This is a book full of delightful characters in situations which demand inventiveness and determination. It is also a book filled with humour, kindness and understanding.
Jenny Sanders is a master at bringing characters and situations to life with imaginative detail. Some of her characters are cosy and approachable, yet delightfully eccentric. They often have names which link perfectly with the image we have of them. Dame Vera Wobblington is a famous soprano opera singer (of course). I think my favourite character is Shaun Scattergood, who tries so hard to save his grandfather’s reputation with impromptu wine-tasting session. This is hilarious, and what he puts into the mixtures would make a true wine-buff cringe.
I recommend this book to anyone who likes ‘leaning on gates and watching the sunset’, as Queen Adelaide of Slopingsideways said. 7-11 year-olds will be entertained and delighted by these stories, and adults will love them too.
Charlie Peach’s Pumpkins and other stories is Jenny Sanders’ second collection of six humorous tales. Both are published by The Conrad Press. The first collection is ‘The Magnificent Moustache…’
Author Jenny Sanders
