Violet Mackerel's Pocket Protest

Violet Mackerel #6

by Anna Branford

In this sixth story of the Violet Mackerel series, Violet and Rose start a very small protest to make a very big impact.

Violet and Rose have shared their best secrets under the big oak tree in Clover Park. And they have found some very good small things there too. So when Johnson’s Tree Services stomps in and posts a sign that says PUBLIC NOTICE–TREE REMOVAL, they know that they must do something to stop them.

When their first protest washes away in the rain, Violet and Rose feel discouraged. But then they realize that the sort of people who care most about small things, like birds not having nests and people not having a place to collect acorns, might also be the sort of people who notice very small protests. And that gives them a quite brilliant idea, one that just might save their tree, on behalf of all the small things—and small people—who love it.

Genres: Friendship, Chapter Books, Childrens, Realistic Fiction, Environment, Family, Juvenile

128 pages, Hardcover

First published July 1, 2013

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

[Joanne Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book I have read in this series, though it is book #6. I must say this one goes back to the flawless standard of #1. The voice is superb. The plotting is clever and complex yet age-appropriate. Instead of dumbing down the story, the author has woven it together with humor and heart and personality. I didn't think I would care for the subject matter in this one, but the mC's wish to save a tree in the park and her unique child-friendly solutions were endearingly memorable. I think this series will be a delight to young girls and this book certainly can appeal to boys who don't mind a female protagonist. The ending was neat, but oh-so-satisfying. LOVED this one!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

My kids (7 and 10) love all the books in this series, but this one deserves a special mention because it made me cry! Something about the characterisation and detail makes these books a cut above similar series.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

We had a little bit of trouble getting into this one at first, but of course the ending was as charming and sweet as the other books. I'm sad that this is the last book available in the U.S., with illustrator Elanna Allen. I haven't seemed to find a source for the last 2 books, so that is disappointing. I've really enjoyed reading this series, however. The characters are kind an the simple story lines are insightful. I'm looking forward to trying out Branford's Lily the Elf series to see how it holds up to the Violet Mackerel series.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes you can fight City Hall, if you're determined, creative, and lucky. It's always worth a try! Lovely series. I wish the last two were avl. in the US, but at least they all do basically stand alone, so if you start with this heartwarmer you'll be fine.

"The Theory of Seeing Small Things."

[Sean Harding · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another issue for Violet to face in book six of the charming affirming series, which is again a brilliant read, and held together by the lynch pin of the series, Violet herself. Great lots help but the vitality and charm of Violet help no ends. Another great entry. Let's go book #7!!

[Fia Rapson · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was really good because they never did cut down the tree.that guy who was really old and had a sick he came and sat in the bench and watched the trees leafs turn colors.

[Alivia Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very cute early chapter book reader, ages 5-8.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this Australian import, the sixth in a series, two friends, Rose and Violet, launch a small protest to prevent the impending cutting down of the huge oak tree in a nearby park. They make small signs and put notes inside acorns in the belief that maybe others like them will take note of small things and stop the tree's destruction. Although things look grim for awhile, eventually, their efforts pay off in surprising ways. I really enjoyed how the girls came up with their own plans of action and didn't give up even when the weather and the campaign's uphill climb might have dismayed others. I also liked how Violet's stepfather Vincent is drawn into their efforts. The text with its surprises about the importance of the tree to others and the illustrations, created in pencil with digital ink, provide ready evidence to young readers that even the youngest among us can make a difference in the world. One of my favorite parts involved the petition asking that the tree not be cut down and how the girls decide to include the various animals who would lose a home and would have signed the petition if they could have. I love how Violet and Rose are giving a voice and a vote to them.

[Zalie Acton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Violet is a little girl who has a friend named Rose. Violet and Rose find acorns under an oak tree and take the caps off and put little notes in the acorns like: SAVE OUR OAK TREE. The oak tree needs to be saved because it is going to be chopped down to be a parking lot! They hang a sign on the tree. At the end Violet and Rose find out that they have saved the tree!!!


I LOVED this book because it is funny, active and a lot of the time hopeful. I love the part where Rose and Violet make notes in acorns. If you don't like aliens and do like a happy story that could be true, you will like this book.

[Shannon Tullamarine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely delightful (as always). Violet is a little gem and never fails to make me smile.

[Anastasia Tuckness · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really just love these books!

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cut book with a nice message, but a little slow, as my 8 year old says. Not too much excitement here.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just perfect! Loved it.

[Tiffany · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute, good theme. Very juvenile - grade 2.

[Jen Petro-Roy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Still charming, but this plot seems overused.