Introducing the
LITTLE JOULE BOOK CLUB
Once upon a time…
Since 1967, on or around Hans Christian Andersen’s birthday, 2nd April, International Children’s Book Day has celebrated a love of reading and children’s books. So, what better day than today to launch the Little Joule Book Club?
We want every budding bookworm to join the Little Joule Book Club – a club where membership is free and the benefits endless. With the help of enthusiastic parents and friends, our goal is to help little ones explore distant lands, meet amazing people and go on thrilling adventures – without leaving the house (or turning on the television!)
Each month, we’ll be catching up with a grown up and a little one. We’ll get their different views on a chosen book. Will it be loved by little ones and big ones alike? Will it be one of those books that never gets finished? Or could it be a book that sparks debate on the journey to school?
This month, we caught up with Dimple, Customer Strategy Manager at Joules, and her daughter, Amber, aged 10. They were given the book, Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls by Elena Favilli and Francesca Cavallo. Here’s what they had to say…
Hello Dimple! Do you regularly read with your child?
“We normally read together a couple of times a week. Amber’s confidence is growing and her taste in books is getting broader. Whereas before she typically gravitated towards fiction, she is showing a keener interest in non-fiction as she’s getting older.”
What are Amber’s favourite books to read?
“Amber’s go-to read is typically anything by David Walliams as his books are very funny and an easy read. However, with all his stories there is always an important underlying message, so his books tick a number of boxes.”
What was your day like before you sat down to read this book?
“It had been a hectic weekend as always, so it was nice to sit down and have some time together.”
What did you think of this book?
“The production of this book is beautiful, it’s vibrantly illustrated and written in a truly inspirational style. It’s one of those books for children to treasure. Because of the fairy-tale concept that has been used, it’s a great transitional style of writing. The book delivers an important message, in Hillary Clinton’s case “there was a time when only boys could be whatever they wanted.”
The stories emphasise the importance of overcoming obstacles and persevering. As children begin to find their own unique qualities, this book reinforces the importance of being yourself and always striving for what you believe in. Parents could use this book as an opportunity to build confidence with their child to help them believe in their aspirations and that anything is achievable.”
DIMPLE’S RATING (out of 5):
Nice to meet you, Amber! To start things off, name three of your favourite things…
“Watching ‘A Series of Unfortunate Events’. Making and eating Rocky Road. And Playing piano.”
What is the book, Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls about?
“This book is about 100 heroic women who have achieved great things in all different areas, from ballerinas, queens, lawyers, computer scientist and even pirates! Although they are biographies, they are written in the style of fairy tales which makes them easy to follow and understand. The book is also beautifully illustrated by 60 female artists from around the world.”
How long did it take you to read this book? When did you find time?
“It only took me about a week as I found it really interesting. I got it as a Christmas present from my aunt and read it in the school holidays.”
What did you like about this book?
“I really liked the way each page had a picture and how each had been drawn in a different style – it’s very colourful. Although I’ve read the book I still like to go back and look at the drawings. I have also used it to help me with my school homework. At the end of this book the authors have added in space for readers to write their own story and draw their own portrait.”
What didn’t you like about this book?
“I loved everything about this book and have also read the sequel, Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls 2, which is just as good and has J.K Rowling and Beyoncé in it!”
Did you learn anything from reading this book?
“Yes lots. Nearly all the stories have the same theme which are based on overcoming obstacles and never giving up on your dreams. The book has encouraged me to dream big.”
Which characters would you like to meet in real life?
“Jane Austen as I also want to be an author when I’m older and could do with some handy tips. I think it would also be inspiring to meet Michelle Obama as she’s such a strong role model and got to where she is by listening to her parents and believing that she was actually good enough to do anything she wanted. In the book it tells you how she graduated as a lawyer and was actually a mentor to Barack Obama. I think her motto ‘No one is born smart. You become smart through hard work’ will inspire children who read this book to work hard to reach their ambitions.”
What is one thing you could ask the authors if you could talk to them?
“When is book three being released and can I have a signed copy?”
Would you recommend this book to others?
“I think this is an inspirational read not only for girls but also for boys. I think children who read this at bedtime will have big dreams.”
RATING (out of 5):
Thanks guys, this one sounds like an inspiring read for little minds. If you want to give it a read, get your copy here. Let us know what you think.
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