Blog Tour, Book Review, Books, Children's fiction, Christian Writer, Jenny Sanders

BOOK REVIEW: CHARLIE PEACH’S PUMPKINS and other stories, by Jenny Sanders

Image of front cover of Charlie Peach's Pumpkins. Bright orange with black line cartoon drawings of pumpkins, and the titles in green

In June of last year I was so thrilled to be able to support a good writer friend as she bravely published her first book for children. Jenny Sanders writes seriously thought provoking Christian non-fiction for adults, so to discover she had a talent for writing funny for children was a delight. I said of her first children’s book, The Magnificent Moustache and other stories’ that it was

‘A book of funny stories for younger readers, that will also make adults snigger.’

Her second book ‘Charlie Peach’s Pumpkins and other stories’ definitely lives up to the same description. I am so happy to be able to review it for you as part of Jenny’s blog tour.

Full cover image of Charlie Peach's pumpkins

PURE FUN

Jenny’s stories are funny, sometimes laugh out loud funny, but more often quietly amusing, and always verging on the ridiculous. This second book, as the first, contains six separate stories. Each one would be suitable for reading together at bedtime, or for a child to read alone. There are no nasties – no dark themes, no scary monsters, no unhappy endings. They are just pure fun, completely family friendly, affirming and entertaining. Again Jenny has come up with the most ingenious character names and wildly imaginative storylines. And they hook you in.

SIX STORIES

The title story in Charlie Peach’s Pumpkins, is all about – yes you’ve guessed it – Charlie Peach and his pumpkins. Determined to become famous in his small corner of the English countryside, Charlie Peach sets out to become a champion vegetable grower. With twists and turns along the way he finds himself becoming a local celebrity, and garnering international fans.

In Wooing Carletia, the incoming Ambassador discovers he has inherited both a dilapidated embassy and no funds to entertain the dignitaries of Carletia – much ingenious reusing and recycling ensues, including the inspired use of kazoos.

The Beasley- Babbingtons also have inheritance problems -what to do with a half-ruined castle. and in Sovereign Secrets a pair of bored monarchs branch out and discover new hobbies which ultimately bring them together in a most surprising ways. The Surprising Power of Cake is all about that. For who can deny how powerful cake is in bringing people to your door?

A GREAT READ

My absolute favourite of the stories in this book is The Viticulture Venture. If you had to look up what ‘viticulture’ means, then so did I! Jenny does not shy away from using words that might expand her young readers’ vocabulary. In this story a savvy teenager saves his wine evening hosting Grandad from embarrassment by coming up with his own concoctions made from what he can find in the kitchen store cupboard. The story is hilarious, and surprisingly good – just like the pretend ‘wine’.

I can highly recommend Charlie Peach’s Pumpkins to you. It is a great read and the witty writing is marvellously enhanced by Amanda Young’s incredible illustrations. Who doesn’t need a little bit of light relief? And a good old laugh from time to time?

Black line drawing, cartoon style of large pumpkins, with the words 'pumpkin party'. By Illustrator Amanda Young

Charlie Peach’s Pumpkins and other stories Published by: The Conrad Press

ISBN number: 978-1915494900

RRP: £10.99

Available as a paperback, via Amazon , and on order at all good bookshops. Or purchase direct from the author:

Photo image of author Jenny Sanders

You can find and contact the author, Jenny Sanders in the following places:

www.jennysanderswriter.co.uk

Facebook: Jenny Sanders – writer

Instagram: @jennysanderswriter 

Joy Margetts is a published author and blogger. Her books are works of Christian Historical fiction. Set in medieval Wales against the backdrop of Cistercian abbey life, they tell stories of faith, hope and God’s redemptive power. Her debut novel ‘The Healing‘ was published by Instant Apostle on 19 March 2021. The Pilgrim‘, her second full length novel, was published by Instant Apostle on 22 July 2022, and her third novel The Bride’ will be published on 20th October 2023. She also has her first non-fiction book, an Advent Devotional called Christ Illuminated, being published by Kevin Mayhew this autumn.

More information on Joy, and her books can be found here www.joymargetts.com

Book Review, Books, Children's fiction, christian fiction, Christian publishing, Christian Writer, Faith, Joy Vee, The Word of God, Valuable to God

BOOK REVIEW: JOY VEE – Two Fabulous New Children’s Books

Photograph of Joy Vee's two new books, Left Out Sienna?, and Benaiah and The Kindness Tree.

I am very pleased to be able to recommend these two new books by Joy Vee. Joy has such a gift for writing stories that are engaging, relevant, and more than anything, full of truth and life. Her characters and their adventures draw you in, but it is the lessons that they learn, and the deep spiritual truths behind those lessons, that stay with you. And that is whether you are a child, or an adult reading these books with a child. The wisdom that Joy’s books carry is God-given and I believe has the power to be life transforming.

Left Out Sienna?

Image of front cover of 'Left out Sienna' featuring a colourful cartoon drawing of a child's hands writing in a journal

Left Out Sienna? is the Joy’s third book featuring Sienna and her family (following on from The Treasure Man, and Love From Sienna). Sienna is used to having great ideas and a group of friends to share them with. But when she finds those friends pulling back from her, lying to her and excluding her, she is forced to confront what it feels like to be left out. Along with the hurt she is feeling she also has to examine her own part in the breakdown of her relationships. With the help of her amazing Kid’s Church leader, her Mum, and words that God Himself wrote, Sienna begins to learn a very important lesson. One that applies to us all, whatever age we are.

Image of back cover of Left Out Sienna?

There is a scene in the book involving boxes, boots and doughnuts. I won’t spoil it for you by saying more, but it has stayed with me. If only we could learn alongside Sienna that what God says about us is far more important than worrying about what others think of us.

This is a timely book for a generation of children growing up under the bombardment of internet influencers telling them what to look like and how to behave to fit in. It is a balm for every one of us who has grown up knowing what it feels like to be rejected or sidelined. I loved this book so much. A simple story that carries profound and potentially life changing truth.

Benaiah and the Kindness Tree

Photo of the front cover of Benaiah and The Kindness Tree, featuring a colourful cartoon image of a young boy holding a leaf, with a tree behind him.

This little book for younger readers is just gorgeous in every way. From Lee Dixon’s stunning full colour illustrations to Joy’s beautifully told tale, it is just lovely. Benaiah discovers what he believes to be a very special tree, and comes to beleive that a leaf from the tree carried in his pocket has the ability to make him super kind at school. But is it the tree making him kind, or is there another reason why Benaiah finds it so easy to be both grateful and kind? And how can his friend Kaiyah-Rose learn kindness too?

Photo of inside pages of Benaiah and The Kindness Tree, with colourful illustrations and easy to read text.

Benaiah’s simply told story is designed to engender conversation about being kind, and how to make kindness a habit. It also points to the One who is ultimately kind, good and loving to show us how. As a parent I wish there had been more books around like this one when my children were small. As a grandparent I now have the joy of sharing this one with my grandson. He may be little, but little people can learn big truths; truths that can help them live life to the fullness and impact them to be the people God calls them to be.

For All the Family

Joy’s heart in writing her books isn’t just to produce well written Christian story books for children. Each book she produces is a resource – a means for helping families to talk through big issues and to seek God’s heart together. They can also be adapted for use in teaching Sunday school classes. At the end of Left Out Sienna are suggested questions to discuss relating to each chapter in the book.

With Benaiah and The Kindness Tree, Joy has gone one step further. On her website there is a whole page with downloadable pictures and resources for parents and educators. You can find that here https://www.joyvee.org/kindnesstree

All of Joy Vee’s books are available on Amazon.co.uk but can also be found on Joy’s website https://www.joyvee.org/shop where you will find Left Out Sienna priced at £7 and Benaiah and The Kindness Tree priced at £7 for the smaller book, and £10 for a larger sized book. Both versions of Benaiah and The Kindness Tree come with a free Audiobook.

Joy Margetts is a published author and blogger. Her books are works of Christian Historical fiction. Set in medieval Wales against the backdrop of Cistercian abbey life, they tell stories of faith, hope and God’s redemptive power. Her debut novel ‘The Healing‘ was published by Instant Apostle on 19 March 2021. The Pilgrim‘, her second full length novel, was published by Instant Apostle on 22 July 2022, and her third novel The Bride’ will be published on 20th October 2023. She also has her first non-fiction book, an Advent Devotional called ‘Christ Illuminated‘, being published by Kevin Mayhew this autumn.

More information on Joy, and her books can be found here www.joymargetts.com

Book Review, Books, Christian Writer, Faith, Forgiveness, New Author, The Word of God

BOOK REVIEW: LOVE FROM SIENNA by JOY VEE

Joy Vee and I met online. As a new author who had been through the same process as I of having her first book unexpectedly published by Instant Apostle, we made a connection. We shared so much in common, most especially our desire to write fiction that carried the message of the Kingdom. To produce books that not only entertained, but spoke deep into people’s hearts, revealing the love of the Father, and drawing them to Him. From this first contact we have developed an open, loving and prayerful relationship that has strengthened us both. So it is a great delight for me to recommend her book to you.

I was delighted when Joy announced that she had written a follow- up book to her first, The Treasure Man. Whilst my books are aimed at adults, Joy writes for children. And does it so very well. Love from Sienna is a beautiful book, dealing with powerful spiritual truths in an accessible and meaningful way. As a  sequel to The Treasure Man it continues to tell the story of Sienna and her family as they learn those truths through everyday experiences. The storytelling is wonderful, the scenarios believable, and the biblical teaching handled so well, particularly for the age range it is intended for. It is aimed at 7 -11 year olds, but I read this as an adult and it spoke to me. I know it will speak to children just as powerfully. At the end of the book are questions relating to each chapter, a great aid for family discussions perhaps.

Keeping it real

I love that Joy does not shy away from dealing with difficult life situations, or painful emotions in her books. Even writing for children has to be honest and real. Sienna and her family know from experience that not everything is wonderful in life, that people can hurt and disappoint, and situations arise that cause fear and grief. But they come to see, in all of this, the need to forgive. They learn that forgiveness is powerful, freeing, and can be a means of blessing to all concerned.

As the title hints, in Love from Sienna, Sienna also learns how to communicate with God by using a journal, writing down her thoughts and asking difficult questions. It becomes a real help to her. To encourage other children to try it for themselves, Joy Vee has produced a Love From Sienna Journal. This can be purchased separately through her personal website. I have a copy and it is great. Bible verses and quotes from Joy’s books head up ‘bullet’ style blank spaces for writing and drawing.

Love from Sienna can be read as a standalone book, but if you haven’t read The Treasure Man, I encourage you to buy both. They would make perfect gifts, especially with the Journal thrown in. All three are available from the author at www.joyvee.org

Happy Launch Day!

Love from Sienna launches officially today,17th Sept, and is published by Broad Place Publishing. It retails at £ 6.99 and the journal for £5.99.

The book is available to purchase via Amazon and Eden Books, but why not bless the author by visiting her website and buying direct.