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Books/book club

Meghan, but not Meghan

(230 Posts)
Ellianne Wed 05-May-21 08:02:06

Well it was on the BBC and I love children's books!

I was interested to see what this book was all about so took a quick look. Let's be fair, it is a first attempt.

The illustrations are lovely, very soft almost pastel shades, ideal for gentle bedtime reading. Yawn.

The people are a bit thin and wooden and I was disappointed the dogs weren't in the book.

Now for the rhyming. I'm not sure about the cadence, very contrived. Where are all the commas?
I don't know when to breathe.
The script is tiny, I need two pairs of glasses. Actually, come to think of it the print should be far bigger if it is designed for younger children to read

Would you buy it for your grandchildren? Does it resonate and get any message across? £12.99 reduced to £9.99. Is you want it, please hurry it might just sell out.

NotSpaghetti Wed 05-May-21 09:43:28

The Thomas books were dull but one of mine liked them because he liked things that weren't too challenging at bedtime. He was not the "all go" " action" or "excitable / emotional" boy at night that he was by day!
He also liked "Milly Molly Mandy" gringrin

Ellianne Wed 05-May-21 09:31:45

Anniebach

This thread is about a book which is covered by the press, the
BBC, Sky news .

Yes, thank you Annie that is why it is under the GN heading BOOKS.
Also there are several primary school teachers amongst us on GN who have ploughed through hundreds of books, both good and bad. I assume there are many mothers and grandparents on GN who have done bedtime reading too. The kids themselves are the discerning ones and has been said, the content of the Bench doesn't look like it would hold attention.

maddyone Wed 05-May-21 09:30:24

suzie you’ve confirmed what I thought, that is that Prince Charles wrote a children’s book some years ago. And also didn’t Fergie write one? Apparently Russell Brand, Frank Lampard, Madonna, Paul McCartney, Barack Obama, and Ricky Gervais, have all written children’s books, along with a number of celebs I’ve never heard of grin
None of the books have stood the test of time as far as I can tell. They’ve all disappeared into book dustbin of history, or should I say recycling bin of history.

Ellianne Wed 05-May-21 09:25:36

I remember Fergie's books about Budgie the Helicopter. Our son enjoyed them far more than W Awdry.

Anniebach Wed 05-May-21 09:24:53

This thread is about a book which is covered by the press, the
BBC, Sky news .

Ellianne Wed 05-May-21 09:20:59

This thread is nothing to do with children’s books but another nasty mean spirited excuse to carry on kicking Meghan.

You are wrong there suziewoozie.

maddyone Wed 05-May-21 09:19:10

Hmmmm.....sounds a bit Hallmark cards doesn’t it!

Ha ha Lucca, I hadn’t thought of that, but you’re right grin

suziewoozie Wed 05-May-21 09:18:42

There have many children’s books ( and books for grown ups ) that only ever get published because of who the author is. Over the years, my assessment would be that they are generally poor. Prince Charles’ children’s book hardly set the world of children's publishing alight.
This thread is nothing to do with children’s books but another nasty mean spirited excuse to carry on kicking Meghan.

grandMattie Wed 05-May-21 09:18:15

Well said, Lucca. A bit Rupert Bearish type doggerel! Honestly, is she the only person in the world left to write children’s book. I shan’t get a copy at any price even if it was the last book on ? earth!

TerriBull Wed 05-May-21 09:17:54

Lots of high profile people have had a foray into the world of writing for children, Madonna did it a while back and of course David Walliams does it all the time. I'm not sure any of their books will go down in the course of time as fantastic material for children I don't think Julia Donaldson has any competition on that score. To me when such people announce they intend to write a children's book it comes across as "I'll add this to all the other pies I've got my fingers in" It's not that difficult to conjure up a simple narrative particularly when there are umpteen ghost writers people in the publishing world ready to assist, but honestly if it was Ms Bog-Standard would there be any interest hmm Children's books rely heavily on their illustrations, from what I've seen on line they at least look good.

Lucca Wed 05-May-21 09:13:23

maddyone

^Looking out at My Love
And our beautiful boy.
And here in the window
I’ll have tears of great joy... ^

Is this tosh seriously for children? I think my three year old grandson would be bored after one page.

I don’t like David Williams books either. I’m not enamoured with the idea of celebs writing books to promote themselves. I know a few have done it. They should stick to what they’re good at. I think I’ll stick with Julia Donaldson.

Hmmm....sounds a bit Hallmark cards doesn’t it !

maddyone Wed 05-May-21 09:13:22

Lucca I found this bit in the BBC Entertainment and Arts.

maddyone Wed 05-May-21 09:11:37

^Looking out at My Love
And our beautiful boy.
And here in the window
I’ll have tears of great joy... ^

Is this tosh seriously for children? I think my three year old grandson would be bored after one page.

I don’t like David Williams books either. I’m not enamoured with the idea of celebs writing books to promote themselves. I know a few have done it. They should stick to what they’re good at. I think I’ll stick with Julia Donaldson.

Ellianne Wed 05-May-21 09:10:55

Lucca

Presumably it is the father son relationship seen through mothers eyes hence first person ? Anyway I give up now. Sun is out.

Exactly.

Lucca Wed 05-May-21 09:09:14

Presumably it is the father son relationship seen through mothers eyes hence first person ? Anyway I give up now. Sun is out.

Ellianne Wed 05-May-21 09:07:15

I'm finding it difficult to share photos of the pages? Is that because it isn't published yet, ie copyright?
The dreaded Daily Mail has a few pages.

The first person narrative is interesting seeing it is about father and son.

Family is the theme by the looks.

Lucca Wed 05-May-21 09:00:41

Ok I’ve seen articles about the book but no extracts....help ! Can you give me a link.

Ellianne Wed 05-May-21 08:59:18

Lucca

Celebs writing.....I don’t rate david Williams children’s books to be honest.

The kids seem to love him, I'm not a fan.

At 11+ interviews it is sometimes frowned upon for children to mention him as their favourite author! Seems a bit pompous.

Shropshirelass Wed 05-May-21 08:57:16

Merlotgran. I wholeheartedly agree with you!

Lucca Wed 05-May-21 08:57:02

Thanks I’m obviously not looking correctly !

Ellianne Wed 05-May-21 08:55:58

BBC Entertainment and Arts, but it is everywhere Lucca.

Lucca Wed 05-May-21 08:55:55

Celebs writing.....I don’t rate david Williams children’s books to be honest.

Lucca Wed 05-May-21 08:54:55

It was a genuine question ! I’m interested to read the extracts but couldn’t find any

vegansrock Wed 05-May-21 08:54:33

Any other children’s books up for review?

merlotgran Wed 05-May-21 08:52:46

There are plenty of extracts online, Lucca. People are bound to comment.

I think I might pop over to another thread and put ‘Celebs who think they can write’ into Room 101.