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Charles Dickens: Scenes from an Extraordinary Life
Inspired by Charles Dickens’ own words, Mick and Brita Granstrom bring this extraordinary genius to life, revealing Dickens' childhood working in a London boot polish factory and living near the docks in Chatham, and charting his meteoric rise to fame as a young novelist. Follow him as he climbs a volcano, goes on tour to the U.S., presides at a family Christmas, and gives a thrilling public reading. And discover the stories of ten of Dickens' most famous novels, dramatized for younger readers with captions and graphic-novel comic-strips. Key incidents that inspired the later novels are described, including his marriage and family life. What emerges is a touching portrait of a writer with amazing observational skills, a social conscience, and a strong sense of drama.
48 pages, Hardcover
First published November 1, 2011
41 people want to read
About the author
Mick Manning
156 books19 followersManning went to school in Keighley and then studied at at Bradford College. He studied illustration and graphic design at Newcastle Polytechnic (now the University of Northumbria) 1979 - 82 and then illustration and animation at the Royal College of Art London 1984-87 . Later he devised and ran the BA honours Illustration option at the Glasgow School of Art while maintaining a freelance career. In 1998 he resigned to concentrate on writing and illustrating children's books full-time. British artist-illustrators Xavier Pick, Helen Stephens and Mark Hearld number among his ex-students. Manning's first book A Ruined House was chosen by Quentin Blake in The Laureate's Party (Red Fox) as one of his personal top 50 children's books of all time. Manning is known for his collaborations as author and co-illustrator with partner Brita Granström. Books from their young non-fiction series "Wonderwise" won the TES, Silver Smarties and English Association Awards and were also shortlisted for the Royal Society Science Book Prizes (then called The Rhone Poulenc) on three occasions. They won The English Association award again in 2005 with Voices of the Rainforest and again in 2008 with Greek Hero. Their book Yuck! is referenced in the Mike Leigh film Happy Go Lucky. Tail End Charlie, a picture book about his father's Second World War experience as an RAF air gunner during 1944 was shortlisted for, and televised on, the Blue Peter Book Awards 2010. It was also shortlisted for the ALCS Award and was nominated for the Carnegie Medal 2010. Manning is a direct descendant of 18th Century Italian artist Bonifacio Musso, and Musso's London-born son Charles Muss who was himself, among many other things, a British illustrator. In 2011 Mick and Brita won a fourth English Association Award with the follow up to Tail-End Charlie; Taff in the WAAF a fascinating book about his mother's war including her experiences as a Chicksands 'Y' station listener for Bletchley Park. In 2011 he was elected a Fellow of The English Association.
Manning's other children's non fiction picture books include science titles such as: How Did I Begin? (this book looks at the amazing development of a human baby from fertilised egg to birth and was shortlisted for the Rhone Poulenc Prize in 1996) Woolly Mammoth (with the NHM, London), Dino Dinners (with the NHM, London), Nature Adventures and 'What Mr Darwin Saw, (this book about the life of Charles Darwin and his discoveries was shortlisted for the Royal Society's science book prize in 2011.)
Manning's other children's non fiction picture books include science titles such as: How Did I Begin? (this book looks at the amazing development of a human baby from fertilised egg to birth and was shortlisted for the Rhone Poulenc Prize in 1996) Woolly Mammoth (with the NHM, London), Dino Dinners (with the NHM, London), Nature Adventures and 'What Mr Darwin Saw, (this book about the life of Charles Darwin and his discoveries was shortlisted for the Royal Society's science book prize in 2011.)
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
February 18, 2026
“Charles Dickens – Scenes from an Extraordinary Life” for middle grade heartens with the story of Charles Dickens – one of the greatest writers of all time who wrote Great Expectations, A Tale of Two Cities and Oliver Twist among many other famous stories.
Charles Dickens (1812-1870) was born in Portsmouth, England during the age of war and Industrial Revolution. He witnessed the poverty and abuse and sympathized with those less fortunate.
His father was the wages clerk for the Royal Navy, and his job moved him and his family from place to place. He inherited his comic voice from his mother, which he used with his talent for story telling from early age. He entertained grow-ups at local inns.
For a while, the family lived close to a small theatre where songs came through the thin walls and the whole family would often join in dancing. When the family moved to London and his father no longer could afford to pay for his education, Charles stayed home, reading books, including Robinson Crusoe.
In 1823, at eleven, Charles got lost in the bustling streets of London which were filled with pickpockets, rogues and other characters which later appeared in his stories.
Theatres were the cheap entertainment of the day. Charles had his own toy theatre. From early age, he wrote and acted in some of his own plays.
His father had no sense of managing money. Thus, leaving family in much debt. Charles was forced by his parents to work at factory at twelve.
His father was sent to debtor’s prison. After he paid his debt thanks to his small inheritance from his mother, Charles was sent back to school. But it was his father’s decision. His mother wanted him to stay and work at factory. Charles felt bitter about this throughout his life.
When his father’s money troubles continued, Charles left school for good in 1827 and became a lawyer’s office boy. In his spare time, with a fellow clerk, they performed at a local theatre.
At sixteen, in 1828, he got a position as a newspaper reporter. He also began to write short stories which began to be published regularly. He became friend of editor whose daughter enchanted Charles, and they got married in 1836.
At twenty-five, Charles wrote a news series for a magazine. He immersed himself into creating characters by mimicking them. He looked in the mirror and made facial contortions or talked rapidly in a low voice.
In 1838, he visited the infamous Yorkshire schools to which unwanted boys were sent and treated badly. This led him to writing Nicholas Nickleby.
In 1842, he visited the US and was treated like a superstar followed by a multitude.
In 1843, A Christmas Carol became favorite Christmas fairy tale.
In 1850, he wandered for miles at night, revisiting some old sites, including the factory and the place nearby where he stayed. This place continued to haunt him even when he was happy. This led him to write David Copperfield.
In 1851, his fascination for detectives inspired him to invent one of the first fictional police detectives.
In 1865, he narrowly escaped death while travelling by steam train. Only five years later, at fifty-eight, worn out by his hectic life-style and before completing The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Dickens dies.
This is a graphic novel for ages 8-12. Thus, illustrations are big part of this storytelling, and both are beautiful and touching. Presented with fairly simple sentences, this story can be read by the target audience. Some painful memories that stayed with Dickens are well-dramatized so it touches human emotions. And it’s well-presented how Dickens used his painful experiences and observations as tool in his storytelling which touched multitude of people.
Charles Dickens (1812-1870) was born in Portsmouth, England during the age of war and Industrial Revolution. He witnessed the poverty and abuse and sympathized with those less fortunate.
His father was the wages clerk for the Royal Navy, and his job moved him and his family from place to place. He inherited his comic voice from his mother, which he used with his talent for story telling from early age. He entertained grow-ups at local inns.
For a while, the family lived close to a small theatre where songs came through the thin walls and the whole family would often join in dancing. When the family moved to London and his father no longer could afford to pay for his education, Charles stayed home, reading books, including Robinson Crusoe.
In 1823, at eleven, Charles got lost in the bustling streets of London which were filled with pickpockets, rogues and other characters which later appeared in his stories.
Theatres were the cheap entertainment of the day. Charles had his own toy theatre. From early age, he wrote and acted in some of his own plays.
His father had no sense of managing money. Thus, leaving family in much debt. Charles was forced by his parents to work at factory at twelve.
His father was sent to debtor’s prison. After he paid his debt thanks to his small inheritance from his mother, Charles was sent back to school. But it was his father’s decision. His mother wanted him to stay and work at factory. Charles felt bitter about this throughout his life.
When his father’s money troubles continued, Charles left school for good in 1827 and became a lawyer’s office boy. In his spare time, with a fellow clerk, they performed at a local theatre.
At sixteen, in 1828, he got a position as a newspaper reporter. He also began to write short stories which began to be published regularly. He became friend of editor whose daughter enchanted Charles, and they got married in 1836.
At twenty-five, Charles wrote a news series for a magazine. He immersed himself into creating characters by mimicking them. He looked in the mirror and made facial contortions or talked rapidly in a low voice.
In 1838, he visited the infamous Yorkshire schools to which unwanted boys were sent and treated badly. This led him to writing Nicholas Nickleby.
In 1842, he visited the US and was treated like a superstar followed by a multitude.
In 1843, A Christmas Carol became favorite Christmas fairy tale.
In 1850, he wandered for miles at night, revisiting some old sites, including the factory and the place nearby where he stayed. This place continued to haunt him even when he was happy. This led him to write David Copperfield.
In 1851, his fascination for detectives inspired him to invent one of the first fictional police detectives.
In 1865, he narrowly escaped death while travelling by steam train. Only five years later, at fifty-eight, worn out by his hectic life-style and before completing The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Dickens dies.
This is a graphic novel for ages 8-12. Thus, illustrations are big part of this storytelling, and both are beautiful and touching. Presented with fairly simple sentences, this story can be read by the target audience. Some painful memories that stayed with Dickens are well-dramatized so it touches human emotions. And it’s well-presented how Dickens used his painful experiences and observations as tool in his storytelling which touched multitude of people.
March 11, 2012
This picture book tells the life of Dickens from three levels - one from actual words of Dickens, from cartoon type facts about the London of Dickens' life, and through speech bubbles. I really liked this one. It makes multiple readings very enjoyable.
September 16, 2018
Read the review with all the pictures at https://readersforlife.blog
In Oliver Twist, there is a wonderful observation… “There are books of which the backs and covers are by far the best parts.” That is just so true, but we definitely wouldn’t say that about the stories written by Charles Dickens! When he died nearly 150 years ago, he left a legacy of wonderful literature that has endured till today.
This unique book about Charles Dickens introduces children (and adults) to his life and writings. It is divided into cartoon strips and prose, and the illustrations suit the era and subjects well. The book starts off by covering Dicken’s childhood and entry into adulthood when he starts writing. Then it chronologically goes through some of his more well known works, outlining the basic plot, characters, inspiration and influence the work had on society or his life at the time. It ends with his death; he was only 57. This book inspired my 14 year old to read Nicholas Nickleby, I am hoping that it would inspire your children to read Dickens as well.
I recommend this publication for children aged 8-16. This edition is softcover, 48 pages long and full colour. It was published in 2014 in Great Britain. ISBN: 9781847805003
In Oliver Twist, there is a wonderful observation… “There are books of which the backs and covers are by far the best parts.” That is just so true, but we definitely wouldn’t say that about the stories written by Charles Dickens! When he died nearly 150 years ago, he left a legacy of wonderful literature that has endured till today.
This unique book about Charles Dickens introduces children (and adults) to his life and writings. It is divided into cartoon strips and prose, and the illustrations suit the era and subjects well. The book starts off by covering Dicken’s childhood and entry into adulthood when he starts writing. Then it chronologically goes through some of his more well known works, outlining the basic plot, characters, inspiration and influence the work had on society or his life at the time. It ends with his death; he was only 57. This book inspired my 14 year old to read Nicholas Nickleby, I am hoping that it would inspire your children to read Dickens as well.
I recommend this publication for children aged 8-16. This edition is softcover, 48 pages long and full colour. It was published in 2014 in Great Britain. ISBN: 9781847805003
June 21, 2017
Inspired by Charles Dickens’ own words, Mick and Brita Granstrom bring this extraordinary genius to life, revealing Dickens' childhood working in a London boot polish factory and living near the docks in Chatham, and charting his meteoric rise to fame as a young novelist. Follow him as he climbs a volcano, goes on tour to the U.S., presides at a family Christmas, and gives a thrilling public reading. And discover the stories of ten of Dickens' most famous novels, dramatized for younger readers with captions and graphic-novel comic-strips. Key incidents that inspired the later novels are described, including his marriage and family life. What emerges is a touching portrait of a writer with amazing observational skills, a social conscience, and a strong sense of drama
December 5, 2022
Come along down memory lane with Charles Dickens where Nick Manning and Brita Granstrom start at his beginnings, all the way to his passing, offering his own words, then further explanations in comic-style boxes. I haven't read every piece or book he wrote, but many are featured with the connections that make the stories even more precious. It's a lovely, brief collection that can serve as an introduction to this most well-known writer all over the world. The endpapers show a map of special places in Dickens' life and novels and there's backmatter with additional sources, a glossary of terms people may not know, like "blacking" which is boot polish, a list of his works, and more!
April 7, 2024
This biography conveniently smooths over the less family-friendly aspects of Dickens' life by filling in with sanitized summaries of his novels. But the illustrations are interesting!
February 24, 2022
Loved the illustrations and the "comic strip" summarizes of some of his books.
February 24, 2012
Dickens’ best summarized in strip cartoons. Great introduction of young readers.
May 10, 2012
Upper elementary biography based on Dickens' own journal entries. Lively illustrations and comic style inserts keep attention roving the page.
June 9, 2012
What a delightful book! Charles Dickens is one of my favorite authors so I enjoyed learning more about his life and his works.
picture-books
August 22, 2012My review here
October 9, 2012
gr. 4+ I especially liked the "cartoon" summaries of some of Dickens' novels and the tie in with the events that influenced his stories.
November 17, 2015
The pictures aren't very special and the speech bubbles are just stupid. There are definitely better picture book biographies of Dickens out there.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews