the best in your temporary home and the 'new' surroundings are gorgeous. Love the look of The Crown.
How cute is Custard and I love the last pic of your cat. Would love to know what it was thinking! Do cats have thoughts, I wonder?
Claire :}
I was wondering how the cats were coping!
What an amazing set of pictures, seeing your home reduced down to boxes that finally vanished. I hope all is going well with you and you soon have everything organised again.xxx
Such a painful process; I could weep for you. Almost a year since I did it - on a very hot day too (why aren't we having those any more?) - and I still haven't quite finished the unpacking. Hope you'll be very happy in your new home, temporary or not. x
It's so stressful isn't it. But good friends can make it much easier. Enjoy your new (temporary) home. :-)
Good luck in your new place Gretel. New space = loads of new & fresh ideas - can't wait to read about your new adventures.
I hope you are soon settled and feeling at home. It must be a very stressful time but I am sure you will be putting down roots before too long.
So glad that you are finally back online! My Dad had the right idea - he moved once, when he was about four, then lived in the same house (except for his army service) until he died aged eighty six!!
Looking forward to seeing more of your new surroundings - and finding out whyyou will be moving again!
Love, Anne x
Hope you are settled in now. The new place looks positively cavernous with that long hallway! Your poor little cat looks so confused - hope they soon adjusted to their new home. Look forward to reading all about your new surroundings. Take care.
M x