The Quigleys in a Spin - Hardcover

Simon Mason has written three adult novels. He is currently working on a Rough Guide to nineteenth century literature. THE QUIGLEYS IN TROUBLE is his fourth book for children. He lives in Oxford with his wife and two children. Helen Stephens studied illustration at Glasgow School of Art before moving to London where she currently lives as a full-time author/illustrator. She has had several picture books published.

Grade 2-4-Each member of the Quigley family is highlighted in one of four short chapters, with a fifth story about a neighbor's cat. Dad's Big Toe chronicles a nail polish fiasco; Lucy's Big Day shows how even the worst birthday party can be memorable. In Will's Big Effort, Mum invites a sick friend's unpleasant son to spend the weekend. Finally, the family goes to a fair where the fast and wild rides are no fun for her. Young readers may have trouble getting past the heavy British vocabulary; not many kids opt to play pass the parcel, make moustaches from a goat-skin purse, have ever eaten a chessboard sandwich, or would vote for rock-pooling. The chapter on Lucy's birthday party is totally unbelievable and goes on for too long. A marginal purchase.
-Cheryl Ashton, Amherst Public Library, OH
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