Published by David Fickling Books, part of Random House Children's Publishers UK
Format: Hardback
£10.99
Author:
Simon Mason
Format: Hardback
EAN: 9780385618519
£10.99
Available for dispatch within 1-2 working days
EAN: 9780385618519
Published: 7 Apr 2011
When I'm older, she thought, I'll remember this midnight picnic as a good thing. I'll forget that I was scared of the dark, and that Dad was strange. I'll remember the candles in the grass, like flowers made out of flame, and Tug dreaming of pie, and Dad telling me he loves me.
Eleven-year-old Martha is used to being the one who has to keep their head.
Tug, her little brother, is too small. Dad is too strange. And Mum's not here any more.
So when Dad falls off the roof, it's Martha who ices his knee and takes him to the doctor. And when Dad doesn't come home, it's Martha who cooks Tug's favourite pie and reads him his bedtime story. And when Dad passes out, it's Martha who cleans him up and keeps his secret.
But eventually Dad's problems become too big for even Martha to solve. There is only one person who can sort things out now. Dad.
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Best known for his Quigleys books, Mason tackles the sensitive topic of an alcoholic father with great aplomb. It's happy, sad, compassionate and funny with wonderfully drawn child characters Martha and Tug.
- The Bookseller
It is a well written book, which children aged 9+ would enjoy. It tackles the subject of parents with alcoholism however that is not the only story within the book. It is about friendship and laughter and working towards your dreams. Some dreams do come true and are worth working towards.
- Sarah's Book Reviews
The characters make this book live. They positively spring off the page. Tug is one of the most loveable and believable five year olds I've encountered in a book...Critics will use the word 'heartwarming' about this book and they'll be right.
- An Awfully Big Blog Adventure
full of warmth and humour, often of the laugh-out-loud variety, skilfully intertwined with moments of sheer poignancy
- Oxford Times
an absolute delight. It is honest, and tackles a difficult subject... with great wit.
- The Telegraph
This is a beautifully told story that is long on affection and short on preaching.
- The Guardian.co.uk
Simon Mason lives in Oxford with his wife and two children. He is the author of the hilarious and heart-warming QUIGLEYS series, featuring the eccentric Quigley family, the first of which was Highly Commended in the Branford Boase Award 2003. He is also the author of three novels of black comedy for adults.
