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The Simple Things
Stephen has never met his great aunt Lola, and he doesn't want to. She sends him money twice a year and he always writes back, but Lola is almost eighty - what will they have to talk about? When they arrive at her house, Stephen discovers she's grumpy, scary and really, really old. He wants to turn around and go home, but his mum says they have to stay until Lola's birthday - three weeks away.
Left to his own devices, Stephen learns about the simple things in life - like fishing, and cricket, and climbing trees - and the importance of family. Soon Lola entrusts Stephen with a great secret, and he realises that Lola has become more important to him than just an aunt who sends him money - she's now a friend.
Left to his own devices, Stephen learns about the simple things in life - like fishing, and cricket, and climbing trees - and the importance of family. Soon Lola entrusts Stephen with a great secret, and he realises that Lola has become more important to him than just an aunt who sends him money - she's now a friend.
168 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2014
3 people are currently reading
79 people want to read
About the author
Bill Condon
92 books28 followersBill Condon's young adult novels, Dogs (2001) and No Worries (2005) were Honour Books in the CBCA (Australian Book of the Year) Awards. No Worries was also short-listed for the Ethel Turner Prize in the 2005 NSW Premier's Literary Awards. In 2010 Bill's Confessions Of A Liar, Thief And Failed Sex God won the inaugural Prime Minister's Literary Award for young adult fiction. A Straight LineTo My Heart is Bill's most recent young adult novel. In 2012 it was a CBCA Honour Book, and was short-listed in the Prime Minister's Lterary Awards and the Ethel Turner Prize.
Before devoting himself to novels, Bill had a long and successful career as a writer of short stories, plays and poetry for young people. His work encompasses many genres and he has more than one hundred titles to his credit. He lives on the south coast of New South Wales with his wife, the well known children's author Di (Dianne) Bates.
Bill's latest book is the junior novel, The Simple Things, published in 2014.
Before devoting himself to novels, Bill had a long and successful career as a writer of short stories, plays and poetry for young people. His work encompasses many genres and he has more than one hundred titles to his credit. He lives on the south coast of New South Wales with his wife, the well known children's author Di (Dianne) Bates.
Bill's latest book is the junior novel, The Simple Things, published in 2014.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
July 27, 2014
From the first page of The Simple Things by Bill Condon I was captivated by Stephen, his voice and personality. He's shy and sometimes tactless but he has a very caring heart. When he and his parents come to stay with scary Great Aunt Lola, Stephen learns so many things about the simple things in life. So does Great Aunt Lola. Maybe her most of all and she is captivated by Stephen as much as I was. Such a delightfully warm story. Stephen is himself -- he's not contrived to suit a market -- he is true blue and I wish I could pick him up and hug him, except he wouldn't like that. He's still getting used to hugs.
January 11, 2017
Author: Bill Condon
Illustrator: Beth Norling
First published: 2014
Nice, quiet and slow story of ageing, friendship, death and history. Story surrounds a young boy going to his (great) Aunt Lola's for a holiday with his parents. His holiday takes a back step to "simpler times" as he does without television and technology, learning to fish, playing backyard cricket, helping his Dad fix the house. He develops a deep relationship with Aunt Lola as he goes beyond the superficial to understand her past.
Sweet.
(ISBN 9781743317242)
-CR-
Illustrator: Beth Norling
First published: 2014
Nice, quiet and slow story of ageing, friendship, death and history. Story surrounds a young boy going to his (great) Aunt Lola's for a holiday with his parents. His holiday takes a back step to "simpler times" as he does without television and technology, learning to fish, playing backyard cricket, helping his Dad fix the house. He develops a deep relationship with Aunt Lola as he goes beyond the superficial to understand her past.
Sweet.
(ISBN 9781743317242)
-CR-
October 26, 2015
This is beautifully written without a word out of place. Steven's voice is innocent, yet thoughtful. His awkward clumsy, his shy demeanor and his growing affection for Great-Aunty Lola are drawn in authentic understated tones.
Terrific book.
Terrific book.
June 6, 2015
Another lovely story from one of Australia's most accomplished and under-stated writers for children.
November 2, 2018
Stephen can think of nothing worse than staying at scary Aunt Lola’s house. However, Stephen begins to learn that Lola may not be as mean as she first appeared.
This book tackles some complex issues facing society such as growing up, family, illness and death. And presents an opening for discussions with younger children about these issues.
Characters are slightly stereotypical, Stephen being a highly energetic question-asking child, while Aunt Lola is a crabby and mean soon to be 80 year old. Yet, their unlikely friendship paves the way in teaching the idea that the simple things in life are the most enjoyable and memorable. Broken up into 35 easy to read chapters, children will find this book easy and entertaining to read.
This book tackles some complex issues facing society such as growing up, family, illness and death. And presents an opening for discussions with younger children about these issues.
Characters are slightly stereotypical, Stephen being a highly energetic question-asking child, while Aunt Lola is a crabby and mean soon to be 80 year old. Yet, their unlikely friendship paves the way in teaching the idea that the simple things in life are the most enjoyable and memorable. Broken up into 35 easy to read chapters, children will find this book easy and entertaining to read.
February 26, 2019
Couldn’t put this down - I loved Stephen what a lovely character and a lovely book
March 2, 2020
Such a fun book. Focusing on simple things and a story to remember. I love the book so much that I stayed in library to read the whole book!
June 12, 2025
The Simple Things is a decent book. I would give this book 3.3 stars.
May 30, 2015
This book looks at the simple things in life while giving a glimpse at some of the complex issues society has to deal with.
Amongst the main plot, the relationship between Stephen a 10 year old boy and his Great Aunt Lola are snippets of complex issues in society such as divorce, death, illness and growing old.
I recommend it to all teachers of students in Years 4,5 and 6 as either a whole class book or small group focus.
The Simple Things is easy-to-read, with 160 pages split into 35 chapters and the language is not challenging for children. Therefore, making a perfect teaching tool to begin discussions with students in a non-confronting way.
I have written a full Educational Review with activities based on the Australian Curriculum at my website. Click on the link to read the review. http://abcjenny.com/category/the-simp...
Amongst the main plot, the relationship between Stephen a 10 year old boy and his Great Aunt Lola are snippets of complex issues in society such as divorce, death, illness and growing old.
I recommend it to all teachers of students in Years 4,5 and 6 as either a whole class book or small group focus.
The Simple Things is easy-to-read, with 160 pages split into 35 chapters and the language is not challenging for children. Therefore, making a perfect teaching tool to begin discussions with students in a non-confronting way.
I have written a full Educational Review with activities based on the Australian Curriculum at my website. Click on the link to read the review. http://abcjenny.com/category/the-simp...
August 2, 2015
A heart-warming, tender, at times humerous as well as thought-provoking story as a young boy builds a relationship with what seems to be a bitter and grumpy old great-aunt he has never met before. I loved Steve from the very first pages, a scared little boy with a big heart who tries to be courageous and take risks to be a better person. But Steve wasn't the only one I enjoyed meeting: there is something special, something very likable and unique about each of the characters. The author has done such a wonderful job bringing them all to life, making them feel so real that at the end of the book, they seem to be people you have met in person. While the book is written for children, the story has lots for adults as well to wonder and ponder about. Loved it!
December 14, 2015
What a gorgeous story. Well written, with short chapters to encourage emerging readers, and a lovely theme. It is the simple things in life that are the most meaningful - family, friends, and the simple joys that are all around us if we only take the time to notice them. As a writer I was so impressed by the simplicity of this story, which I know must have been quite painstakingly achieved. I was encouraged by reading all the acknowledgements in the back, to the numerous people who helped the author in various revisions of the manuscript.
Recommended for youngish readers (perhaps 8 - 12)
Recommended for youngish readers (perhaps 8 - 12)
July 16, 2015
This book says so much about old age and growing up. The main character, Stephen is an interesting and highly likeable boy. I have never come across a character quite like Stephen in a book before. However, he reminds me of a handful of gentle, inquisitive and accepting boys I have taught over the years.Aunt Lola, as the old person, was a classic. She made me laugh, many times. A great read. I am looking forward to sharing this one with my grade 3/4 class.
September 30, 2015
The Simple Things is a sweet, beguiling story about a young boy meeting a rather crotchety old great-aunt. Things mellow with time of course, and there are some minor adventures and mysteries along the way.
http://astrongbeliefinwicker.blogspot...
http://astrongbeliefinwicker.blogspot...
January 9, 2015
A sweet simple story about family. Stephen and his parents stay with 79 year old Aunt Lola. At first he is uncomfortable but slowly begins to enjoy her company and she begins to enjoy his. He makes friend with a young girl and friendships and stories intertwine.
September 23, 2015
A warm, cute, cuddly and touching story.
Family, friends, growing up, character, personality, ageing, death and secrets are some of the themes
covered. Flowing and easy to read. A great story to share with younger readers.
Definitely a sweet read.
Family, friends, growing up, character, personality, ageing, death and secrets are some of the themes
covered. Flowing and easy to read. A great story to share with younger readers.
Definitely a sweet read.
March 14, 2014
Loved Bill Condon's latest book, The Simple Things. Check out my review on www.creativekidstales.com.au
March 30, 2014
Delightful tale about an 80 year old great-aunt meeting her 10 year old great-nephew for the first time. The generation gap closes over the span of this funny but heartwarming story.
August 1, 2014
A nice, sweet novel that focuses on family connections, and friendships across generations. Very lovely, good for make readers.
December 18, 2015
This book was pretty good. Not as well written as
some of the book I've read. But still was quite
interesting.
some of the book I've read. But still was quite
interesting.
April 26, 2015
A sweet, quick read about family.
July 25, 2015
#5 in CBCA 2015 challenge. My favourite- a truly heart warming, beautiful read. Fantastic family story, easy to relate to- just a lovely read. Thoroughly recommended for all ages.
August 13, 2015
What a heart-warming book. I loved every character and the title is so fitting. A story reminding us of what a simple life looks like, so refreshing, meaningful and innocent.
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May 22, 2016Engaging story for young people about the importance of living life in the slow lane so that you learn to enjoy where you live and your family even if they their behaviour towards you is challenging.
May 14, 2014
excellent cross generational story - another brilliant Bill Condon book
July 2, 2014
For Year 4 and above.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews