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The author studied to be a teacher with English as her major. However, marriage and the arrival of four sons soon put an end to her official teaching career. An avid reader, she spent many hours reading to her sons and now her grandchildren. During the very severe COVID-19 restrictions in South Africa and inspired by the delightful “doodles” of her sister-in-law, they embarked on writing and illustrating a story together, just for fun! Houdini has become very special to them both and sharing his adventures with the world is more than a dream come true.
The author studied to be a teacher with English as her major. However, marriage and the arrival of four sons soon put an end to her official teaching career. An avid reader, she spent many hours reading to her sons and now her grandchildren. During the very severe COVID-19 restrictions in South Africa and inspired by the delightful “doodles” of her sister-in-law, they embarked on writing and illustrating a story together, just for fun! Houdini has become very special to them both and sharing his adventures with the world is more than a dream come true.
These children's stories are lovely with beautiful illustrations and will make wonderful gifts for the Grandchildren. I will certainly recommend them to family and friends. Can't wait for the next publication!
I began reading these online to my grandson during lock-down and it was such a great bonding tool for us. Usually the kids are busy with a hundred other things when I Skype, but he made sure that he was around to hear another chapter of little Houdini and his collection of adorable friends. Though the stories have a distinct South African flavour, they have wonderful, subtle lessons on morals, social skills, friendship, loyalty and bravery and will be loved and adored by children all over the world. Looking forward to the next one and many more to come after that.
As entertaining as Houdini's experience at the seaside. One again great illustrations and story. Grand parents will be loving reading these classics to their little ones and wondering with great anticipation and excitement when the next in this collection will be available! And what the little fella will be up to!
Gillyflower is my granny, the author of the book. I think this book is really fun for little children. It's just so cool.
delightful story, to nurture children at an early age to appreciate the value of friends from all walks of life. They are the ones who love, encourage, and support you. This is a most appropriate message, especially in the aftermath of the Covid Epidemic.
This is a delightful story that entranced me as an adult, as well as the young readers that I read the story to.
I am a retired Foundation Phase teacher and Principal of a pre-school. I also lectured Foundation Phase student teachers studying for their Bachelor of Education Foundation Phase degree, so I am critical of books that are written for young children.
This book fulfils so many of the criteria that are important for literature for the young child. The illustrations are of a high quality, are age appropriate and can lead to a great deal of discussion, which is important for the development of language development, extension of vocabulary and the development of thinking skills. The story line flows well so that it engages the young listener/reader. It is informative, well written and has universal life lessons, which model good values. Again, good discussion can be stimulated and the young child can identify and empathize with the characters.
This is a timeless book that I can highly recommend.
We had the privilege of having the amazing author of this story, Gilly Flower, come to our school to read us her story. She enthralled the children in my Gr R class with the wonderful tale of Houdini and his friends! They were captivated from the start and enjoyed the story from beginning to end.
Houdini's story is one that resonates with these children as they are also learning about making friends and how not everyone looks the same as you, but with kindness in your heart, we can all be as close as family!
Westville Pre-Primary School felt privileged to have experienced the incredible passion and animation of hearing the story told by the author herself. The writing is engaging for children and the story holds their attention until the very end. We are all very excited to have Gilly Flower back again soon to read us the next installment of Houdini's story!
This is a must read for both children and their parents or teachers - a delight to have as apart of your school library as well as a book to buy to keep on your shelf at home. You will keep going back to it!
What a perfectly delightful book! Not only are the drawings absolutely enchanting but the story of Houdini is so well written with such beautiful imagery....a wriggling squirming bunch of baby hoglets...he scuttled across the grass, he snacked on a tasty ant.... The story also imparts so much knowledge of wild life.
I am sure it will be an excellent resource book for teachers wishing to enhance their young learners’ vocabulary ...nocturnal animal...ventured out...veritable sea of food..Young children love hearing new, exciting words that stimulate their thinking.
Also there is plenty of knowledge about nature: who knew baby hedgehogs are called hoglets, snack on ants and nest under dry leaves? And there are the life skills lessons of how very different creatures learn to co operate and support each other.
Altogether a wonderful little book, worthy of a 5 star rating.
Our Grade R class was very blessed to have the wonderful author, Gilly Flower read her delightful story of Houdini to us! The children were enthralled with the adventure story and captivated by the gorgeous illustrations. Children of all ages can learn valuable lessons about friendship and nature from the animal characters in the book. We cannot wait to read the next adventure of Houdini and his friends!
