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Waterfall Woods #1
Billy i divovska pustolovina
Billy i njegovi prijatelji znaju da je Vodopadna šuma teritorij u koji ne trebaju zalaziti; glasine kruže da su se ondje nekoć zbili neobični događaji i nitko iz njihova mjestašca već desetljećima onamo nije kročio nogom…
No kada otkriju tajni put u šumu, Billy i njegovi najbolji prijatelji Anna, Jimmy i Andy ne mogu se oduprijeti iskušenju i odluče je malčice istražiti! Ubrzo će otkriti kako šuma vrvi magijom i kako u njoj živi mnoštvo neobičnih stvorenja, uključujući i zajednicu vilenjaka kojima je potrebna njihova pomoć!
Nešto se neobično zbiva u šumi. Sve je oko nas međusobno povezano i u ravnoteži zbog Ritma prirode, a s Ritmom nešto nije u redu… Mogu li Billy i njegovi prijatelji otkriti što je pošlo po krivu i ispraviti to prije nego što bude prekasno?
No kada otkriju tajni put u šumu, Billy i njegovi najbolji prijatelji Anna, Jimmy i Andy ne mogu se oduprijeti iskušenju i odluče je malčice istražiti! Ubrzo će otkriti kako šuma vrvi magijom i kako u njoj živi mnoštvo neobičnih stvorenja, uključujući i zajednicu vilenjaka kojima je potrebna njihova pomoć!
Nešto se neobično zbiva u šumi. Sve je oko nas međusobno povezano i u ravnoteži zbog Ritma prirode, a s Ritmom nešto nije u redu… Mogu li Billy i njegovi prijatelji otkriti što je pošlo po krivu i ispraviti to prije nego što bude prekasno?
354 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2023
42 people are currently reading
485 people want to read
About the author
Jamie Oliver
247 books1,140 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
James Trevor "Jamie" Oliver, sometimes known as The Naked Chef, is an English chef and media personality well known for his growing list of food-focused television shows, his more recent roles in campaigning against the use of processed foods in national schools, and his campaign to change unhealthy diets and poor cooking habits for the better across the United Kingdom.
James Trevor "Jamie" Oliver, sometimes known as The Naked Chef, is an English chef and media personality well known for his growing list of food-focused television shows, his more recent roles in campaigning against the use of processed foods in national schools, and his campaign to change unhealthy diets and poor cooking habits for the better across the United Kingdom.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
January 21, 2024
Brak polskiej edycji
3,75/5
Raczej dla dzieci niż dla dorosłych, ale zostawiam ogromny plus za piękne ilustracje. Właśnie tak powinno się wydawać książki ♥️
3,75/5
Raczej dla dzieci niż dla dorosłych, ale zostawiam ogromny plus za piękne ilustracje. Właśnie tak powinno się wydawać książki ♥️
June 24, 2023
Are you ready to step into the world of Waterfall Woods?
I’ve been following Jamie Oliver for most of his career. He’s an upstanding person and an outstanding chef. My shelves are filled with many of his 26 cookbooks. Reading and reviewing his first children’s story was my honour.
I love that Jamie’s personality shines through this book. It’s written with encouragement for those who, like Jamie, struggle in school. For those with reading difficulties, he encourages them to get caught up in the imagination and wonder and to not stress about getting the words right. Jamie uses encouraging words to help struggling children find their way - The Billy-Boy Way - just like the main character. For those who are bullied, he reminds them that “you just gotta rise about it - the best way to get a bully is to kill them with kindness.” In a world where revenge is prevalent, this is a welcome message.
I also love that his past has influenced this book so much. For those of us who follow Jamie, we can see his childhood friends, Gennaro, his parents' pub (the inspiration for the Green Giant), and his grandparents’ words of wisdom shine through. I giggled each time I came across a Jamie-ism like ‘a few cheeky fries’ and the references to farts…the ‘panicked fart’ had me spewing my coffee.
This book may have been written for children, but I loved how it took me back to my childhood with the references to scotch eggs, sausage rolls, and packets of Hula Hoops. If you are considering reading this with your children, DO IT. It’s precious memory-making time.
As Jamie matured his focus on doing what’s right took prevalence and it’s very evident in this book, too. I loved his focus on ‘the Rhythm’ which was woven throughout, about tidying up before you went out to play and about remembering your manners. These aren’t often mentioned in children’s books.
The expression I’m stealing, Jamie? “What the jammy doughnut is going on?”
I’m eagerly anticipating book two!
I was gifted this copy by Penguin Random House Canada, Tundra Books and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
I’ve been following Jamie Oliver for most of his career. He’s an upstanding person and an outstanding chef. My shelves are filled with many of his 26 cookbooks. Reading and reviewing his first children’s story was my honour.
I love that Jamie’s personality shines through this book. It’s written with encouragement for those who, like Jamie, struggle in school. For those with reading difficulties, he encourages them to get caught up in the imagination and wonder and to not stress about getting the words right. Jamie uses encouraging words to help struggling children find their way - The Billy-Boy Way - just like the main character. For those who are bullied, he reminds them that “you just gotta rise about it - the best way to get a bully is to kill them with kindness.” In a world where revenge is prevalent, this is a welcome message.
I also love that his past has influenced this book so much. For those of us who follow Jamie, we can see his childhood friends, Gennaro, his parents' pub (the inspiration for the Green Giant), and his grandparents’ words of wisdom shine through. I giggled each time I came across a Jamie-ism like ‘a few cheeky fries’ and the references to farts…the ‘panicked fart’ had me spewing my coffee.
This book may have been written for children, but I loved how it took me back to my childhood with the references to scotch eggs, sausage rolls, and packets of Hula Hoops. If you are considering reading this with your children, DO IT. It’s precious memory-making time.
As Jamie matured his focus on doing what’s right took prevalence and it’s very evident in this book, too. I loved his focus on ‘the Rhythm’ which was woven throughout, about tidying up before you went out to play and about remembering your manners. These aren’t often mentioned in children’s books.
The expression I’m stealing, Jamie? “What the jammy doughnut is going on?”
I’m eagerly anticipating book two!
I was gifted this copy by Penguin Random House Canada, Tundra Books and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
August 21, 2023
Jamie takes you to a wonderful world where friendship conquers all.
An excellent debut with which you will free your imagination, and if you think you will not be hungry while reading - you are wrong. There are very tempting dishes in the book and don't worry there are recipes for some of them. :)
Big recommendation and I hope for a new novel!
An excellent debut with which you will free your imagination, and if you think you will not be hungry while reading - you are wrong. There are very tempting dishes in the book and don't worry there are recipes for some of them. :)
Big recommendation and I hope for a new novel!
August 5, 2023
Born with dyslexic Jamie Oliver has created a hero Billy, set in 1980s with same problems that he had. I grew up in the darkness of 1960s with dyslexic and I was called lazy so I did get this book.
Influenced by Tolkien and Ronald Dahl replaced goblins for Boonas and elves for mythical sprites.
This brilliant new children's book took 4 years to complete and conker his own dog makes an appearance too.
Mónica Armiño illustrations are beautiful and make the story for all ages come to life. Lot of in jokes that only his fans of his cooking shows will get.Set out to do new dish for his cooking shows has made into the book because we get lot of food that perhaps only a chef can make. He even included some recipes at back of the book.
This perfect bed time read to be read by Dad with funny voices or Mam. He has also created audio versions with music and actors doing the parts. Best of all this only book one.
Influenced by Tolkien and Ronald Dahl replaced goblins for Boonas and elves for mythical sprites.
This brilliant new children's book took 4 years to complete and conker his own dog makes an appearance too.
Mónica Armiño illustrations are beautiful and make the story for all ages come to life. Lot of in jokes that only his fans of his cooking shows will get.Set out to do new dish for his cooking shows has made into the book because we get lot of food that perhaps only a chef can make. He even included some recipes at back of the book.
This perfect bed time read to be read by Dad with funny voices or Mam. He has also created audio versions with music and actors doing the parts. Best of all this only book one.
August 6, 2024
4,5 ⭐️ mijn dochter (bijna 6) gaf het boek 5⭐️
September 26, 2024
Celebrul bucătar Jamie Oliver pătrunde cu dreptul pe tărâmul literaturii pentru copii, reușind să plămădească un roman plin de aventură și magie, însiropat cu rețete delicioase.
"Billy și uriașa aventură" (trad. Diana Ilie) este o poveste savuroasă, pe care vrei să o înfuleci dintr-o suflare, despre un băiat și prietenii săi ce descoperă o poartă înspre o lume magică.
„Dorințele sunt rare, asemenea curcubeielor duble, iar o dorință pe care s-o împărtășești cu cineva e cea mai rară dintre toate.„
https://ciobanuldeazi.home.blog/2024/...
"Billy și uriașa aventură" (trad. Diana Ilie) este o poveste savuroasă, pe care vrei să o înfuleci dintr-o suflare, despre un băiat și prietenii săi ce descoperă o poartă înspre o lume magică.
„Dorințele sunt rare, asemenea curcubeielor duble, iar o dorință pe care s-o împărtășești cu cineva e cea mai rară dintre toate.„
https://ciobanuldeazi.home.blog/2024/...
August 23, 2023
Friendship, adventures, good food and magic - what else to want from a middle grade book. I enjoyed it quite a bit. Many mysteries went unsolved, so there is hopefully going to be a sequel or two. 😊😊
January 22, 2024
4.75
Bawiliśmy się świetnie i czekamy na drugi tom ♥️
Bawiliśmy się świetnie i czekamy na drugi tom ♥️
February 14, 2024
This looks like a middle grade novel but it doesn’t read like one. The MC is only 9 and the story and themes are suited to that younger demographic. This would have worked much better as a series of chapter books, imo. But it’s an mildly entertaining tale with lots of food content, including recipes at the end. It would be suited for an adult to read to kids and the illustrations are delightful but I would not hand this to a kid and expect them to enjoy it on their own because its too slow and too long.
As a side note, I read most of this on audiobook which is full-cast and narrated by the author, and it was definitely more entertaining that way.
Many thanks to Tundra Books who kindly sent me a finished copy (or 3!) for review.
As a side note, I read most of this on audiobook which is full-cast and narrated by the author, and it was definitely more entertaining that way.
Many thanks to Tundra Books who kindly sent me a finished copy (or 3!) for review.
April 15, 2023
4.2 stars
In his note of thanks at the end of this book, global phenomenon Jamie Oliver says:
“I may have written twenty-six cookbooks, but this was an amazing step into the unknown..” (it’s not just 26 books, it’s 48 million copies sold 😎)
In the same note, he also thanks his brilliant editor, “even if you did make me take out a lot of farts.” 🤣
This is quite the essence of what Oliver’s first kidlit book, Billy and the GIANT Adventure, is all about. It is based on a Dad telling stories to his children at bedtime, much like Oliver has done with his kids.
He spins a world where Billy, unsure of where he stands in school with his peers, finds his feet in an adventure at the Waterfall Woods near his home.
With his bunch of friends, he meets with sprites but also with the mischief-making Boonas. When faced with difficult decisions, or up against the bully, he finds his “Billy-Boy Way” — which is his brave, kind way.
Billy and his friends discover that something has been upsetting the Rhythm of life in the forest, and set out to make it right.
I cannot guarantee that you will not salivate from Billy’s packed lunches and meals as well. I’d forgotten the importance of good food in kidlit adventures. 😂 Trust Oliver, to ensure simple, tasty baps, lasagne and sandwiches to fuel this adventure.
Beautiful, heartwarming tale, and true to Jamie Oliver’s personality. We love his recipes too.
I received a limited edition proof of the book from @times.reads
In his note of thanks at the end of this book, global phenomenon Jamie Oliver says:
“I may have written twenty-six cookbooks, but this was an amazing step into the unknown..” (it’s not just 26 books, it’s 48 million copies sold 😎)
In the same note, he also thanks his brilliant editor, “even if you did make me take out a lot of farts.” 🤣
This is quite the essence of what Oliver’s first kidlit book, Billy and the GIANT Adventure, is all about. It is based on a Dad telling stories to his children at bedtime, much like Oliver has done with his kids.
He spins a world where Billy, unsure of where he stands in school with his peers, finds his feet in an adventure at the Waterfall Woods near his home.
With his bunch of friends, he meets with sprites but also with the mischief-making Boonas. When faced with difficult decisions, or up against the bully, he finds his “Billy-Boy Way” — which is his brave, kind way.
Billy and his friends discover that something has been upsetting the Rhythm of life in the forest, and set out to make it right.
I cannot guarantee that you will not salivate from Billy’s packed lunches and meals as well. I’d forgotten the importance of good food in kidlit adventures. 😂 Trust Oliver, to ensure simple, tasty baps, lasagne and sandwiches to fuel this adventure.
Beautiful, heartwarming tale, and true to Jamie Oliver’s personality. We love his recipes too.
I received a limited edition proof of the book from @times.reads
April 16, 2023
Milujem knihy, od ktorých nečakám nijaké terno a nakoniec takto milo prekvapia! Veľmi príjemné počteníčko, určite si knihu rada vypočujem znovu aj s malou neterou a takisto je tam "nečakane" aj kopec jedla, čo je pre mňa vždy veľké plus! Aj keď tie nadnesené popisy jedál ako zo Šéfkuchára bez čapice, ktoré dával 9ročný hlavný hrdina, ma niekedy pekne dostávali do kolien (aka pobavili).
September 3, 2023
“My garden has taught me that nature and life are all about harmony.” (Bilfred the not-giant says.
This book was magical and fun to read. It has a 80’s feeling to it that reminded me of the Goons (which I haven’t seen yet) and other 80’s dramas that I’ve watched when I was younger.
All the characters were interesting and fun. The adventures into Waterfall Woods and meeting the sprites was enchanting.
I also loved the mentioning of the foods (though I eat plant based) throughout the book. Now I want a good porridge or a nice bap (“sarnie” where I live).
There is a lot of mentioning nature’s rhythm. Oliver touches on factory and ethical farming, balance of nature and that we all have a part to play in our world.
Jamie Oliver’s first Children’s book is a great start to a new series, which I’m looking forward to read.
This book was magical and fun to read. It has a 80’s feeling to it that reminded me of the Goons (which I haven’t seen yet) and other 80’s dramas that I’ve watched when I was younger.
All the characters were interesting and fun. The adventures into Waterfall Woods and meeting the sprites was enchanting.
I also loved the mentioning of the foods (though I eat plant based) throughout the book. Now I want a good porridge or a nice bap (“sarnie” where I live).
There is a lot of mentioning nature’s rhythm. Oliver touches on factory and ethical farming, balance of nature and that we all have a part to play in our world.
Jamie Oliver’s first Children’s book is a great start to a new series, which I’m looking forward to read.
January 6, 2024
Billy, a boy who struggles at school and is the recipient of bully Bruno’s evil pranks, has something good going for him, too. His parents are loving and they cook the best food! He has great friends, too. Anna, Jesse, Andy, and Billy go on adventures…but the adventure of a lifetime will follow them into Waterfall Woods.
They’ve been told not to go into the woods. Their creaky, crabby neighbor Wilfred Revel warns them since a long time ago (50 years!) two boys ventured into the Woods and only one came back. But, of course, the foursome have no intentions of following the warnings. Purely by luck or maybe accident, or spritely magic, they find their way into a magical world of Sprites, Boonas (you’ll have to read about them yourself), and Giants.
The friendly Sprites, especially Basil, tell them that the Rhythm is off, killing plants, animals and fish. Together, they puzzle together the pieces and find the answer and make a certain young investigative reporter very happy.
Billy and friends also find a way to put a smile on Wilfred Revel’s face and a way to melt his heart. (But, you’ll have to read about that yourself, too).
Billy and the GIANT Adventure is pure magic. With snarky, sassy, silly dialogue of the Sprites, the intrepid thinking of the four friends, and the assistance of the Giant all make this story a true delight. And, the illustrations are beyond captivating and imaginative.
Honestly, I cannot wait for book #2. My only criticism is the long chapters (which will not appeal to some kids)….but, it doesn’t stop me from giving this delightful book 5 stars. Who knew Jamie Oliver had a story to tell…..?
Thank you to LibraryThing Early Reviewers, Tundra Books, an Imprint of Book Group, and Jamie Oliver for this ARC.
They’ve been told not to go into the woods. Their creaky, crabby neighbor Wilfred Revel warns them since a long time ago (50 years!) two boys ventured into the Woods and only one came back. But, of course, the foursome have no intentions of following the warnings. Purely by luck or maybe accident, or spritely magic, they find their way into a magical world of Sprites, Boonas (you’ll have to read about them yourself), and Giants.
The friendly Sprites, especially Basil, tell them that the Rhythm is off, killing plants, animals and fish. Together, they puzzle together the pieces and find the answer and make a certain young investigative reporter very happy.
Billy and friends also find a way to put a smile on Wilfred Revel’s face and a way to melt his heart. (But, you’ll have to read about that yourself, too).
Billy and the GIANT Adventure is pure magic. With snarky, sassy, silly dialogue of the Sprites, the intrepid thinking of the four friends, and the assistance of the Giant all make this story a true delight. And, the illustrations are beyond captivating and imaginative.
Honestly, I cannot wait for book #2. My only criticism is the long chapters (which will not appeal to some kids)….but, it doesn’t stop me from giving this delightful book 5 stars. Who knew Jamie Oliver had a story to tell…..?
Thank you to LibraryThing Early Reviewers, Tundra Books, an Imprint of Book Group, and Jamie Oliver for this ARC.
March 15, 2024
I must say I was pretty impressed with this children's book from England's national treasure and cookbook extraodinare.
Great to see kids working together and not be superheroes where they can do things perfectly.
Easy to relate characters to drag kids into a cutesy fairytale story with sprites, giants and Goblin like creatures. Lots of wonder and adventure for the little uns.
I've read this to see if my 9 year old will enjoy it and I'm 100% certain he will. Looking forward to reading it with him, the sequel when it arrives and discussing the large amount of lovely meals Billy's mum and dad seem to make for him with my son too! Bravo!
Great to see kids working together and not be superheroes where they can do things perfectly.
Easy to relate characters to drag kids into a cutesy fairytale story with sprites, giants and Goblin like creatures. Lots of wonder and adventure for the little uns.
I've read this to see if my 9 year old will enjoy it and I'm 100% certain he will. Looking forward to reading it with him, the sequel when it arrives and discussing the large amount of lovely meals Billy's mum and dad seem to make for him with my son too! Bravo!
July 15, 2023
It's really nice and there's so many adventures, helping people and solving problems, I think this book was meant to be creative, helpful , adventure and more . So a boy named billy found an oak tree behind a wall , when they crossed behind the tree they found a fairy named basil and he was a (boy).so basil led them to the queen (chief mereen ) and she welcomed them to the forest , the didn't trust humans but they knew billy and his friends where nice .
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 2, 2024
My daughter Sarah and I listened to this on audiobook and enjoyed it very much. Jaime Oliver did an amazing job with the performance. We smiled and laughed together throughout the whole story. We enjoyed the special sound effects that other audiobooks don’t have. Loved the surprises at the end as well!
March 3, 2024
I read this book to my 7 year old and we both enjoyed the adventure. I think by the time he's 9 he would be able to read it independently. A great step up into reading non-picture books, while still having some lovely illustrations. My son decided to give it 5 stars.
October 10, 2023
A fun adventure with plenty of foody hospitality woven through.
I liked it. I think the kids will too.
I liked it. I think the kids will too.
April 10, 2024
Het is een fantastisch boek met veel fantasie
April 14, 2024
My 7-year loved it as a bedtime read!
December 29, 2023
Door alleen al de spannende, aantrekkelijke en actievolle cover werd mijn aandacht tot dit boek getrokken. De zilveren titel spat er ook mooi uit. Op de cover zien we een prachtige illustratie van vier kinderen op hun fiets in een bos, omringd door elfjes. Ik verwacht een spannend, fantasierijk en leuk avontuur.
Billy en zijn drie beste vrienden Anna, Mo en Gijs horen geruchten over vreemde gebeurtenissen die in het Woud van de Watervallen hebben plaatsgevonden. Deze plek is alleen voor de vier kinderen verboden gebied. Wat er achter de muur is gebeurd is een groot mysterie. Op een dag ontdekken de vier vrienden een geheime ingang naar het bos. Al snel blijkt dat het mysterieuze bos bruist van de magie en er verschuilen zich allerlei vreemde wezens. Een groep Sprankels vraagt om hulp en hierdoor raken de vier kinderen verzeild in een spannend en gevaarlijk avontuur.
Niet alleen de buitenzijde is op prachtige wijze geïllustreerd, ook gedurende het verhaal volgen op bijna elke bladzijde prachtige illustraties van Mónica Armino die het leuke en spannende verhaal nog meer tot leven brengen. Het verhaal is ook enorm vlot, levendig en op positieve wijze geschreven. Het verhaal heeft daarbij een vrij hoog tempo, wat de spanning en het avontuur verhoogt.
Het verhaal is geschreven vanuit Billy, een enigszins onzekere jongen waarbij de school hem moeilijk af gaat. Toch heeft hij grote steun van zijn ouders die ondanks alles trots op hem zijn. Daarbij heeft hij drie geweldige vrienden: Anna, Mo en Gijs. Alle personages hebben duidelijke karaktertrekken en zijn uitgesproken persoonlijkheden waardoor ze goed te onderscheiden zijn. Daarnaast zijn het ook heel realistische personages, waarin de jonge lezertjes zich ongetwijfeld zullen herkennen.
Het verhaal is een verhaal in een verhaal. De vader Billy vertelt zijn kinderen Jesse en Fleur de verhalen over Billy en zijn vrienden. Dan switcht het verhaal naar het perspectief van Billy, van waaruit het spannende en mysterieuze avontuur van start gaat. Jamie Oliver heeft ook met de woordkeuze en zinsopbouw goed rekening gehouden met de jeugdige lezertjes en daarbij zou het ook een dyslexievriendelijk verhaal zijn. Het is voor de leeftijdscategorie 6-9 jaar. Het is een erg leuk, positief en actievol verhaal. Een extra leuk element is dat Jamie Oliver in het jeugdverhaal zijn liefde voor eten terug laat komen en ook achterin de recepten uit het verhaal bijgevoegd om zelf te gaan koken. Ook weet hij thema's als dierenwelzijn, milieu en gezond eten op speelse wijze in het verhaal te verwerken.
Billy en het reuzenavontuur is een enorm leuk, spannend en magisch avontuur. Ik weet zeker dat jeugdige lezers van 6-6 jaar zich erg in Billy en zijn drie vrienden zullen herkennen. Het is heel vlot, actievol en levendig geschreven en het is een erg leuk en positief verhaal. Daarbij weet Jamie Oliver ook zijn liefde voor eten (+ recepten hiervan) op een leuke wijze in het avontuur terug te laten komen. Een hele leuke aanrader!
Billy en zijn drie beste vrienden Anna, Mo en Gijs horen geruchten over vreemde gebeurtenissen die in het Woud van de Watervallen hebben plaatsgevonden. Deze plek is alleen voor de vier kinderen verboden gebied. Wat er achter de muur is gebeurd is een groot mysterie. Op een dag ontdekken de vier vrienden een geheime ingang naar het bos. Al snel blijkt dat het mysterieuze bos bruist van de magie en er verschuilen zich allerlei vreemde wezens. Een groep Sprankels vraagt om hulp en hierdoor raken de vier kinderen verzeild in een spannend en gevaarlijk avontuur.
Niet alleen de buitenzijde is op prachtige wijze geïllustreerd, ook gedurende het verhaal volgen op bijna elke bladzijde prachtige illustraties van Mónica Armino die het leuke en spannende verhaal nog meer tot leven brengen. Het verhaal is ook enorm vlot, levendig en op positieve wijze geschreven. Het verhaal heeft daarbij een vrij hoog tempo, wat de spanning en het avontuur verhoogt.
Het verhaal is geschreven vanuit Billy, een enigszins onzekere jongen waarbij de school hem moeilijk af gaat. Toch heeft hij grote steun van zijn ouders die ondanks alles trots op hem zijn. Daarbij heeft hij drie geweldige vrienden: Anna, Mo en Gijs. Alle personages hebben duidelijke karaktertrekken en zijn uitgesproken persoonlijkheden waardoor ze goed te onderscheiden zijn. Daarnaast zijn het ook heel realistische personages, waarin de jonge lezertjes zich ongetwijfeld zullen herkennen.
Het verhaal is een verhaal in een verhaal. De vader Billy vertelt zijn kinderen Jesse en Fleur de verhalen over Billy en zijn vrienden. Dan switcht het verhaal naar het perspectief van Billy, van waaruit het spannende en mysterieuze avontuur van start gaat. Jamie Oliver heeft ook met de woordkeuze en zinsopbouw goed rekening gehouden met de jeugdige lezertjes en daarbij zou het ook een dyslexievriendelijk verhaal zijn. Het is voor de leeftijdscategorie 6-9 jaar. Het is een erg leuk, positief en actievol verhaal. Een extra leuk element is dat Jamie Oliver in het jeugdverhaal zijn liefde voor eten terug laat komen en ook achterin de recepten uit het verhaal bijgevoegd om zelf te gaan koken. Ook weet hij thema's als dierenwelzijn, milieu en gezond eten op speelse wijze in het verhaal te verwerken.
Billy en het reuzenavontuur is een enorm leuk, spannend en magisch avontuur. Ik weet zeker dat jeugdige lezers van 6-6 jaar zich erg in Billy en zijn drie vrienden zullen herkennen. Het is heel vlot, actievol en levendig geschreven en het is een erg leuk en positief verhaal. Daarbij weet Jamie Oliver ook zijn liefde voor eten (+ recepten hiervan) op een leuke wijze in het avontuur terug te laten komen. Een hele leuke aanrader!
January 17, 2025
First, a huge thank you to Tundra Books for sending me a copy of Billy and the Giant Adventure in exchange for an honest review, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Second, the cover is just so gorgeous! The inside illustrations are whimsical with so many fantasy elements. Mónica Armiño did an incredible, incredible job! My only criticism is that I wish the inside illustrations were in colour. I think adding colour would make the illustrations pop more and complement the book cover better.
This book is especially special as it features the representation of a young child with dyslexia and how he overcomes challenges by doing things his Billy-Boy way - with the support, and encouragement of his family and friends. This middle-grade book has themes surrounding friendship, resilience, environmentalism, kindness, believing in yourself, love, and family.
Most notably, there are recipes included in this book, and you best believe I will be trying some of them out! Even as Jamie dips into this new venture of becoming a children's author his love of food is still evident throughout this book. To go along with that, Jamie even includes a Top 10 Favorite 1980s movies list (you will notice how these movies heavily influenced the creation of this book).
Lastly, I am so glad that there is a sequel to this book. I found it frustrating at the end that there were unanswered questions and unsolved problems. At least if I'm going to be left with a cliffhanger I can be given peace of mind that there is a sequel to look forward to!
Overall, I would rate this book 4/5 stars. This book is a testament to Jamie Oliver's personal experience with dyslexia and as he says in the dedication to all kids who struggle, "Never lose hope. Believe!" and I would say Bravo! For a debut novel, this one is pretty good and worth the read.
#ReadTundra
Second, the cover is just so gorgeous! The inside illustrations are whimsical with so many fantasy elements. Mónica Armiño did an incredible, incredible job! My only criticism is that I wish the inside illustrations were in colour. I think adding colour would make the illustrations pop more and complement the book cover better.
This book is especially special as it features the representation of a young child with dyslexia and how he overcomes challenges by doing things his Billy-Boy way - with the support, and encouragement of his family and friends. This middle-grade book has themes surrounding friendship, resilience, environmentalism, kindness, believing in yourself, love, and family.
Most notably, there are recipes included in this book, and you best believe I will be trying some of them out! Even as Jamie dips into this new venture of becoming a children's author his love of food is still evident throughout this book. To go along with that, Jamie even includes a Top 10 Favorite 1980s movies list (you will notice how these movies heavily influenced the creation of this book).
Lastly, I am so glad that there is a sequel to this book. I found it frustrating at the end that there were unanswered questions and unsolved problems. At least if I'm going to be left with a cliffhanger I can be given peace of mind that there is a sequel to look forward to!
Overall, I would rate this book 4/5 stars. This book is a testament to Jamie Oliver's personal experience with dyslexia and as he says in the dedication to all kids who struggle, "Never lose hope. Believe!" and I would say Bravo! For a debut novel, this one is pretty good and worth the read.
#ReadTundra
August 8, 2024
Read this for Reddit Fantasy's 2024 Bingo Square Prologues and Epilogues, qualifying for hard mode as this book has both. It is also perfect for my food themed bingo card, as best selling cook book author is celebrity chef and restaurateur, Jamie Oliver!
The blurb is correct, this perfect recipe for a page-turning children's fiction debut! It employs The Princess Bride's frame narrative as this is told as a bedtime story by a father to his children. Bill and his friends village is by Waterfall Woods, which adults haven't been into for years. Everyone just warns them to avoid the woods.
The adults never say WHY except to allude to mysterious happenings but are short on detail, so well, you know that's just waving a red flag in front of any curious child. One day Billy and his best friends, Anna, Jimmy and Andy discover a secret way portal after following nature lover Jimmy's suggestion to embrace nature, literally, by hugging a tree. Awww, to be young, innocent and idealistic again.
As the young friends explore they find a magical forest brimming with magic and inhabited by all sorts of unusual creatures, including a whole community of sprites who need the children's help! There's no shortage of imagination, and it's all done in a very whimsical way which would be very accessible to the middle grade target audience.
There are magical battles, a long-lost mythical city, fantastical flying machines, epic feasts and one GIANT rescue. Jamie Oliver cleverly uses food to bridge the gap between the fantasy realm and the children's real life. Seriously there are mouth watering descriptions of all kinds of meals and snacks.
Jamie has put a lot of himself into this book. His bio states he started cooking at his parents' pub (inspiration for Billy's parents' Green Giant Gastro Pub) at the tender age of 8! He dedicates this book to children who struggle with dyslexia like him and protagonist Billy, encouraging them to not give up hope but to use their unique way of seeing things to find their own way, like the protagonist's "Billy-Boy way," which by the way, includes dealing with bully Bruno Brace, by killing them with kindness, and somehow food makes it into the picture at every turn.
Food, Friendship and hope aside, there are serious messages in this book. They're presented in a frank manner, that makes it clear to younger kids what is right, what is wrong, and why. These include but are not limited to bullying, living with a learning disability, indentured servitude (slavery) and damage to the environment.
I love this book, it's highly recommended for those who have kids who are struggling, or if you love food gourmet cozy fantasy. Author Jamie Oliver and his team have really gone the extra mile to make this an immersive experience. The books contain many lovely illustrations by Mónica Armiño.
On his website, author Jamie Oliver encourages you to Eat the book by including recipes for Billy's Bolognaise Pasta and Meatballs, hot chocolate, and videos on how to make Billy's Mom's Fruit Salad and Billy's Grandpas's Perfect Porridge with a Caramelly Glaze. Geez, he's managed to make porridge sound delicious. That's a best selling cookbook author for you.
Finally, the audio book might not have illustrations, but does contain sound effects and a song written by Jamie! It is clearly a collaborative a labor of love brought to life by Jamie, his family, friends and colleagues. His wife, children (who asked for a bedtime story), friends, associated Penguin staff, all play a part in the narration. Everything is professional, and extremely well done.
The blurb is correct, this perfect recipe for a page-turning children's fiction debut! It employs The Princess Bride's frame narrative as this is told as a bedtime story by a father to his children. Bill and his friends village is by Waterfall Woods, which adults haven't been into for years. Everyone just warns them to avoid the woods.
The adults never say WHY except to allude to mysterious happenings but are short on detail, so well, you know that's just waving a red flag in front of any curious child. One day Billy and his best friends, Anna, Jimmy and Andy discover a secret way portal after following nature lover Jimmy's suggestion to embrace nature, literally, by hugging a tree. Awww, to be young, innocent and idealistic again.
As the young friends explore they find a magical forest brimming with magic and inhabited by all sorts of unusual creatures, including a whole community of sprites who need the children's help! There's no shortage of imagination, and it's all done in a very whimsical way which would be very accessible to the middle grade target audience.
There are magical battles, a long-lost mythical city, fantastical flying machines, epic feasts and one GIANT rescue. Jamie Oliver cleverly uses food to bridge the gap between the fantasy realm and the children's real life. Seriously there are mouth watering descriptions of all kinds of meals and snacks.
Jamie has put a lot of himself into this book. His bio states he started cooking at his parents' pub (inspiration for Billy's parents' Green Giant Gastro Pub) at the tender age of 8! He dedicates this book to children who struggle with dyslexia like him and protagonist Billy, encouraging them to not give up hope but to use their unique way of seeing things to find their own way, like the protagonist's "Billy-Boy way," which by the way, includes dealing with bully Bruno Brace, by killing them with kindness, and somehow food makes it into the picture at every turn.
Food, Friendship and hope aside, there are serious messages in this book. They're presented in a frank manner, that makes it clear to younger kids what is right, what is wrong, and why. These include but are not limited to bullying, living with a learning disability, indentured servitude (slavery) and damage to the environment.
I love this book, it's highly recommended for those who have kids who are struggling, or if you love food gourmet cozy fantasy. Author Jamie Oliver and his team have really gone the extra mile to make this an immersive experience. The books contain many lovely illustrations by Mónica Armiño.
On his website, author Jamie Oliver encourages you to Eat the book by including recipes for Billy's Bolognaise Pasta and Meatballs, hot chocolate, and videos on how to make Billy's Mom's Fruit Salad and Billy's Grandpas's Perfect Porridge with a Caramelly Glaze. Geez, he's managed to make porridge sound delicious. That's a best selling cookbook author for you.
Finally, the audio book might not have illustrations, but does contain sound effects and a song written by Jamie! It is clearly a collaborative a labor of love brought to life by Jamie, his family, friends and colleagues. His wife, children (who asked for a bedtime story), friends, associated Penguin staff, all play a part in the narration. Everything is professional, and extremely well done.
July 24, 2025
Ik heb dit in de klas voorgelezen, de kinderen vonden het heel leuk. Ikzelf vond het verhaal wat langdradig er leek geen eind aan te komen.
Het boek moet voor kinderen/mensen met dyslexie makkelijk te lezen zijn. Ik heb van meerdere kinderen en volwassenen gehoord dat het nog vrij lastig lezen is. Lange zinnen en de taal van de Sprankels leest niet fijn.
Het boek moet voor kinderen/mensen met dyslexie makkelijk te lezen zijn. Ik heb van meerdere kinderen en volwassenen gehoord dat het nog vrij lastig lezen is. Lange zinnen en de taal van de Sprankels leest niet fijn.
February 7, 2025
Genialne. Całą rodziną wkręciliśmy się w te historię. Czekamy na 2 tom!!
November 1, 2023
Niemand darf Waterfall Woods betreten, das wissen Billy und seine Freunde ganz genau. Die Leute im Dorf erzählen sich Schauergeschichten von dem Wald, der hinter der alten Mauer am Dorfrand liegt, und schon seit Jahrzehnten hat sich kein Mensch mehr in seine Nähe gewagt. Hängt das Fischesterben im Fluss etwa mit dem Wald zusammen?
Als Billy, Anna, Jimmy und Andy eines Tages einen geheimen Zugang entdecken, sind alle Warnungen schnell vergessen, denn das Abenteuer ist einfach zu verlockend. Was soll dort schon sein? Monster gibt es bekanntlich nicht. Doch die Magie ist sofort spürbar, und bald begegnen die Kinder Elfen, die sich gerade mit einem Problem abmühen. Sie machen sich Sorgen, da der natürliche Rhythmus des Waldes gestört ist. Und die Boonas greifen sie neuerdings an, versuchen Elfen gefangen zu nehmen. Es sind schreckliche Wesen, dumm und brutal. Die Kinder können eine Elfe retten. Doch die Boonas sinnen nun auf Rache!
Billy ist Legastheniker, hat Mühe mit dem Schreiben und noch mehr mit dem Lesen. Aber dafür kann er eine Menge anderer Dinge! Er ist ein Tüftler, ein Erfinder und er hat sein Baumhaus in eine kleine Festung ausgebaut, hält Vorräte für den Erstfall. Und leider wird der eintreten … Die Boonas greifen an. Und ich hoffe nicht, dass ein Kind den Feuerangriff dieser Kinder auf die Boonas nachspielen möchte … ein angezündeter Riesenfurz! Auf jeden Fall gibt es viel zum Lachen! Die Geschichte lässt am Ende einige Fragen offen – denn es werden weitere Bände folgen … das Geheimnis um die Karte und den Riesen. Das Problem mit dem Fluss wird nebenbei gelöst – na ja, das wäre Thema für einen eigenen Band gewesen. Für mich ist das Buch ein wenig überfrachtet, die Story will zu viele Themen auf einmal anfassen (Naturschutz, Legasthenie, Mobbing, gesundes Essen und eine Fantasy-Geschichte) … Gut gemeint, für meinen Geschmack, zu viel, und daher im Einzelnen zu oberflächlich. Doch ich will nicht meckern, wirklich nicht, denn dies ist ein spannendes, humorvolles Kinderbuch, das Spaß macht und den Appetit anregt. Die schwarz-weiß llustrationen von Mónica Armiño peppen das Ganze nochmals auf. So macht Lesen Spaß! Doppelseitig, einseitig oder großflächig und witzig gestaltet, lockern die Illustrationen das Lesen auf. Der Dorling und Kindersley Verlag gibt eine Altersempfehlung ab 8 Jahren. Das passt für mich. Die Geschichte eignet sich auf Grund der Satzstruktur und der Schriftgröße gut für Leseanfänger.
Zunächst war ich septisch: Jamie Oliver schreibt Kochbücher – gut. Aber hat er auch das Rezept, ein gutes Kinderbuch zu schreiben? Ein klares Ja! Ob er es wirklich selbst geschrieben hat, oder ob seine Idee von einem Ghostwriter in Form bringen ließ? Egal – der Kinderroman ist spannend, aromatisch und fantasievoll! Jamie Oliver sagte, er habe seinen Kindern eine Gutenachtgeschichte erzählt, die er sich ausgedacht hatte. Damit er auch wusste, wie sie jeweils endete, um sie weiterzuerzählen, habe er das beim Erzählen aufgenommen. «Den größten Teil von «Billy und der geheimnisvolle Riese» diktiert und dann mit meinen Lektoren am Feinschliff gearbeitet. … Ich wollte nie ein Kinderbuch schreiben, in dem Essen nicht in irgendeiner Form vorkommt! Es bringt nicht nur so viel Freude und ein Lächeln in die Gesichter der Kinder, sondern es war mir auch sehr wichtig, dass die Kinder eine Verbindung zu den Lebensmitteln herstellen, die sie essen. Dass sie wissen, woher sie kommen und welche Bedeutung sie in unserem Leben haben.» Und das ist ihm gelungen. Hier wird viel gegessen, eine Menge leckerer Dinge, denn Billys Eltern haben einen Pub und kochen leidenschaftlich gern. Billy isst gern und verteilt die Vorräte gern an seine Freunde. Am Ende des Buchs finden sich auch zwei Rezepte. Beim Lesen läuft einem das Wasser im Mund zusammen – das nur so nebenbei. Denn die Idee fand ich klasse!
Jamie Oliver ist ein weltweit einzigartiges Food-Phänomen. Während seiner 20-jährigen TV- und Autorenkarriere hat er Millionen von Menschen dazu inspiriert, selbst zu kochen und dabei frische Lebensmittel zu verwenden. Mit seiner Organisation führt Jamie Oliver eine globale Ernährungsrevolution an, die Fettleibigkeit bei Kindern bekämpft sowie Gesundheit und Wohlbefinden aller Menschen durch gutes Essen verbessern will. Inzwischen hat er 26 Bestseller-Kochbücher veröffentlicht, jedes davon mit einer begleitenden TV-Show. Jamie lebt mit seiner Frau Jools und den gemeinsamen Kindern in Essex.
Als Billy, Anna, Jimmy und Andy eines Tages einen geheimen Zugang entdecken, sind alle Warnungen schnell vergessen, denn das Abenteuer ist einfach zu verlockend. Was soll dort schon sein? Monster gibt es bekanntlich nicht. Doch die Magie ist sofort spürbar, und bald begegnen die Kinder Elfen, die sich gerade mit einem Problem abmühen. Sie machen sich Sorgen, da der natürliche Rhythmus des Waldes gestört ist. Und die Boonas greifen sie neuerdings an, versuchen Elfen gefangen zu nehmen. Es sind schreckliche Wesen, dumm und brutal. Die Kinder können eine Elfe retten. Doch die Boonas sinnen nun auf Rache!
Billy ist Legastheniker, hat Mühe mit dem Schreiben und noch mehr mit dem Lesen. Aber dafür kann er eine Menge anderer Dinge! Er ist ein Tüftler, ein Erfinder und er hat sein Baumhaus in eine kleine Festung ausgebaut, hält Vorräte für den Erstfall. Und leider wird der eintreten … Die Boonas greifen an. Und ich hoffe nicht, dass ein Kind den Feuerangriff dieser Kinder auf die Boonas nachspielen möchte … ein angezündeter Riesenfurz! Auf jeden Fall gibt es viel zum Lachen! Die Geschichte lässt am Ende einige Fragen offen – denn es werden weitere Bände folgen … das Geheimnis um die Karte und den Riesen. Das Problem mit dem Fluss wird nebenbei gelöst – na ja, das wäre Thema für einen eigenen Band gewesen. Für mich ist das Buch ein wenig überfrachtet, die Story will zu viele Themen auf einmal anfassen (Naturschutz, Legasthenie, Mobbing, gesundes Essen und eine Fantasy-Geschichte) … Gut gemeint, für meinen Geschmack, zu viel, und daher im Einzelnen zu oberflächlich. Doch ich will nicht meckern, wirklich nicht, denn dies ist ein spannendes, humorvolles Kinderbuch, das Spaß macht und den Appetit anregt. Die schwarz-weiß llustrationen von Mónica Armiño peppen das Ganze nochmals auf. So macht Lesen Spaß! Doppelseitig, einseitig oder großflächig und witzig gestaltet, lockern die Illustrationen das Lesen auf. Der Dorling und Kindersley Verlag gibt eine Altersempfehlung ab 8 Jahren. Das passt für mich. Die Geschichte eignet sich auf Grund der Satzstruktur und der Schriftgröße gut für Leseanfänger.
Zunächst war ich septisch: Jamie Oliver schreibt Kochbücher – gut. Aber hat er auch das Rezept, ein gutes Kinderbuch zu schreiben? Ein klares Ja! Ob er es wirklich selbst geschrieben hat, oder ob seine Idee von einem Ghostwriter in Form bringen ließ? Egal – der Kinderroman ist spannend, aromatisch und fantasievoll! Jamie Oliver sagte, er habe seinen Kindern eine Gutenachtgeschichte erzählt, die er sich ausgedacht hatte. Damit er auch wusste, wie sie jeweils endete, um sie weiterzuerzählen, habe er das beim Erzählen aufgenommen. «Den größten Teil von «Billy und der geheimnisvolle Riese» diktiert und dann mit meinen Lektoren am Feinschliff gearbeitet. … Ich wollte nie ein Kinderbuch schreiben, in dem Essen nicht in irgendeiner Form vorkommt! Es bringt nicht nur so viel Freude und ein Lächeln in die Gesichter der Kinder, sondern es war mir auch sehr wichtig, dass die Kinder eine Verbindung zu den Lebensmitteln herstellen, die sie essen. Dass sie wissen, woher sie kommen und welche Bedeutung sie in unserem Leben haben.» Und das ist ihm gelungen. Hier wird viel gegessen, eine Menge leckerer Dinge, denn Billys Eltern haben einen Pub und kochen leidenschaftlich gern. Billy isst gern und verteilt die Vorräte gern an seine Freunde. Am Ende des Buchs finden sich auch zwei Rezepte. Beim Lesen läuft einem das Wasser im Mund zusammen – das nur so nebenbei. Denn die Idee fand ich klasse!
Jamie Oliver ist ein weltweit einzigartiges Food-Phänomen. Während seiner 20-jährigen TV- und Autorenkarriere hat er Millionen von Menschen dazu inspiriert, selbst zu kochen und dabei frische Lebensmittel zu verwenden. Mit seiner Organisation führt Jamie Oliver eine globale Ernährungsrevolution an, die Fettleibigkeit bei Kindern bekämpft sowie Gesundheit und Wohlbefinden aller Menschen durch gutes Essen verbessern will. Inzwischen hat er 26 Bestseller-Kochbücher veröffentlicht, jedes davon mit einer begleitenden TV-Show. Jamie lebt mit seiner Frau Jools und den gemeinsamen Kindern in Essex.
December 14, 2023
This was an OK read for me. The illustrations are beautiful and I loved them! The story itself was a little bit weird, I guess? I couldn't see, where the story was going, because the chapters felt like little episodes and in every "episode" was something different going on. There was a lot "tell" and not so much "show", which took away a lot potential. The characters felt flat.
And what was up with all the food and eating? I know that the author is a famous cook or whatever (I did not know who he was, before reading his bio), but the descriptions of food were so long! And the kids were always eating - there was more cooking and eating than adventures!
But- some ideas were really great and I liked the ending a lot!! The message in the book was also really wonderful - that you have to go your own way to find yourself and that everyone of us has their own special strengths. Overall not a bad but, quite entertaining :-)
This is more of a 2,5 stars for me, I guess. Maybe younger audiences will enjoy this more!
And what was up with all the food and eating? I know that the author is a famous cook or whatever (I did not know who he was, before reading his bio), but the descriptions of food were so long! And the kids were always eating - there was more cooking and eating than adventures!
But- some ideas were really great and I liked the ending a lot!! The message in the book was also really wonderful - that you have to go your own way to find yourself and that everyone of us has their own special strengths. Overall not a bad but, quite entertaining :-)
This is more of a 2,5 stars for me, I guess. Maybe younger audiences will enjoy this more!
August 21, 2023
Super schön Abenteuergeschicht mit toller Message - Klimaschutz und Verbundenheit mit der Natur und das jeder etwas unternehmen kann. Tolle Freundesgruppe mit sympathischen Charakteren und schönes Jamie Oliver spezial: es wird in der Geschichte gerne gegessen und die Gerichte aus der Geschichte, die dort sehr lecker klingen, gibt es zum nachkochen als Rezept.
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