Synopses & Reviews
andlt;Bandgt;In this irresistibly charming chapter book, the charismatic Violet Mackerel knows how to stay upbeatand#8212;even when her throat feels as if thereand#8217;s a cactus in it!andlt;/Bandgt;andlt;brandgt;andlt;brandgt;Seven-year-old Violet Mackerel has a new theory: If someone has a problem and you give them something small, like a feather, or a pebble, or a purple lozenge, that small thing might have a strange and special way of helping them.andlt;BRandgt; andlt;BRandgt;Violet gets the chance to put and#8220;The Theory of Giving Small Thingsand#8221; to the test when a bad case of tonsillitis requires the removal of her tonsils, and she suspects that the purple lozenge from Doctor Singh may help her in quite an extraordinary way. And indeed, with a freezer stocked with breakfast ice cream, a wonderful new friend in the waiting room, and the certainty that surgery will transform her voice into that of an opera singer on the radio, Violetand#8217;s recovery proves more than extraordinaryand#8212;it is, unquestionably, remarkable.
Review
"Another volume in a successful Australian series. Allenand#8217;s grayscale drawings...both support and add appeal. This agreeable account should attract new Violet Mackerel followers."
Review
"Violet is worried about getting her tonsils removed, even with promises of ice cream.... Young readers will identify with her nerves and laugh at her description of feeling rhinoceroses in her belly rather than butterflies.... Violetand#8217;s kind, patient mother shines in the story, as Branford once again creates a warm world for Violet, one in which the protagonistand#8217;s optimism spreads to others without any hint of the saccharine. Many new readers will identify with the story, enjoy the accessible vocabulary, and appreciate the expressive illustrations...that grace almost every spread."
Review
and#8220;Violet is a truly charming kid to whom many young readers will relate. Her habit of creative thinking and theory formation, evident in the previous book as well, makes her a useful model as a problem-solverand#8230;. The gentle humor, numerous illustrations, short length, and large type will make this very accessible to novice chapter book readers; the skillful writing and concise but detailed characterizations make it worth their time.and#8221;
Review
and#8220;This early chapter book, featuring pencil illustrations, will be a hit with fans of Amber Brown and Clementine.and#8221;
Review
"This follow-up
Review
"The Violet Mackerel books are truly a gift to readers. The stories are unique and entertaining, and Violet is a wonderfully special person who is full of surprises. Just like the first Violet Mackerel book, this title will make readers feel happy inside, and it will remind them to appreciate and celebrate the Giving Small Things moments in their lives."
Review
"This follow-up
Review
"This follow-up
Review
"This follow-up to andlt;Iandgt;Violet Mackerel's Brilliant Plotandlt;/Iandgt; (2012) retains all the charm and tenderness that made the first book such a treat and a welcome addition to books for early chapter-book readers. The illustrations, which sometimes work in place of the text, emphasize the storyand#8217;s whimsical nature. Children facing their own trip to the hospital will find comfort in Violetand#8217;s experience, which is approached realistically yet gently."
Synopsis
In this irresistibly charming chapter book, the charismatic Violet Mackerel knows how to stay upbeat--even when her throat feels as if there's a cactus in it
Seven-year-old Violet Mackerel has a new theory: If someone has a problem and you give them something small, like a feather, or a pebble, or a purple lozenge, that small thing might have a strange and special way of helping them.
Violet gets the chance to put "The Theory of Giving Small Things" to the test when a bad case of tonsillitis requires the removal of her tonsils, and she suspects that the purple lozenge from Doctor Singh may help her in quite an extraordinary way. And indeed, with a freezer stocked with breakfast ice cream, a wonderful new friend in the waiting room, and the certainty that surgery will transform her voice into that of an opera singer on the radio, Violet's recovery proves more than extraordinary--it is, unquestionably, remarkable.
About the Author
Anna Branford was born on the Isle of Man and spent parts of her childhood in Africa and in Papua New Guinea. Now she lives in Melbourne, Australia, with a large black cat called Florence. She writes, drinks cups of tea in her garden, and makes dolls and other small things, which she sells at early morning markets. Visit Anna at AnnaBranford.com. Elanna Allen is an author/illustrator, the creator of Playhouse Disney characters “Whiffle and Fuzz,” the writer and director of award-winning films for Nickelodeon, and the director of a Moby music video. Elanna wrote and illustrated Itsy Mitsy Runs Away, is the illustrator of the Violet Mackerel series, and splits her time between London and New York. Visit her at ElannaAllen.com.