Violet Mackerel's Remarkable Recovery

Violet Mackerel #2

by Anna Branford, Sarah Davis (Illustrator)

Join Violet Mackerel for another warm story as she discovers The Theory of Giving Small Things.

VIOLET MACKEREL has to have her tonsils out. Violet does NOT think this is a good idea. She prefers NOT to have things taken out. But the tonsils have to go. And that’s okay, because maybe Violet will make the most REMARKABLE RECOVERY ever.

Genres: Chapter Books, Childrens, Realistic Fiction, Middle Grade, Friendship, Juvenile, Fiction

112 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2011

About the author

I was born in 1975 on the Isle of Man and spent my childhood there, in Sudan, in Papua New Guinea and in Australia. I did lots of my daydreaming in planes, trains and boats including one boat that my dad made with a glass base so my little sister and I could see fish and coral going past underneath us. For a little while I had a mouse and the best present my mum and dad ever gave me (apart from my sister) was my own piano.

My favourite books were The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame and the Ramona stories by Beverly Cleary. Though I love returning to those stories (especially Wind in the Willows) these days my favourites are anything by bell hooks or Alain de Botton.

I live in Melbourne near a river, write books for children, make dolls, nests and the occasional skirt, go to lots of markets and have cups of tea with my friends. I have a special interest in helping people to find the kind of work that is right for them. I don’t spend quite as much time on planes, trains and boats as I used to, but I walk up and down mountains whenever I find a spare moment. And I still have that same piano.

Reviews

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely adorable. When you're nervous, do you have butterflies or rhinoceroses in your tummy? And what verses can you add to that nice nanny's song about Favorite Things?
--
Reread March 2025 as part of the whole series again... except, even ILL cannot get me the last two?!

"The Theory of Giving Small Things."

[Harla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this one very much until the identity of Iris was revealed. I am sorry but Violet's mom WOULD have remembered her. Other than that small problem I thought the whole walk through of getting your tonsils out was excellent. Any child going through that should read this book.

[Shandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading the last chapter out loud, I noticed I was grinning and looked over to find the exact same expression on Clare's face.

[Amanda Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Violet says: This is an amazing book. I like how it is my name. I loved the ending and want to read more Violet Mackerel books.

[The Styling Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, let’s celebrate a combined non-fiction and early chapter book series today, shall we? I’ve recently become a huge fan of Anna Branford. I read Violet Mackerel’s Brilliant Plot; Violet Mackerel’s Remarkable Recovery; How to Make Small Things with Violet Mackerel – by Anna Branford - Early Chapter Books – after I read another book from the Violet Mackerel series and I was simply enchanted with the beautiful philosophy and life experiences that Violet’s character has from needing to get her tonsils removed and making a special friend in the waiting room to how when Violet thinks she has a perfect plot on how to get an object it goes a little haywire. Violet is a character that reminded me that little things can be very special, you can slow down and make friends with certain people, and a single parent home should be naturally introduced in more novels

[Nicci · Rating 5 out of 5]

These books are adorable 🥰

[Wrenna · Rating 2 out of 5]

It wasn't that great.

[AFIFA ALAM RAISA · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Violet Mackerel’s Remarkable Recovery’ is the second book of the series ‘Violet Mackerel’ by Anna Branford, and just as amazing as the first one.

In this story, young Violet learns that she has to go through a tonsillectomy, which is a rather intimidating experience for a girl of her age. But she also comes to know that it can change her voice and take her one step ahead toward her dream of becoming an opera singer. In spite of all the fear and nervousness associated with the operation, Violet keeps looking forward to making a remarkable recovery.

Violet’s vibrant imagination and unique way of looking at things make her a truly fascinating character. To make things better, the story comes with the lesson of appreciating the littlest things in life.

The book is short, fast-paced, and perfect for anyone looking for a light read.

[Meera · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a really good book. I liked when she got those grape flavored medicine when her tonsils were taken out. I also liked when she met the lady named Iris McDonald and then they had tea and she met Iris McDonald at the doctor's office. And I liked when she made her own verse of "These are a Few of My Favorite Things." I would recommend this book to kids.

[Sean Harding · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second of the Violet series and another book filled with warmth and charm emanating from the title character and the plot. A great and gentle read, nothing taxing and very quick to read, but thoroughly enjoyable - roll on #3!

[Fia Rapson · Rating 5 out of 5]

She found Iris Macdonald.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was just adorable. My library didn’t have the first one. I’ll have to find it.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was really cute. I think I liked it even better than the first one. These books would be a good alternative if someone is looking for gentler and kinder book than the Ivy and Bean series.

[Anne Hamilton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Violet has to have her tonsils out, so Doctor Singh says. She's not keen on the idea but when she's told her voice will sound different, she's happier. Perhaps she'll wind up with an opera-singing voice. (Certainly the chances of that happening with someone named Singh must be higher.) The prospect of a week of ice-cream is also a bit of an enticement.

At the hospital, while the butterflies in her stomach are behaving more like rhinoceroses on a rampage, she meets Iris MacDonald who is waiting to have her arm fixed. They promise that, after their remarkable recoveries, they will get together to compare notes over a cup of tea.

But they forget to exchange details. How will Violet get in touch with Iris? (And why does mum think Iris looks familiar? Could it possibly be that Iris is the midwife who is indirectly responsible for Violet's name?)

A warm fuzzy of a book. Not as quirky as the first and perhaps more accessible as a result. The delicate illustrations capture a soft mood and the interesting fonts are well... interesting. They add something emphatic to the book but I'm not quite sure what.

This is a book for young girls though I sometimes wondered about the level of the vocabulary.

Violet is still nicely eccentric. Vincent is now mum's boyfriend and his gentle, sensitive nature is evident.

[Casey · Rating 1 out of 5]

Reading the review, on Goodreads, this sounds like a good book; however, the start (first 2/3) was so boring and pedantic that I certainly wouldn't ask a kid to stay and struggle through the book. In the end, the plot isn't so bad, and I like the way everything ties in so well together. I also like how Violet doesn't give up on finding Iris MacDonald. So, the book had potential, I just wish the author would have gone back and re-read her work and realized she needed to re-write the beginning to make it interesting for kids. So, if you are looking for a book to interest kids in reading, this isn't it. If you just need a quick read for a book project, you can certainly find something shorter, or more captivating--even graphic novels rank higher than his book, and that's something I rarely say!

[Anastasia Tuckness · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book! It's super sweet and simple, but with interesting plot turns, too.

When Violet comes down with tonsillitis yet again, her doctor decides to take out her tonsils. Violet's not so sure about this, until Dr. Singh (who does sing, although not because that's how his name sounds) tells her that she will be going to the hospital and then eating lots of ice cream.

Her doctor also mentions that some of his former patients have noticed a change in their voice, and that "remarkable recoveries" will take a few days. Violet interprets this to mean that she will soon have the voice of an opera singer! How exciting!

This upbeat, cozy story is a great choice for readers who are just starting to read chapter books; the large black and white illustrations add a lot of depth and whimsy to the text, making it also a perfect read-aloud book. Violet's family (and brand new friend) are wonderfully supportive throughout her whole remarkable recovery.

[Esther]

Present Tense.

Chapter 1: V has tonsillitis.
Chapter 2: Finds out her mom's experience at the hospital (birthing her).
Chapter 3: Tells people about tonsillectomy.
Chapter 4: V gets so worried, it's like having rhinos in her stomach
Chapter 5: Old lady in waiting room helps comfort her because she has rhinos too.
Chapter 6: Recovery
Chapter 7: Looks for old lady.
Chapter 8: Prays, starts to feel better.
Chapter 9: Hears woman with same name on radio. Calls in.
Chapter 10: Meets old lady for tea. Discovers she helped birth Violet and give her her name.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I borrowed this book for my niece who is anxious about having to have her tonsils out. I had to read it first (just to make sure it was appropriate of course). Well, what an absolutely gorgeous book. It has beautiful illustrations with a delightful story - I have no doubt it is going to be a hit with my niece. I love how the tonsillectomy becomes the minor story, and Violet throws all her attention into her quest to find Iris. Violet still has her concerns, but she works though them. This little book excited me, because it reminded me of the books I read when I was young. Loved it!

[Joanne Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wouldn’t have believed a book could be this perfect or that I could love a “Violet” book more than the first one, but this one comes together so sweetly and respects not only the intelligence of the young reader, but his wisdom as well. It manages to continue many of the quirks about Violet and her family in a totally believable way. Violet’s voice is as charming as ever and the many-layered plotting is so satisfying. An excellent sequel.

[Miffy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Violet Mackerel's Remarkable Recovery, the second in the Violet Mackerel series, is just as wonderful as the first, Violet Mackerel's Brilliant Plot.
Violet and her family are beautifully drawn, both in words and pencil, and the feeling and thoughtfulness that is poured onto the page rebounds into your heart.
Recommended as a a great book for parents to read aloud to their young children.

[Mindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute story about a little girl with big ideas. I read it aloud to my 5yo, and we will probably read another in the series.

Violet has a theory that small gifts will give energy of some sort to the recipient. This doesn't turn out to be true exactly, but the debunking of her theory is so gentle that some kids might miss it.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A unique book! I'm glad to see this is a series. In a rush I just grabbed it off the new book table at the library because it looked to be around our reading level and the first page read well. My crunchy friends will appreciate the shout-outs to home-birthing and knitting! I'll be on the lookout for other books in this series.

[Tanja · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another little girl character I fell totally in love with as I read the first book in the series, discovering amongst others boxes of little things. Just like in the first book, Violet's sweet nature will warm your heart, her loving and very special family will capture any reader from the very first pages. I hope to see many more books in the series.

[Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Violet has a really sore throut. But at the hospital she meets a old lady called Iras Mcdonald. She tells Violet that she`s going to get her arm fixed and when she said that Violet thought she might get a super arm. Then Violet told her that she was going to get a tonsillectomy. And Iras Mcdonald thought that was a very brave thing to do. Mosty everyone was jealus about her.

[Crys · Rating 5 out of 5]

Violet Mackerel is in need of a tonsillectomy, and she is determined to make this not just a recovery, but a remarkable recovery.

Her doctor tells her that when her tonsils are removed, her voice might be a little different. Violet, being adorable and 7, decides this means she will have an opera voice.

Another adorable series parents with children ages 4 to 7 will enjoy reading aloud.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really lovely second book in one of my very favorite chapterbook series (along with Hilary McKay's "Lulu" series and Atinuke's "Anna Hibiscus"). It's less quirky than the first book in the series, but makes up for that in pure sweetness. MrD and I both really enjoyed it.

[Aeslis · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is really lovely how Anna Branford pulls together all the little things that happen to Violet, so that they work out. Personalities are big, but there is no excess at all in the writing. It is simple, clean, beautiful, and quirky.

[Ellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

So very charming. <3's all around.

Darling story about a little girl getting her tonsils out. Violet Mackerel thinks in her very own way and loves boyish and girlish things, without Junie B's sassafras. PERFECT for those who don't love Junie B and aren't quite ready for Clementine.

[Sandy Brehl · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this episode Violet faces having her tonsils out, and the related anxiety of facing the unknown. Works well as a story, as an identifiable character, and also serves well for anyone fearing procedures, health concerns, separation, etc.

[Despina · Rating 4 out of 5]

such a charming story. A little girl who is determined to continue a friendship with an older lady that she met in a hospital waiting room. Read it to my niece today who will read it again on her own.