ABBEY'S BOOKSELLER PICK ----- Known for his young adult novels, Condon turns his talents to a novel for primary age readers. Stephen is the sort of gentle young lad who likes routine and has a certain way of looking at the world around him. When his parents take him to visit his Great Aunt Lola, he doesn't want to stay even though his Mum says they have to wait until Lola's 80th birthday has passed before returning home. He isn't sure about the girl staying next door, either, although her grandfather is likeably eccentric. Lola is scary, and used to her own way, and both she and Stephen learn that the world can contain all sorts of different ways of living and loving. An affectionate novel of cross-generational friendship and the importance of allowing outsiders a chance. Ages 8-11. Lindy
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Stephen has never met his great aunt Lola, and he doesn't want to. She sends him money twice a year and he always writes back, but Lola is almost eighty - what will they have to talk about? When they arrive at her house, Stephen discovers she's grumpy, scary and really, really old. He wants to turn around and go home, but his mum says they have to stay until Lola's birthday - three weeks away. Left to his own devices, Stephen learns about the simple things in life - like fishing, and cricket, and climbing trees - and the importance of family. Soon Lola entrusts Stephen with a great secret, and he realises that Lola has become more important to him than just an aunt who sends him money - she's now a friend.
By:
Bill Condon Illustrated by:
Beth Norling Imprint: Allen & Unwin Country of Publication: Australia Dimensions:
Height: 198mm,
Width: 128mm,
Spine: 15mm
Weight: 154g ISBN:9781743317242 ISBN 10: 1743317247 Pages: 168 Publication Date:26 February 2014 Recommended Age: From 7 to 9 years Audience:
Children/juvenile
,
Children / Juvenile
Format:Paperback Publisher's Status: Active
Short-listed for CBCA Book of the Year 2015 (Australia)
Shortlisted for Children's Book Council of Australia Awards: Book of the Year - Young Readers 2015.
