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Tommy Turner's Tremendous Travels
2019 Finalist - The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
“Fantastic, heart-warming and fast-paced adventure that was impossible to put down. I absolutely loved every phrase of it!" The Book Traveller
“The writing is exceptional” The Book Life Prize 2017
Tommy doesn't feel much like a hero, and who would with an unbearable mum, new school 'blues' and the threat of the Higgins Twins' fists on Monday morning. But then a chance meeting with old Mr Petrovsky propels Tommy into a time-travelling, adventure-chasing double life. By day he's just a normal, messed-up football-loving kid but his nights are spent visiting aliens, fighting mythical creatures and even winning the World Cup! But can he learn to win at school, too? And, when Mr Petrovsky tells Tommy about his childhood escape from Russia, will he have the courage to become a real hero?
A time-travelling, edge-of-your-seat adventure with 27 illustrations by Patrick Hawkins.
“Fantastic, heart-warming and fast-paced adventure that was impossible to put down. I absolutely loved every phrase of it!" The Book Traveller
“The writing is exceptional” The Book Life Prize 2017
Tommy doesn't feel much like a hero, and who would with an unbearable mum, new school 'blues' and the threat of the Higgins Twins' fists on Monday morning. But then a chance meeting with old Mr Petrovsky propels Tommy into a time-travelling, adventure-chasing double life. By day he's just a normal, messed-up football-loving kid but his nights are spent visiting aliens, fighting mythical creatures and even winning the World Cup! But can he learn to win at school, too? And, when Mr Petrovsky tells Tommy about his childhood escape from Russia, will he have the courage to become a real hero?
A time-travelling, edge-of-your-seat adventure with 27 illustrations by Patrick Hawkins.
190 pages, ebook
First published November 17, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
December 14, 2017
A warmhearted story of courage and love.
"There are three important lessons to learn in life, Tommy,’ he started. ‘The first is courage—courage to accept a situation without knowing what the future will bring. Courage is the ability to face the unknown without giving way to fear."
Tommy Turner is twelve and a half years old when his parents move house and he has to leave his friends and start at a new school. But this is just another dose of misery in Tommy's life. His sister Sally is the special one and gets all she ever wants. Tommy is always the one left out. Until the day they go to Mr. Petrovsky's toy shop.
This is a really engaging tale of a young boy who feels pushed out of his parents' affections by a younger sibling with epilepsy who thus demands all their care and attention. The sad situation in which any child with a disabled or ill sibling can find themselves - and one which is so hard for such a child to understand and cope with. But Tommy learns how to do so and the story shows a way that it can be done - even without the magic Tommy has to call on.
'I’ve been up there, he thought. I’ve sailed the solar system and seen lands that no one else in this lifetime will ever know exist.'
This is a very well written and enjoyable story. It has a dash of science-fiction, some fantasy and some history all woven together to make the tale complete. It has a great character in Tommy although many of the others he encounters - such as the bullying twins - are little more than stereotypes. The adventures he has are enjoyable and the very philosophical reflections in the book are often deep, but in a way that would hold interest for a young reader.
For me the downside was that a bit too much of Tommy's life was standard fare - the having to move house, the not feeling like the favoured child, the unkind teachers, the wise old man. They were all used well, but all were well used - overused even - long before this book.
I would recommend this book for children around the age of the hero - especially any who have been having issues similar to the ones Tommy has.
"There are three important lessons to learn in life, Tommy,’ he started. ‘The first is courage—courage to accept a situation without knowing what the future will bring. Courage is the ability to face the unknown without giving way to fear."
Tommy Turner is twelve and a half years old when his parents move house and he has to leave his friends and start at a new school. But this is just another dose of misery in Tommy's life. His sister Sally is the special one and gets all she ever wants. Tommy is always the one left out. Until the day they go to Mr. Petrovsky's toy shop.
This is a really engaging tale of a young boy who feels pushed out of his parents' affections by a younger sibling with epilepsy who thus demands all their care and attention. The sad situation in which any child with a disabled or ill sibling can find themselves - and one which is so hard for such a child to understand and cope with. But Tommy learns how to do so and the story shows a way that it can be done - even without the magic Tommy has to call on.
'I’ve been up there, he thought. I’ve sailed the solar system and seen lands that no one else in this lifetime will ever know exist.'
This is a very well written and enjoyable story. It has a dash of science-fiction, some fantasy and some history all woven together to make the tale complete. It has a great character in Tommy although many of the others he encounters - such as the bullying twins - are little more than stereotypes. The adventures he has are enjoyable and the very philosophical reflections in the book are often deep, but in a way that would hold interest for a young reader.
For me the downside was that a bit too much of Tommy's life was standard fare - the having to move house, the not feeling like the favoured child, the unkind teachers, the wise old man. They were all used well, but all were well used - overused even - long before this book.
I would recommend this book for children around the age of the hero - especially any who have been having issues similar to the ones Tommy has.
September 7, 2019
Tommy’s family moved to a new house. He has to start in a new school with kids who will not always be friendly. His younger sister, Sally, has epilepsy and gets everything she wants. Tommy feels like nobody pays attention to him.
He befriends a toy shop owner, Mr. Petrovsky who gives him a magic shirt. Each night when he wears it, he travels through time and has great adventures.
He learns many lessons in his nightly exciting trips. Each adventure makes him feel more confident and he becomes a better problem solver in real life.
Preteens and adults will enjoy reading this book as it combines fantasy, science fiction, history, and how to solve problems.
He befriends a toy shop owner, Mr. Petrovsky who gives him a magic shirt. Each night when he wears it, he travels through time and has great adventures.
He learns many lessons in his nightly exciting trips. Each adventure makes him feel more confident and he becomes a better problem solver in real life.
Preteens and adults will enjoy reading this book as it combines fantasy, science fiction, history, and how to solve problems.
July 22, 2019
Such a warm and wonderful read. It took me back to my playful self who was in lookout for adventures.
And the three lessons of this book will be my takeaways: 1. Courage, 2. Strength 3. Valour.
I'll remember the Medusa fight, the descriptions of Pegasus and Aliens 👽.
This book made me relive a bit of Zathura: The Space Adventure.
And the illustrations are absolutely well done.
Looking forward for "Battle for Yorintown".
And the three lessons of this book will be my takeaways: 1. Courage, 2. Strength 3. Valour.
I'll remember the Medusa fight, the descriptions of Pegasus and Aliens 👽.
This book made me relive a bit of Zathura: The Space Adventure.
And the illustrations are absolutely well done.
Looking forward for "Battle for Yorintown".
July 26, 2017
To begin with, I would just like to say that I loved the story and I loved the illustrations that go along with it. Tommy is a likable and realistic character, even with the crazy adventures and mythical scenes. I liked reading the adventures and troubles the most because it puts Timmy up against some impossible things! A definite recommend!
March 18, 2020
I read book two of this series through Kindle Unlimited. At the time, I didn't know it was a sequel. I enjoyed the sophomore entry so much, I decided to try the initial story. I loved it even more than the follow-up. These books are perfect for the middle grade crowd they're intended for. I would have loved Tommy when I was in sixth grade. More importantly, Tommy consistently finds himself interacting with historical and mythological events. I've always enjoyed ancient Greece, and the story of Perseus versus Medusa is one of my favorites. Seeing Tommy in this situation was fantastic. Furthermore, we even got the proper creation of Pegasus!
Having read book two first, I did feel a bit bummed I didn't get Digby at all and barely any Uncle Harry. They were important in the second book. That being said, Tommy's mom, sister, and the toy shop owner (I'm not trying to butcher that spelling on memory) were used far more than book two. Hopefully a book three is in the works and will unite all of Tommy's allies. I can always use more three-headed alien parties, especially if they're smoking cigars again. A great book and series!
Having read book two first, I did feel a bit bummed I didn't get Digby at all and barely any Uncle Harry. They were important in the second book. That being said, Tommy's mom, sister, and the toy shop owner (I'm not trying to butcher that spelling on memory) were used far more than book two. Hopefully a book three is in the works and will unite all of Tommy's allies. I can always use more three-headed alien parties, especially if they're smoking cigars again. A great book and series!
August 11, 2019
Tommy's got a tough life. His family rarely makes him feel welcome, he's moved house, and there are bullies on his tail at school. Yikes!
So it's pretty great when he happens into a shop where magic adventures are on offer. Even better that with each adventure, Tommy gets a bit more confident inside and out, and as he does his problems become easier to understand and deal with.
We enjoyed this fun adventure and the places Tommy went. The handful of interior pictures were a big hit and are beautifully drawn. There were some nerve-wracking moments and some nice moments, which made for a great combination. The bits of history (always a popular theme) were interesting. Very enjoyable and kept us turning the pages!
So it's pretty great when he happens into a shop where magic adventures are on offer. Even better that with each adventure, Tommy gets a bit more confident inside and out, and as he does his problems become easier to understand and deal with.
We enjoyed this fun adventure and the places Tommy went. The handful of interior pictures were a big hit and are beautifully drawn. There were some nerve-wracking moments and some nice moments, which made for a great combination. The bits of history (always a popular theme) were interesting. Very enjoyable and kept us turning the pages!
December 14, 2019
What an exciting and imaginative story. Tommy Turner’s Tremendous Travels blends tails from Ancient Greece, a futuristic space ship, and more into the life of a boy in the modern world. The book contains several heart stopping adventures that connect together through Tommy, the main character. The story includes marvelous magical objects that encourage the reader to dream about the impossible. In addition, it emphasizes strong values that any reader would benefit from. The climax is historic and heart-stopping. The adventures and perils that Tommy endures gift him with a newfound confidence and fire to overcome the problems and obstacles in his life. The story also has a similar effect on the reader. I highly recommend it, especially for younger readers.
February 9, 2020
Tommy Turner certainly has a rough life. With the most unsympathetic family EVER and a school life that leaves much to be desired, things weren’t looking great for Tommy. Then he met Mr Petrovsky and everything started to change.
The story is aimed primarily at children aged 10 to 13 and there is a lot that they will like here. Greek myths, aliens in outer space, school bullies and even a look at post-war, eastern Europe. On one level, it is just a good story that skips along at a fair old pace. On another level, it raises questions that all inquisitive ten-year-olds will enjoy discussing. I think this book will be a hit with boys and girls and is definitely worth a read.
The story is aimed primarily at children aged 10 to 13 and there is a lot that they will like here. Greek myths, aliens in outer space, school bullies and even a look at post-war, eastern Europe. On one level, it is just a good story that skips along at a fair old pace. On another level, it raises questions that all inquisitive ten-year-olds will enjoy discussing. I think this book will be a hit with boys and girls and is definitely worth a read.
May 17, 2020
Tommy is a twelve-year-old boy who has a troubled home life with difficult parents and a little-miss-perfect sister. His life takes a turn when he is forced to pack his bags and move to a new town with a new school and new friends.
But a fortunate chance sends him into a boutique toy shop, where he gets more than he bargained for with his space kit.
Tommy's life rapidly fills with adventure and personal growth and is very satisfying to read. It will appeal to middle-grade readers. The added illustrations enhance the book and are wonderfully drawn.
I highly recommend this book for lovers of adventure and a little magic!
But a fortunate chance sends him into a boutique toy shop, where he gets more than he bargained for with his space kit.
Tommy's life rapidly fills with adventure and personal growth and is very satisfying to read. It will appeal to middle-grade readers. The added illustrations enhance the book and are wonderfully drawn.
I highly recommend this book for lovers of adventure and a little magic!
September 13, 2017
Wow! Tommy Turner’s Tremendous Travels is an imagination-saturated, freshly concocted, and incredible adventure for a little boy that celebrates the wonder found in children.
(The name reminds me of Timmy Turner, the cute boy found in the popular American animated cartoon The Fairly Odd Parents.)
The only drawbacks for me were the over-the-top storytelling that I found at times, where school masters rub their hands in glee while doling out punishment, grief-wracked mothers who give in to every demand by an infant daughter, and protagonists who make it as captain of the football team the first time upon entering boarding school. But I quickly forgave these because the story was meant to be zany, with several caricatures.
What was too much at one point were those very bizarre freaks that emerge in the cave after Tommy finishes his brave deed. Sometimes, these oddities made me groan, as there were plenty already throughout the whole book that fit the tone a lot better.
But the imagination in this book is astounding, and the themes of bravery and selflessness were neatly interspersed with silly moments that showed the humour and that the author had fun writing this story. I love speculative fiction, and this book had it in droves. The story positively zips by; it’s that good.
(The name reminds me of Timmy Turner, the cute boy found in the popular American animated cartoon The Fairly Odd Parents.)
The only drawbacks for me were the over-the-top storytelling that I found at times, where school masters rub their hands in glee while doling out punishment, grief-wracked mothers who give in to every demand by an infant daughter, and protagonists who make it as captain of the football team the first time upon entering boarding school. But I quickly forgave these because the story was meant to be zany, with several caricatures.
What was too much at one point were those very bizarre freaks that emerge in the cave after Tommy finishes his brave deed. Sometimes, these oddities made me groan, as there were plenty already throughout the whole book that fit the tone a lot better.
But the imagination in this book is astounding, and the themes of bravery and selflessness were neatly interspersed with silly moments that showed the humour and that the author had fun writing this story. I love speculative fiction, and this book had it in droves. The story positively zips by; it’s that good.
November 11, 2019
So far, I like Tommy. He's a kid who faces a lot of conflict and has self-worth issues at the beginning of the book that stem from his mother's favoritism of his little sister, Sally. Like a lot of Fantasy/Sci-Fi stories, that is the crux of the plot. While there are exciting adventures through different time periods and even worlds, the underlying message of the story is down to earth. Through his adventures Tommy learns important lessons that are passed on in prose.
I love the introduction of so many different aspects of this story and, while there are still some questions left unanswered, this being a series leaves hope that they will be. (Mainly how Tommy can speak to anyone in any country/time despite being a boy from England I'm pretty sure hasn't studied, say, Ancient Greek and whether Mr. Petrovsky's mom was who I'm pretty sure she was.)
Overall, this is a fun story that kids could definitely relate to and enjoy.
I love the introduction of so many different aspects of this story and, while there are still some questions left unanswered, this being a series leaves hope that they will be. (Mainly how Tommy can speak to anyone in any country/time despite being a boy from England I'm pretty sure hasn't studied, say, Ancient Greek and whether Mr. Petrovsky's mom was who I'm pretty sure she was.)
Overall, this is a fun story that kids could definitely relate to and enjoy.
July 26, 2017
Tommy Turner’s Tremendous Travels. What a catchy title. Tommy is down on his luck and miserable when his family moves and he enters a new school. He befriends a toy shop owner, Mr. Petrovsky, who gives him a magic shirt. Each night when he wears it to bed, he travels through time and has great adventures. I won’t give the adventures away, but he learns great lessons in Courage, Strength, and Valour. Tommy grows as the story progresses and by the end, he has transformed into a boy with a new attitude in life. The author did a fabulous job communicating the story. It’s perfect for any middle school child. What kid doesn’t dream of time travel? And how can you make an amazing story like this better? You add some fantastic pictures. They really brought the story to life. I am amazed at the talent of the author and the illustrator. They make a great team and I hope to see more from this duo in the future.
August 5, 2017
I chanced upon Tommy Turner searching for books to accompany my English teaching classes. I wanted to find an originally written British story that can attract the interest of 8-12-year-olds. I must say it did attract my interest too. It is beautifully written, fascinating and touching. Even though I'm not twelve anymore it kept me interested and craving to read further. The settings, the feelings of the characters, the tension - it is all perfectly illustrated so as for the reader to naturally feel them. I'm sure my students will enjoy it as much as I did.
August 23, 2017
Tommy is a likeable character from the start, who meets a man that gives him a magical shirt. The travels Tommy takes are very creative and fun. This is a great story for adults as well as children. It's well done with nice sketches. The story comes full circle for the characters and is emotionally satisfying.
July 12, 2017
I highly recommend this book. I read it and thought it was a great story. I can't wait to read more story from this author. Lots of cool images in the book. I give this book 10/10 and a 5 star review. I hope everyone who buys this book enjoy it as much as I did. Thank you for the great read
August 11, 2019
Excellent story. A story where a boy receives a magic shirt and tabella through time, the book teaches alot selflessness and bravery and the boy learns the lessons through the story.
May 28, 2020
This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: Tommy Turner’s Tremendous Travels
Author: Ali Seegar
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 15
Stats
Editing: 9/10
Writing Style: 9/10
Content: 9/10
Cover: 10/10
Of the 15 readers:
14 would read another book by this author.
15 thought the cover was good or excellent.
15 felt it was easy to follow.
15 would recommend this story to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 8 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 7 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
15 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
15 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
‘Exciting story. The cover grabbed me too. I want to read the next book.’ Girl, aged 11
‘This is a fascinating novel for middle graders. Not only is it a history lesson, it’s also exciting and fun. The protagonist, Tommy, is a good role model bravely battling not only a difficult family life but also the many dilemmas he must face when travelling in time. The author’s writing style is fast-paced, perfect for children who want to ‘get to the exciting bit’. Great read.’ Primary teacher, aged 41
‘I liked that Tommy’s confidence developed as the story went on. I also liked the pics; they looked cool. This was an exciting adventure.’ Boy, aged 10 – with a little help from his teacher
‘My reluctant reader son (aged 11) really enjoyed this book. He loved that so much happened all of the time. Also, he thought Tommy was an excellent hero, trying to be brave and trying to do the right thing.’ Mother, aged 35
To Sum It Up:
‘A fantastically fun, time-travelling adventure. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
Title: Tommy Turner’s Tremendous Travels
Author: Ali Seegar
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 15
Stats
Editing: 9/10
Writing Style: 9/10
Content: 9/10
Cover: 10/10
Of the 15 readers:
14 would read another book by this author.
15 thought the cover was good or excellent.
15 felt it was easy to follow.
15 would recommend this story to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 8 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 7 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
15 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
15 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
‘Exciting story. The cover grabbed me too. I want to read the next book.’ Girl, aged 11
‘This is a fascinating novel for middle graders. Not only is it a history lesson, it’s also exciting and fun. The protagonist, Tommy, is a good role model bravely battling not only a difficult family life but also the many dilemmas he must face when travelling in time. The author’s writing style is fast-paced, perfect for children who want to ‘get to the exciting bit’. Great read.’ Primary teacher, aged 41
‘I liked that Tommy’s confidence developed as the story went on. I also liked the pics; they looked cool. This was an exciting adventure.’ Boy, aged 10 – with a little help from his teacher
‘My reluctant reader son (aged 11) really enjoyed this book. He loved that so much happened all of the time. Also, he thought Tommy was an excellent hero, trying to be brave and trying to do the right thing.’ Mother, aged 35
To Sum It Up:
‘A fantastically fun, time-travelling adventure. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
November 17, 2022
👏👏
My children love these little books. They thoroughly enjoy each and every story, as if they are all unique and individual without any cause for similarity among them. Even though sometimes, they might seem tedious and repetitive to me as a parent, I do enjoy being able to read short-stories to my children that are clean and respective.
My children love these little books. They thoroughly enjoy each and every story, as if they are all unique and individual without any cause for similarity among them. Even though sometimes, they might seem tedious and repetitive to me as a parent, I do enjoy being able to read short-stories to my children that are clean and respective.
June 6, 2019
I received an arc of this book on netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews