The AMERICAN CHRONICLE March 2010 All Hail the King All hail the King ... Carrie King that is. Carrie King is an author who happens to live in England, so shes the King of England. All right, enough fun for the moment. Ms. King has written a brilliant book, The Life in the Wood with Joni-Pip, that can stand beside the likes of Catcher in the Rye, The Old Man and the Sea, or Walden and not shrink in importance, yet it can be next to Winnie the Pooh, Alice in Wonderland, Huckleberry Finn or Treasure Island, and seem right at home. Joni-Pip is a must for any library; for those who know and love quality writing. Joni-Pip's adventures begin when her family moves to Sherwood Forest to escape the World War Two bombing of Bath, England. Joni-Pip even meets Robin Hood there. I'll leave how this happens as another reason for you to get and read the book. Suffice to say, Ms. King cleverly makes the unbelievable easily believable and sensible. Augmented with drawings and asides to the reader, Joni-Pip is what some of the younger set are calling spiffy. That's actually an old word meaning sharp in appearance or dress, the modern slang term means, something on the order of beyond excellent. The Life in the Wood with Joni Pip is indeed beyond excellent. Ms. King can and does craft her writing in a spellbinding way. You won't want to put the book down, so be sure you have a good block of time to hide away from the real world to step into the wild, wonderful world of Joni-Pip. Most reviewers tell you the basic story in brief. I'm not going to do that here, there's just no way to do this beautifully written piece of work justice in a few sentences. Want to know the secret of the stars in the sky? Want to understand the orbit of life and other secrets of the Universe? You'll just have to get The Life in the Wood with Joni-Pip and read it for yourself; then swear to keep them secret Dave Broughton
Carrie King was born in the tiny Hamlet of Sharpenhoe in Bedfordshire, England, which sits beneath a small hill smothered in trees, known as The Clappers, nestled on the edge of the Chilterns. To any Reader of The Life in the Wood with Joni-Pip that might sound a tad familiar!
She was the seventh of eight children, placed between her youngest brother, David and her youngest but older sister, Sylvia. When she was eight, her family moved to another tiny Hamlet in Bedfordshire called Bidwell. She so missed the woods and the hills.
Carrie was educated in Dunstable, Bedfordshire and Paris, France. English, Art and French were her favourite subjects but she decided to become a doctor! However, this didn’t happen, as she fell in love and was married at nineteen. Being a wife and the mother of three daughters, became her full-time career.
She began to write for television, encouraged by Christopher Walker, Head of Drama for Central Television and Pam Francis, Journalist for the Independent.
The Writing of The Life in the Wood with Joni-Pip for her Great Niece, Joni Philipa, began in November 1997 while staying in Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire. Joni Philipa was three years old at the time and she was called Joni-Pip, by her parents Philip and Sarah.
Sadly in April 2000, writing was interrupted for a few years by the tragic death of Carrie's husband in an accident.
The novel began as a story for little children but books take a long time to be written, printed and bound and Joni-Pip grew much quicker than the story. What began as a simple Child’s Tale evolved into an adventure for much older children.
Wow! I love this book – it takes you places you’ve never gone, or even thought of going, before. It explores time travel in a new, spectacular way – a different world, where the whole purpose of travelling (or jumping) in time is to change the past, instead of pussy-footing around trying not to change anything!
It’s impossible to put a theme to this book; it explores so many areas of real life, but wrapped up in a silver lining of fantasy. I’ve also read one of the very first versions, and this final copy is so, so different! So many twists and turns which will keep you guessing right up until the final, stupendous climax.
There are so many wonderful, vivid characters from all different times and backgrounds in this book, including a wise Scottish hedgehog and a very special pigeon whose comments will delight all. Although these characters are animals in appearance, they are human at heart and it is easy to imagine them as people if you dislike the idea of talking animals and toys. The name of the trilogy is so apt too – ‘Circles’ is the perfect name for a book which revolves around orbits and pools and….well, circles!
All in all, this book is not to be missed by anyone, any age who seeks adventure, mystery and laughter. Dive right in to the Pool of Colours and enjoy!
A story the whole family will enjoy, full of endearing characters that will claim a little piece of your heart. Adventureful, Delightful, Memorable!
The Life in The Wood with Joni-Pip is an adventure of jumping in time, changing bad pasts into better futures, discovering that friends and family are truly important and being grateful for the life we have. Joni-Pip and her family move to Berry Bush on the edge of Sherwood Forrest after the bombing of Bath, England in 1942. During the novel World War 2 is ever-present grounding the reader’s thoughts, reminding us that this story, although fiction, does have serious issues at its heart. When Joni-Pip and her family move she thinks the world has ended, what on earth is she going to do at Berry Bush, no friends and no adventure? As a young girl this seems like a horrible outcome bringing with it a future of boredom. Joni-Pip could not possibly imagine a Quission with talking animals was about to teach her about life and bring new friends to her world, providing her with an adventurous journey that would change her life forever.
There are many, many characters in The Life in the Wood with Joni-Pip and one couldn’t possibly comment on them all but you can’t go by without mentioning Ethelred-Ted, Poppy-Plump-Pij and Hetty the Wee. Ethelred-Ted is a German teddy bear, always looking out for the next munch break, very intelligent and a very dear friend to Joni-Pip. Poppy-Plump-Pij, a wood pigeon, speaks funnyful and is more than she appears. Hetty the Wee is a Scottish hedgehog who always has a nice thing to say and is a very devoted friend. These three join Joni-Pip on her Quission and by jumping over the Wall of Time set about making bad pasts into better futures. The four of them have a very close bond and would do anything to help one another out.
Without giving too much away this is a novel that will appeal to children and adults alike. It is a well-written touching and enthralling tale full of self-discovery, with important morals and values hidden throughout. Carrie King has done a superb job of bringing to life the characters and settings with creative dialogue and imaginative descriptions. I very much enjoyed reading this as an adult and will be keeping it safe on my bookshelf to read to my children one day.
There is a picture book of The Life in the Wood with Joni-Pip which is a wonderful introduction to the characters and is full of gorgeous pictures which children will love. The picture book doesn’t give away the novel’s story so absolutely feel that you can read it before the novel. Enjoy the illustrations and discussions it will bring with your children.
To read my interview with Carrie click on the link below:
This is just the alternate cover the Publishers offer. Boys tend to prefer this and we all know how difficult it is to get teenage boys' eyes off their computer screen and their heads into a book.
I post a couple of comments.
'I can't put 'Joni-Pip' down. Every page I turn sees me either laughing or crying or gasping or sighing. It's superb!' Amanda Innes aged 39
I drove straight home from the Book Signing, put on the kettle and settled down for a couple of hours with a mug of tea and 'Joni-Pip'. I am so impressed: it is wonderful!' Moira Robinson Teacher
Posted By: David Clarke, aged 35, on 14-Dec-2007 'I'm not a big reader due to time pressures of work and a family, but picked this book up from my daughters bed side to see exactly what an Ethelred Ted was all about and then got hooked. It is so delightful a read for the little ones but also captivating for older tech heads like me with an imagination that probably hasn't caught up with my years... Yes it is long, but that just prolonged the enjoyment. To be honest, I'm getting a little fed up of having to ask my youngest to use the wall of time in order to get her to clean her teeth!!! ;-) Ha but that underlines it was a lovely read that really caught all our imaginations.'
I hope you will all enjoy it as much as I so loved writing The Life in the Wood with Joni-Pip! Carrie King
Wow! I love this book – it takes you places you’ve never gone, or even thought of going, before. It explores time travel in a new, spectacular way – a different world, where the whole purpose of travelling (or jumping) in time is to change the past, instead of pussy-footing around trying not to change anything!
It’s impossible to put a theme to this book; it explores so many areas of real life, but wrapped up in a silver lining of fantasy. I’ve also read one of the very first versions, and this final copy is so, so different! So many twists and turns which will keep you guessing right up until the final, stupendous climax.
There are so many wonderful, vivid characters from all different times and backgrounds in this book, including a wise Scottish hedgehog and a very special pigeon whose comments will delight all. Although these characters are animals in appearance, they are human at heart and it is easy to imagine them as people if you dislike the idea of talking animals and toys. The name of the trilogy is so apt too – ‘Circles’ is the perfect name for a book which revolves around orbits and pools and….well, circles!
All in all, this book is not to be missed by anyone, any age who seeks adventure, mystery and laughter. Dive right in to the Pool of Colours and enjoy!
As I'm busy writing three sequels, my first Y/A book, a new series as well as working and spending time with my grandchildren, I don't have much time for reading. However, I'm reading Joni-Pip by Carrie King at the moment. I read at night, usually just before going to sleep. (Of course it isn't night really, it's usually 3 am in the morning, sometimes even four or maybe 5 am. Anyway, I'm halfway through chapter three and really enjoying this story. It's set in England during World War ll. It's quite unusual and so far, it's about the life of a very spoilt and privileged girl, but I think she's about to learn a lesson that not all children are as lucky and spoilt as her. I'll read some more tonight. (I mean this morning.)
Oh, I forgot to say that the illustrations are fabulous.
This is The Life in the Wood with Joni-Pip with the other cover.
I love Ethelred-Ted!
The story is a sort of 'who dunnit' mixed up with a Quest. Carrie King calls it a Quission (a Quest and a Mission)
What a brill ending. Read it for yourselves! By the way search around on the Net and you can get good prices, don't buy the first you see; compare. I couldn't believe the different prices! I like it the author has used pictures drawn by kids, that makes it really personal and unique.
Although this book is aimed at young teens, (Although the Author defines that as Children aged 9 - 90!)I really did love this book. It took me back to my childhood when I invariably had my nose stuck in Enid Blyton books, in which I used to spend all my pocket money on. Carries writing is much stronger than Blytons and all the characters are very endearing. My 11 year old twin boys loved the book and we all can't wait for part two in the triology. We were lucky enough to meet Carrie at her book signing.
What can I say!!? I don't like Y/A stuff .... normally . I'm sorry J.K, but this kicks H.Potter and co into the weeds!! that's how good Carrie King is. Let me just say Carrie is a friend of mine because of this book, not an old friend who happened to write it! If you see the difference, oh, and Carrie isn't old either!! Probably the best book of it's genre ever? well so far. You absolutely HAVE to read this one. It took ages to read, my teenage grand kids 'borrowed it' then all their friends had to read it, until I 'nicked' it back!!
This is a great fantasy story that seems so real! So many new places to learn about. The OOMU, the KOGM the KOBM, The Wall of Time, The KOL, The Kos of the COS of the KOL. I love how the Author asks us to sign not to divulge the Secret of the Stars! Everyone will enjoy this Quission (Quest and a Mission), it's funny and clever and definitely makes you use your brain a lot!!! Enjoy the laughter, enjoy the puzzle! Enjoy the Circles!
My First Journey with Joni Pip, and what a fantastic Journey it was, The book grabs you from the get go.. and kept me turning pages until the late hours ... A great story, with time travel to boot...
How can it not be a Winner ? Look forward to future books..
I love this book very very VERY much!!! I really think its a book worth reading because it never has a dull moment. i especially love the character "Ethelred Ted"!!!! No doubt about it, READ IT!
I was hooked from the start and couldnt put it down! The storytelling was beyond what I had imagined. Each character was created beautifully and leaves a memorable mark in your heart. The descriptive way Carrie writes makes you able to transport yourself into the world full of history and whether you would of made the same decisions. I dont want to give too much away as I would recommend everyone of all ages to get lost in the world of Joni Pip but the way it addresses so many questions of life and keeps you guessing what is going to happen is addictive. I cant pigeon hole the book into a theme as it reminds me of so many different ones. I would guarantee that in years to come it shall be made into a film or series and also be a household name for many, many generations to come... im talking in leagues with the chronicals of narnia, Harry Potter, winnie the pooh etc. I for sure will be reading to my children and making sure it is read to many of my descendents through the generations to come!
I'd love to review this book, but can't get it away from the wife long enough to read it. It's got to be good, she won't do that with most books, and won't struggle to read the rather small print. All I know is how good she says it is. Okay, I might or might not agree, since our tastes in reading material are different, but I'd sure like to find out. My wife actually gets up earlier than she needs to just to have a little extra reading time. That says a whole lot to me as she's one that's hard to pry out of bed usually. Okay, I got it after the wife finished it. He's my new review:
ISBN: 978-0-9555246-4-6 Price: $13.70 USD Paperback, $24.00 USD hardcover. Beware, some U.S. outlets have the prices wrong.
Available at Amazon, Lulu, or can be ordered through Ingram's, Bertram's, or Barnes and Noble. More U.S. outlets coming soon. Widely available in the U.K.
All hail the King ... Carrie King that is. Carrie King is an author that happens to live in England, so she's the King of England. All right, enough fun for the moment. Ms. King has written a brilliant book, The Life in the Wood with Joni-Pip, that can stand beside the likes of Catcher in the Rye, The Old Man and the Sea, or On Walden Pond, yet it can be next to Winnie the Pooh, Alice in Wonderland, Huckleberry Finn,or Treasure Island, and be right at home. Joni Pip is a must for any library of those who know quality writing.
Joni Pip's adventures begin when her family moves to Sherwood Forest to escape the World War II bombing of Bath, England. Yes, Virginia, there really is a Sherwood Forest. Joni Pip even meets Robin Hood there, how this happens is reason enough to read the book. Ms. King makes the unbelievable convincing with style and wit.
Highlighted with drawings and asides to the reader, Joni Pip is what the younger set is calling spiffy, a word that meant sharp in appearance, the modern term means beyond excellent. Certainly, The Life in the Woods with Joni-Pip is indeed beyond excellent. Ms. King weaves the story in such a spellbinding way, you won't want to put it down, so be sure you have the time to hide away from the real world while stepping into the wild, wonderful world of Joni-Pip.
Some reviewers will tell you the basic story in a few sentences, but that won't do this wonderfully crafted work justice. Want to know the secrets of the stars? Want to understand the orbit of life, and other secrets of the universe? You'll have to get The Life in the Wood with Joni-Pip to discover them for yourself ... then swear to keep them secret.
Merged review:
ISBN: 978-0-9555246-4-6 Price: $13.70 USD Paperback, $24.00 USD hardcover. Beware, some U.S. outlets have the prices wrong.
Available at Amazon, Lulu, or can be ordered through Ingram's, Bertram's, or Barnes and Noble. More U.S. outlets coming soon. Widely available in the U.K.
All hail the King ... Carrie King that is. Carrie King is an author that happens to live in England, so she's the King of England. All right, enough fun for the moment. Ms. King has written a brilliant book, The Life in the Wood with Joni-Pip, that can stand beside the likes of Catcher in the Rye, The Old Man and the Sea, or On Walden Pond, yet it can be next to Winnie the Pooh, Alice in Wonderland, Huckleberry Finn,or Treasure Island, and be right at home. Joni Pip is a must for any library of those who know quality writing.
Joni Pip's adventures begin when her family moves to Sherwood Forest to escape the World War II bombing of Bath, England. Yes, Virginia, there really is a Sherwood Forest. Joni Pip even meets Robin Hood there, how this happens is reason enough to read the book. Ms. King makes the unbelievable convincing with style and wit.
Highlighted with drawings and asides to the reader, Joni Pip is what the younger set is calling spiffy, a word that meant sharp in appearance, the modern term means beyond excellent. Certainly, The Life in the Woods with Joni-Pip is indeed beyond excellent. Ms. King weaves the story in such a spellbinding way, you won't want to put it down, so be sure you have the time to hide away from the real world while stepping into the wild, wonderful world of Joni-Pip.
Some reviewers will tell you the basic story in a few sentences, but that won't do this wonderfully crafted work justice. Want to know the secrets of the stars? Want to understand the orbit of life, and other secrets of the universe? You'll have to get The Life in the Wood with Joni-Pip to discover them for yourself ... then swear to keep them secret.
Ok ok so I wrote this....but I realised in November of this year that I hadn't actually read it...so I have at last. I can hardly give a fair review so I thought I would share some humorous comments from reviews from children and adults.
'Life in the Wood with Joni-Pip is a fantastic book. It is about a girl, Joni-Philipa Garador, who lives during the second world war. When her house is bombed she realises it is time to go but she isn't happy....' Joanna aged 9.
'Joni-Pip has to go and live in Sherwood Forest because there is a world war on in Bath. The story has a good story line and maybe will end up as a classic.' Nicola aged 10
'Carrie King has left me gagging for more...when is BOOK TWO finished?' Andy aged 52
Posted By: David Clarke, aged 35; 14-Dec-2007 'I'm not a big reader due to time pressures of work and a family, but picked this book up from my daughters bed side to see exactly what an Ethelred Ted was all about and then got hooked. It is a delightful read for the little ones but also captivating for older tech heads like me with an imagination that probably hasn't caught up with my years... Yes it is long, but that just prolonged the enjoyment. To be honest, I'm getting a little fed up of having to ask my youngest to use the wall of time in order to get her to clean her teeth!!! ;-) Ha but that underlines it was a lovely read that really caught all our imaginations.'
.....and an adult review
'What a delight to read something so refreshingly different! There is nothing dark or sinister in this novel, just a beautifully woven story full of adventure and humour. Although touched with sadness, the story is one of hope....truly inspiring, positive and mind-stretching!
I loved getting to know the imaginative, 'lifeful' characters; being a part of their growing friendship, sharing their excitement and wonder. (Especially delightful is the lovely Poppy with her many-faceted personality, hidden talents and depth of feelings!) To leave their world by closing the book at any time was difficult and I was very sad to say goodbye to them all when I reached the end!'
'Joni-Pip' helped me to remember the amazement and magic of Life, through a child's eyes....so many secrets to unlock, discoveries and explorations to make!
I hope that everyone, no matter what age, will enjoy reading this amazing book and being a part of the adventure as much as I did!' Danielle M. Lloyd aged 29, SABLE INT: England
I enjoyed reading the reviews anyway! CK
Merged review:
This is the text-only edition, just released. It's smaller (200 pages smaller) so easier to handle. There are 4 illustrations left as opposed to 100 in the original version. I have added a few little changes but it is exactly the same story.
ISBN: 978-0-9555246-4-6 Price: $13.70 USD Paperback, $24.00 USD hardcover. Beware, some U.S. outlets have the prices wrong.
Available at Amazon, Lulu, or can be ordered through Ingram's, Bertram's, or Barnes and Noble. More U.S. outlets coming soon. Widely available in the U.K.
All hail the King ... Carrie King that is. Carrie King is an author that happens to live in England, so she's the King of England. All right, enough fun for the moment. Ms. King has written a brilliant book, The Life in the Wood with Joni-Pip, that can stand beside the likes of Catcher in the Rye, The Old Man and the Sea, or On Walden Pond, yet it can be next to Winnie the Pooh, Alice in Wonderland, Huckleberry Finn,or Treasure Island, and be right at home. Joni Pip is a must for any library of those who know quality writing.
Joni Pip's adventures begin when her family moves to Sherwood Forest to escape the World War II bombing of Bath, England. Yes, Virginia, there really is a Sherwood Forest. Joni Pip even meets Robin Hood there, how this happens is reason enough to read the book. Ms. King makes the unbelievable convincing with style and wit.
Highlighted with drawings and asides to the reader, Joni Pip is what the younger set is calling spiffy, a word that meant sharp in appearance, the modern term means beyond excellent. Certainly The Life in the Woods with Joni-Pip is indeed beyond excellent. Ms. King weaves the story in such a spellbinding way, you won't want to put it down, so be sure you have the time to hide away from the real world while stepping into the wild, wonderful world of Joni-Pip. Some reviewers will tell you the basic story in a few sentences, but that won't do this wonderfully crafted work justice. Want to know the secrets of the stars? Want to understand the orbit of life, and other secrets of the universe? You'll have to get The Life in the Wood with Joni-Pip to discover them for yourself ... then swear to keep them secret.
Joni-Pip lived a pampered life with her family in Bath, England until the bombings of World War II forced them to escape to Knotty Knook, their cottage in Windy Woods on the outskirts of Sherwood Forest. On their journey there, Joni-Pip meets three young strangers who suddenly appear, briefly speak to her, and then disappear. Unaware they will play an important part in her life, Joni-Pip soon forgets about them. At Knotty Knook, Joni-Pip and her teddy bear Ethelred-Ted (who is much, much more than an ordinary teddy bear) play in the woods and visit her grandfather at his nearby cottage. But magical things happen in Sherwood Forest, and through what appears to be a tragic event, Joni-Pip begins a magical journey through time.
It’s hard to attribute any one genre to this wonderful book. It offers readers everything they could ask for: time-travel, action and adventure, suspense, mystery, science fiction, and bits of history. Carrie King’s poetic, imaginative prose delivers a delightful book for all readers, no matter the age. Her creative imagination, the gorgeous illustrations, and magical story are enthralling. Filled with enchanting characters (animal and human alike), humor, and a heartwarming tale involving friendship, family, and a quest for a better future, this first book in the Circles trilogy is sure to garner many fans. Readers (including this reviewer) will be anxious to read the next two books in the series.
Certainly, the literary field needs more writers like the talented Carrie King who takes her readers on a fascinating journey as she opens their minds to the extraordinary while delivering a very important message. Here’s hoping this fantastic book finds its place in libraries, classrooms, and children’s homes across the world.