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ΠΩΣ ΕΙΝΑΙ ΝΑ ΕΙΣΑΙ ΤΡΙΔΥΜΗ
Από την Τίνα
1. Είναι το καλύτερο πράγμα στον κόσμο!
2. Συνήθως είσαι ολόιδια με τις άλλες δυο - μόνο που εγώ είμαι πολύ πιο μικρόσωμη σε σχέση με τις αδελφές μου, τη Μάντι και τη Φιλ.
3. Έχεις πάντοτε κάποιον να σε προσέχει. Όταν τα αγόρια της τάξης μας παίζουν άγρια παιχνίδια, η Μάντι και η Φιλ με προστατεύουν για να μη χτυπήσω.
4. Έχεις κάποιον να σε βοηθά με τα μαθήματα. Η Μάντι και η Φιλ είναι καλές μαθήτριες, αλλά εγώ δεν έχω πάρει ποτέ χρυσό αστέρι.
5. Κάθεστε πάντα μαζί στην τάξη - μέχρι που μια τρομαχτική δασκάλα, όπως η κυρία Γελασίδου, σας χωρίζει!
6. Κάνετε τα πάντα μαζί. Αλλά τώρα η κυρία Γελασίδου μού ζήτησε να φτιάξω έναν πεταλουδόκηπο στην αυλή του σχολείου. Οι αδελφές μου δεν επιτρέπεται να συμμετάσχουν - είμαστε μόνο εγώ και η απαίσια, αυταρχική Σέλμα, ο νταής της τάξης...
Από την Τίνα
1. Είναι το καλύτερο πράγμα στον κόσμο!
2. Συνήθως είσαι ολόιδια με τις άλλες δυο - μόνο που εγώ είμαι πολύ πιο μικρόσωμη σε σχέση με τις αδελφές μου, τη Μάντι και τη Φιλ.
3. Έχεις πάντοτε κάποιον να σε προσέχει. Όταν τα αγόρια της τάξης μας παίζουν άγρια παιχνίδια, η Μάντι και η Φιλ με προστατεύουν για να μη χτυπήσω.
4. Έχεις κάποιον να σε βοηθά με τα μαθήματα. Η Μάντι και η Φιλ είναι καλές μαθήτριες, αλλά εγώ δεν έχω πάρει ποτέ χρυσό αστέρι.
5. Κάθεστε πάντα μαζί στην τάξη - μέχρι που μια τρομαχτική δασκάλα, όπως η κυρία Γελασίδου, σας χωρίζει!
6. Κάνετε τα πάντα μαζί. Αλλά τώρα η κυρία Γελασίδου μού ζήτησε να φτιάξω έναν πεταλουδόκηπο στην αυλή του σχολείου. Οι αδελφές μου δεν επιτρέπεται να συμμετάσχουν - είμαστε μόνο εγώ και η απαίσια, αυταρχική Σέλμα, ο νταής της τάξης...
368 pages, Paperback
First published February 12, 2015
81 people are currently reading
1229 people want to read
About the author
Jacqueline Wilson
394 books5,750 followersJacqueline Wilson was born in Bath in 1945, but spent most of her childhood in Kingston-on-Thames. She always wanted to be a writer and wrote her first ‘novel’ when she was nine, filling in countless Woolworths’ exercise books as she grew up. As a teenager she started work for a magazine publishing company and then went on to work as a journalist on Jackie magazine (which she was told was named after her!) before turning to writing novels full-time.
One of Jacqueline’s most successful and enduring creations has been the famous Tracy Beaker, who first appeared in 1991 in The Story of Tracy Beaker. This was also the first of her books to be illustrated by Nick Sharratt. Since then Jacqueline has been on countless awards shortlists and has gone on to win many awards. The Illustrated Mum won the Guardian Children’s Fiction Award, the 1999 Children’s Book of the Year at the British Book Awards and was also shortlisted for the 1999 Whitbread Children’s Book Award.
Double Act won the prestigious Smarties Medal and the Children’s Book Award as well as being highly commended for the Carnegie Medal. The Story of Tracy Beaker won the 2002 Blue Peter People’s Choice Award.
Jacqueline is one of the nation’s favourite authors, and her books are loved and cherished by young readers not only in the UK but all over the world. She has sold millions of books and in the UK alone the total now stands at over 35 million!
In 2002 Jacqueline was awarded the OBE for services to literacy in schools and from 2005 to 2007 she was the Children’s Laureate. In 2008 she became Dame Jacqueline Wilson.
One of Jacqueline’s most successful and enduring creations has been the famous Tracy Beaker, who first appeared in 1991 in The Story of Tracy Beaker. This was also the first of her books to be illustrated by Nick Sharratt. Since then Jacqueline has been on countless awards shortlists and has gone on to win many awards. The Illustrated Mum won the Guardian Children’s Fiction Award, the 1999 Children’s Book of the Year at the British Book Awards and was also shortlisted for the 1999 Whitbread Children’s Book Award.
Double Act won the prestigious Smarties Medal and the Children’s Book Award as well as being highly commended for the Carnegie Medal. The Story of Tracy Beaker won the 2002 Blue Peter People’s Choice Award.
Jacqueline is one of the nation’s favourite authors, and her books are loved and cherished by young readers not only in the UK but all over the world. She has sold millions of books and in the UK alone the total now stands at over 35 million!
In 2002 Jacqueline was awarded the OBE for services to literacy in schools and from 2005 to 2007 she was the Children’s Laureate. In 2008 she became Dame Jacqueline Wilson.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 158 reviews
October 17, 2020
Jacqueline Wilson is a best-selling author for children, though that is no guarantee of an enjoyable reading experience. Since I’ve noticed girls enjoying her books, I decided to give one a shot. This one turned out to be a great read aloud choice for me and my daughter, who is going into second grade.
It’s a quiet story. From the start, my daughter was completely absorbed by the simple, everyday intricacies of Tina’s life, because the writing is detailed and full of voice. I was sometimes surprised by what made my daughter laugh or gasp, not realizing how her sense of humor and/or awareness of the world and relationships between people had matured. I grew a little bored in the first third, to be honest, because it was so very everyday: school, a mean girl, etc. I was beginning to wonder if my biggest pleasure would be watching my daughter’s.
But I can see why Ms. Wilson sells books. She's a subtle devil, at least here, and interesting. Tina and her sisters are in the same class. Tina is more delicate than her sisters, having been born with some complications, and their new teacher, an old soldier type, does not seem to be sensitive enough about it. Tina’s mother goes to talk to the teacher about letting Tina sit with one of her sisters but does not make much headway. In the end, the teacher manages the situation between Tina and the bully, a girl name Selma, very well. It’s a realistic fiction version of a twist, very well done, very believable, and very character-based. The biggest twist was in showing how Tina’s perception of Selma changed. Tina is not from a rich family - her father works at a supermarket, her mother works part-time, but her parents are protective and caring. Selma’s world is different, but not dramatically so, not tragically way over the top. My daughter’s perception of Selma changed with Tina’s - I heard and saw the proof in her very vocal outbursts as I read. I did not make her write or talk it out, but I think she learned something about how complex people are. Wow!
It’s a quiet story. From the start, my daughter was completely absorbed by the simple, everyday intricacies of Tina’s life, because the writing is detailed and full of voice. I was sometimes surprised by what made my daughter laugh or gasp, not realizing how her sense of humor and/or awareness of the world and relationships between people had matured. I grew a little bored in the first third, to be honest, because it was so very everyday: school, a mean girl, etc. I was beginning to wonder if my biggest pleasure would be watching my daughter’s.
But I can see why Ms. Wilson sells books. She's a subtle devil, at least here, and interesting. Tina and her sisters are in the same class. Tina is more delicate than her sisters, having been born with some complications, and their new teacher, an old soldier type, does not seem to be sensitive enough about it. Tina’s mother goes to talk to the teacher about letting Tina sit with one of her sisters but does not make much headway. In the end, the teacher manages the situation between Tina and the bully, a girl name Selma, very well. It’s a realistic fiction version of a twist, very well done, very believable, and very character-based. The biggest twist was in showing how Tina’s perception of Selma changed. Tina is not from a rich family - her father works at a supermarket, her mother works part-time, but her parents are protective and caring. Selma’s world is different, but not dramatically so, not tragically way over the top. My daughter’s perception of Selma changed with Tina’s - I heard and saw the proof in her very vocal outbursts as I read. I did not make her write or talk it out, but I think she learned something about how complex people are. Wow!
February 14, 2015
Almost 20 and I still love Jacqueline's books! This one is just as brilliant as the others, especially the cameo from a certain other book of hers ;)
February 26, 2015
Let me say first This was from goodreads first reads.
What great book , the cover is beautiful you can get it as present for little girl, the pics are funny and very nicely done. When the book arrived my two boys fought over it, one read couple chapters ,then the other read some. but my younger one stopped reading because he is more into action and he is fussy about what to read( and I think it was longer than he can handle, he is 6). But my 8 year old loved it , he said it was funny and great read.
I read the book after them, it is a bout a triplets one of them Tina is smaller and weaker and everybody in the family trying to protect her, But in year 3 when the new teacher make her sit with difficult child ( bully) and ask them to make school garden.She will learn how to be independent and be her self and how to give other people a chance.. Lovely , funny, and have moral to teach. What more you need from book for children.......
P.S We will give this book as gift to there niece , I think she will love it.
What great book , the cover is beautiful you can get it as present for little girl, the pics are funny and very nicely done. When the book arrived my two boys fought over it, one read couple chapters ,then the other read some. but my younger one stopped reading because he is more into action and he is fussy about what to read( and I think it was longer than he can handle, he is 6). But my 8 year old loved it , he said it was funny and great read.
I read the book after them, it is a bout a triplets one of them Tina is smaller and weaker and everybody in the family trying to protect her, But in year 3 when the new teacher make her sit with difficult child ( bully) and ask them to make school garden.She will learn how to be independent and be her self and how to give other people a chance.. Lovely , funny, and have moral to teach. What more you need from book for children.......
P.S We will give this book as gift to there niece , I think she will love it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 2, 2025
The Butterfly Club is an imaginative piece of writing.
Seven year old Tina Maynard is going to start her first year in the juniors school. She has a weak heart and always is relying on her two sisters Phil and Maddie to look after her. Bossy Selma tries to make Tina’s life hard. Miss Lovejoy (their teacher) is just making matters worse. When she splits the triplets up,Tina has to take seats next to Selma. Tina has to take some tricky turns and make a surprising friendship but learns how to stand on her own two feet.
One of the reasons I love this book is because it is so realistic.
Seven year old Tina Maynard is going to start her first year in the juniors school. She has a weak heart and always is relying on her two sisters Phil and Maddie to look after her. Bossy Selma tries to make Tina’s life hard. Miss Lovejoy (their teacher) is just making matters worse. When she splits the triplets up,Tina has to take seats next to Selma. Tina has to take some tricky turns and make a surprising friendship but learns how to stand on her own two feet.
One of the reasons I love this book is because it is so realistic.
August 24, 2019
As a rule I love Jacqueline Wilson books and virtually anything she writes, but sadly this isn't one that translates well when reading as an adult.
There's definitely important themes about not knowing what other people are suffering through and therefore being nice to people rather than piling on BUT you have a child who is clearly suffering at the least physical abuse, but also emotional abuse and you have not only a parent but also a teacher who is aware of this, or at least suspects that this child isn't well treated, and they do absolutely nothing to support her. In fact Tina's mum seems to send mixed messages by saying her children should be nicer but then tries to stop her daughter going around the home for dinner and trying to cut her out of a TV show - she seemed like a bit of a bully herself in all honesty. There's also the fact that Selma's bullying of Tina goes completely unpunished; I don't think the teacher even really reprimands her.
Ohh and I feel so bad saying this because I realise Tina is a child but I just found her insufferable. Her fake crying and inability to do anything on her own just drove me insane. I don't overly blame her though; I most definitely blame the mother who wraps her in cotton wool and won't even let her move without checking with the doctor first. She also heavily encourages the girls not to do anything without the other and I think this is unhealthy for siblings, let alone triplets.
I do appreciate that Wilson always threads serious issues through her books, but I think this is one time that she doesn't handle it overly well and doesn't really give a conclusion to Selma's suffering. For me this book just doesn't age well and definitely not a favourite of mine.
There's definitely important themes about not knowing what other people are suffering through and therefore being nice to people rather than piling on BUT you have a child who is clearly suffering at the least physical abuse, but also emotional abuse and you have not only a parent but also a teacher who is aware of this, or at least suspects that this child isn't well treated, and they do absolutely nothing to support her. In fact Tina's mum seems to send mixed messages by saying her children should be nicer but then tries to stop her daughter going around the home for dinner and trying to cut her out of a TV show - she seemed like a bit of a bully herself in all honesty. There's also the fact that Selma's bullying of Tina goes completely unpunished; I don't think the teacher even really reprimands her.
Ohh and I feel so bad saying this because I realise Tina is a child but I just found her insufferable. Her fake crying and inability to do anything on her own just drove me insane. I don't overly blame her though; I most definitely blame the mother who wraps her in cotton wool and won't even let her move without checking with the doctor first. She also heavily encourages the girls not to do anything without the other and I think this is unhealthy for siblings, let alone triplets.
I do appreciate that Wilson always threads serious issues through her books, but I think this is one time that she doesn't handle it overly well and doesn't really give a conclusion to Selma's suffering. For me this book just doesn't age well and definitely not a favourite of mine.
August 11, 2015
I have literally read every single one of Jacqueline's books. I have loved her writing since I was in primary school and I am now 26.
This book did not have an appropriate ending. Wilson usually writes excellent books for children that contain serious issues such as parents going through divorce or children being neglected. Because of this her books can be read and enjoyed by adults also. The endings are always very real and there is always some hope that any children involved with bad circumstances get the help they need.
This book however ended with one of the children getting a completely happy ending and the other child from a poor background with an abusive step father and unloving mother ended up forgotten. There seemed no serious help for her in the end.
This book would have had five stars if not for the final 60 pages.
This book did not have an appropriate ending. Wilson usually writes excellent books for children that contain serious issues such as parents going through divorce or children being neglected. Because of this her books can be read and enjoyed by adults also. The endings are always very real and there is always some hope that any children involved with bad circumstances get the help they need.
This book however ended with one of the children getting a completely happy ending and the other child from a poor background with an abusive step father and unloving mother ended up forgotten. There seemed no serious help for her in the end.
This book would have had five stars if not for the final 60 pages.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 31, 2016
It's been a while since I read one of Jacqueline Wilson's books. I went through a phase of them when I got access to a new library (I say that like I was a burglar, but trust me I was legitimate and had a ticket and everything). They had shelves and shelves full of Jacqueline Wilson's work, and it was a heady rush to get to read them all. Wilson is one of the great dames of British children's literature and one that exists in a curious absence. It is an absence that characterises both her and similar popular authors, an absence of critical approval and mainstream awards. Of course Wilson has won awards, and plenty of them, and has been longlisted for the Carnegie, but her work exists in a sort of popular bubble of otherness. This isn't new in British children's literature: JK Rowling, Enid Blyton, etc, etc, but it is marked. There are times when I wonder if we know how to handle popular fiction in this country (Let me talk to you at some point of Twilight and of how popular does not necessarily equal the death of all things ...).
The Butterfly Club is deeply charming in that way that Wilson has. The consistent markers of her work are a charming, genuine sympathy both with her protagonists but also with the other characters in the story. She's known, too, for integrating a diverse range of issues into her work and The Butterfly Club is no exception. In one neatly constructed narrative that bowls along with abandon, it deals with social class, health, school worries, and friendship.
I will admit that I was concerned at how certain elements of the class related issue was portrayed in the illustrations as they felt markedly simplistic in how they portrayed the different people involved. A sort of shorthanded visual stereotype. It's difficult to explain and, in a way, I wonder if it's because of the nature of the reading I give these texts. I am an adult, reading from a very privileged and distinct context, and so I mention this reaction but I do not deny the great appeal of this book. And I do not deny the great appeal and wonder of Sharratt's vibrant and dynamic work; he draws his characters with such rich and lovely thick lines that it's hard to not love them.
One particular piece of joy for The Butterfly Club is the way it highlights Tina's scientific knowledge and interest in butterflies and how this helps to form a connection between her and others. Wilson handles it so well and positions it as such a source of pride within Tina, that it's deeply inspiring and rather lovely.There's also a delicious character cameo within the final sequence of the book that will make fans of Wilson's former titles deeply happy. I like what Wilson does, I really do. She finds the heart of everything she does, and this book is no exception. It is full of such heart.
The Butterfly Club is deeply charming in that way that Wilson has. The consistent markers of her work are a charming, genuine sympathy both with her protagonists but also with the other characters in the story. She's known, too, for integrating a diverse range of issues into her work and The Butterfly Club is no exception. In one neatly constructed narrative that bowls along with abandon, it deals with social class, health, school worries, and friendship.
I will admit that I was concerned at how certain elements of the class related issue was portrayed in the illustrations as they felt markedly simplistic in how they portrayed the different people involved. A sort of shorthanded visual stereotype. It's difficult to explain and, in a way, I wonder if it's because of the nature of the reading I give these texts. I am an adult, reading from a very privileged and distinct context, and so I mention this reaction but I do not deny the great appeal of this book. And I do not deny the great appeal and wonder of Sharratt's vibrant and dynamic work; he draws his characters with such rich and lovely thick lines that it's hard to not love them.
One particular piece of joy for The Butterfly Club is the way it highlights Tina's scientific knowledge and interest in butterflies and how this helps to form a connection between her and others. Wilson handles it so well and positions it as such a source of pride within Tina, that it's deeply inspiring and rather lovely.There's also a delicious character cameo within the final sequence of the book that will make fans of Wilson's former titles deeply happy. I like what Wilson does, I really do. She finds the heart of everything she does, and this book is no exception. It is full of such heart.
May 5, 2015
Review
The Butterfly Club is a really good book and a really good story on making new friends. With some nice and mean characters. It is a really good animal story too with lots of illustrations. But will small Tina be able to cope with mean Selma and Kay-Leigh, will Mrs Lovejoy easy down on Tina or will she just have to fend for herself for the next year.
My personal favourite part is when Bully Selma takes a rough turn, will it stay permanently that way. Another part is when her Mum gets a bit worried about the beginning of the Butterfly garden, will Tina and Selma be able to raise enough money to get all the flowers for there garden? What will happen to all there hard work… One sad part is when Tina’s sisters Philippa and Madeline will not except Selma as part of their life. Tina`s just about to give up all her hope on the butterfly garden when the first one appears but will Tina still carry on believing that more Butterflies will come or shall she just give up! Find out in this brilliant book.
***I loved the Butterfly Sweets that came with the book!***
Finally a big thanks to Jacqueline Wilson the author of this brilliant book, also congratulations seen as The Butterfly Club is your 101st book and another big thanks to Nick Sharrett the illustrator of this brilliant book.
5 thumbs
Review by Amy-Lee, aged 9.
The Butterfly Club is a really good book and a really good story on making new friends. With some nice and mean characters. It is a really good animal story too with lots of illustrations. But will small Tina be able to cope with mean Selma and Kay-Leigh, will Mrs Lovejoy easy down on Tina or will she just have to fend for herself for the next year.
My personal favourite part is when Bully Selma takes a rough turn, will it stay permanently that way. Another part is when her Mum gets a bit worried about the beginning of the Butterfly garden, will Tina and Selma be able to raise enough money to get all the flowers for there garden? What will happen to all there hard work… One sad part is when Tina’s sisters Philippa and Madeline will not except Selma as part of their life. Tina`s just about to give up all her hope on the butterfly garden when the first one appears but will Tina still carry on believing that more Butterflies will come or shall she just give up! Find out in this brilliant book.
***I loved the Butterfly Sweets that came with the book!***
Finally a big thanks to Jacqueline Wilson the author of this brilliant book, also congratulations seen as The Butterfly Club is your 101st book and another big thanks to Nick Sharrett the illustrator of this brilliant book.
5 thumbs
Review by Amy-Lee, aged 9.
November 4, 2016
This is a book for little kids, maybe for around 7-9 year olds. It's more for girls than for boys. Although it is intended for younger children, it is quite a big book - 300+ pages. It has easy text and lots of pictures though, so it should still be pretty easy.
The Butterfly Club is about a girl called Tina who is a triplet. Her two sisters are called Phil and Maddie (short for Philippa and Madeleine). Tina is asked to create a butterfly garden in the school grounds by her teacher, Miss Lovejoy. But she has to do it with a mean, bossy bully called Selma. Over time, Tina and Selma become friends and they go round to each other's houses. However, when Tina goes to Selma's flat for tea one night, she finds out that Selma has a mean stepfather who shouts at and bullies her. Tina realises that that might be the reason why Selma was so bad to her earlier. The book does, however, have a really happy ending.
This was a brilliant book, wonderfully written in a way that children will enjoy. I guessed early in that Selma had a difficult home life, but that was because I'm older than the recommended age. It has a good message in it - that sometimes bullies are getting bullied at home too. A great, positive read with a super ending!
The Butterfly Club is about a girl called Tina who is a triplet. Her two sisters are called Phil and Maddie (short for Philippa and Madeleine). Tina is asked to create a butterfly garden in the school grounds by her teacher, Miss Lovejoy. But she has to do it with a mean, bossy bully called Selma. Over time, Tina and Selma become friends and they go round to each other's houses. However, when Tina goes to Selma's flat for tea one night, she finds out that Selma has a mean stepfather who shouts at and bullies her. Tina realises that that might be the reason why Selma was so bad to her earlier. The book does, however, have a really happy ending.
This was a brilliant book, wonderfully written in a way that children will enjoy. I guessed early in that Selma had a difficult home life, but that was because I'm older than the recommended age. It has a good message in it - that sometimes bullies are getting bullied at home too. A great, positive read with a super ending!
March 1, 2015
I received this book as part of a Goodreads giveaway.
As a lifelong fan of Jacqueline Wilson, I was absolutely starstruck to win a copy of The Butterfly Club for reviewing. I've been reading her books since I was six years old!
The Butterfly Club is yet another Wilson masterpiece; brilliantly written, very accessible, just a joy to read.
The book deals with issues such as family, friendship, illness, confidence, school, bullying, socio-economic issues, abuse... the list goes on, but Wilson knits the story together so seamlessly and makes it very age-appropriate for children to read, without glossing over the tough issues. This book, its characters, and their backgrounds are so relatable, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone aged six to sixty and beyond.
Also SPOILER ALERT...
The linking in of Ruby and Garnet Baker (Double Act) is just FANTASTIC. I was beyond ecstatic to discover this story within a story, and to find out what happened to the characters of the book I read all those years ago.
This book is a must-read for all ages. I accidentally read it in one sitting because I couldn't put it down. I'd give this book a well-deserved rating of 5 stars.
As a lifelong fan of Jacqueline Wilson, I was absolutely starstruck to win a copy of The Butterfly Club for reviewing. I've been reading her books since I was six years old!
The Butterfly Club is yet another Wilson masterpiece; brilliantly written, very accessible, just a joy to read.
The book deals with issues such as family, friendship, illness, confidence, school, bullying, socio-economic issues, abuse... the list goes on, but Wilson knits the story together so seamlessly and makes it very age-appropriate for children to read, without glossing over the tough issues. This book, its characters, and their backgrounds are so relatable, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone aged six to sixty and beyond.
Also SPOILER ALERT...
The linking in of Ruby and Garnet Baker (Double Act) is just FANTASTIC. I was beyond ecstatic to discover this story within a story, and to find out what happened to the characters of the book I read all those years ago.
This book is a must-read for all ages. I accidentally read it in one sitting because I couldn't put it down. I'd give this book a well-deserved rating of 5 stars.
January 12, 2019
I listened to this book with my daughter on a couple of longish road trips. It was interesting to listen to it with her, and see what parts amused her, worried her, and made her gasp. Jacqueline Wilson writes in a realistic, engaging style, and this particular book is about a situation many little girls could find themselves in, and about learning why bullies might act the way they do. A book about empathy, perseverance, over protective family, finding your place in the world and friendship.
June 1, 2016
Butterfly Club
I chose this rating for a very good reason. It is a fantastic book with ups and downs all along the road. I would recommend such a book cause of its great impact to any kid between 9-14
I chose this rating for a very good reason. It is a fantastic book with ups and downs all along the road. I would recommend such a book cause of its great impact to any kid between 9-14
December 10, 2019
Really,extremely,fantastically,magically amazing!
You really get sucked into the book, and it inspires you to do a lot of things you might never think of even attempting. I would say it`s in the age range of 9-12 would say.
9/10!
You really get sucked into the book, and it inspires you to do a lot of things you might never think of even attempting. I would say it`s in the age range of 9-12 would say.
9/10!
September 8, 2019
this book is all about friendship, sitters and a butterfly garden
Maisy~
Maisy~
January 5, 2026
It was very annoying. I wanted to be the big strong girl. And I didn't want Selma to have anything at all to do with my butterfly garden. But I knew I couldn't dig it all.
After years of seeing Jacky at her darkest, I can't lie that it feels like a good old time to see her do something so light. She seems to change her protagonists this round, as we follow the privileged Tina, the youngest of triplets from a very jovial family, as she navigates trying to stand her own at school for the first time, involving dealing with the notorious class bully Selma, who in time reveals herself to be more in line with Jacky's usual protagonist.
Now I've gotta say: this is LIGHT. Tina and Selma clash horrifically, but once the strict Miss Lovejoy starts Tina and Selma on their butterfly garden, you can immediately tell it's a ploy to make the two of them as thick as thieves. And I always love a friendship plot. Tina also learns that Selma is not exactly treated the greatest at home and her acting out may just be because of that, and with kindness comes kindness in return. It's just really heartwarming to see Tina and Selma become genuine friends. I liked that they had a bad start to their friendship and things aren't always smooth-sailing. And once they become best friends... Selma made a whole bunch of paper butterflies just to cheer Tina up when the real ones weren't visiting their garden yet. HELLO.
I also wanna bring up just how humorous this book is. Nick Sharratt is of course, the longtime GOAT when paired with Jacky, but his illustrations in this just complement the story so well. You'll get Tina saying one thing and the illustration showing another, i.e. Mum saying she'll start on the chores and then us seeing her lolled out on the sofa reading magazines. Cheeky.
Though, I don't feel this is a very complete book. Tina, Selma and Tina's two sisters get invited to the Ruby Red TV show to talk about their butterfly garden -- as in, Ruby from Double Act -- ok, nice, but I wanted to see way more of that show being sprinkled in! Also, it's been done, (Cookie) but I'm one to complain. My main gripe really lies with how Selma doesn't really get a complete arc. I know that when you're seven, realising you're not entirely unlovable or unfriendable is something that can be life-changing, but there's still the abuse she's subjected to at home. I feel like there's just something there we don't get to see resolved, though I do realise we're seeing it from Tina's perspective and she doesn't wholly understand the full picture of what Selma's dealing with. But still.
So if you want a feel-good read, this is your book. Though I wonder what would happen if you decided to introduce someone to Jacky Wilson with this flutter-shy goodness...
After years of seeing Jacky at her darkest, I can't lie that it feels like a good old time to see her do something so light. She seems to change her protagonists this round, as we follow the privileged Tina, the youngest of triplets from a very jovial family, as she navigates trying to stand her own at school for the first time, involving dealing with the notorious class bully Selma, who in time reveals herself to be more in line with Jacky's usual protagonist.
Now I've gotta say: this is LIGHT. Tina and Selma clash horrifically, but once the strict Miss Lovejoy starts Tina and Selma on their butterfly garden, you can immediately tell it's a ploy to make the two of them as thick as thieves. And I always love a friendship plot. Tina also learns that Selma is not exactly treated the greatest at home and her acting out may just be because of that, and with kindness comes kindness in return. It's just really heartwarming to see Tina and Selma become genuine friends. I liked that they had a bad start to their friendship and things aren't always smooth-sailing. And once they become best friends... Selma made a whole bunch of paper butterflies just to cheer Tina up when the real ones weren't visiting their garden yet. HELLO.
I also wanna bring up just how humorous this book is. Nick Sharratt is of course, the longtime GOAT when paired with Jacky, but his illustrations in this just complement the story so well. You'll get Tina saying one thing and the illustration showing another, i.e. Mum saying she'll start on the chores and then us seeing her lolled out on the sofa reading magazines. Cheeky.
Though, I don't feel this is a very complete book. Tina, Selma and Tina's two sisters get invited to the Ruby Red TV show to talk about their butterfly garden -- as in, Ruby from Double Act -- ok, nice, but I wanted to see way more of that show being sprinkled in! Also, it's been done, (Cookie) but I'm one to complain. My main gripe really lies with how Selma doesn't really get a complete arc. I know that when you're seven, realising you're not entirely unlovable or unfriendable is something that can be life-changing, but there's still the abuse she's subjected to at home. I feel like there's just something there we don't get to see resolved, though I do realise we're seeing it from Tina's perspective and she doesn't wholly understand the full picture of what Selma's dealing with. But still.
So if you want a feel-good read, this is your book. Though I wonder what would happen if you decided to introduce someone to Jacky Wilson with this flutter-shy goodness...
January 18, 2023
Let me tell you, when I got to THAT bit near the end where I realised the crossover between this and one of JW's earlier books... I got very nerdily excited about all of the characters existing in the same JW universe! I don't exactly know why this surprises and delights me so much; maybe because I've been on such a journey with her books in the last 6 months and to see a connection made between 2 books written by JW 20 years apart felt really lovely. To see these 2 other characters flourishing in adulthood was just wonderful, and the way they've supported Tina in this too.
Overall it's very feel-good, although this is the first time I've come across the mention of iPads and Monster High in a JW book which felt strange - crossing over into the next generation of younger readers! There was also something very modern and self aware in the way the triplets' mum tries to get them to see a different perspective on Selma's fractured home life; I found this an important lesson to be incorporated into the book.
Of course, I always adore the pictures in these books for younger readers! They add to the story in such a special way.
The story didn't feel as bleak as some of JW's other books, which isn't a bad or good thing, just a thing I noticed. Another book for my growing collection which I have enjoyed!
Overall it's very feel-good, although this is the first time I've come across the mention of iPads and Monster High in a JW book which felt strange - crossing over into the next generation of younger readers! There was also something very modern and self aware in the way the triplets' mum tries to get them to see a different perspective on Selma's fractured home life; I found this an important lesson to be incorporated into the book.
Of course, I always adore the pictures in these books for younger readers! They add to the story in such a special way.
The story didn't feel as bleak as some of JW's other books, which isn't a bad or good thing, just a thing I noticed. Another book for my growing collection which I have enjoyed!
August 21, 2023
i feel like you can tell my mental health state by how many jacqueline wilson books i read in a row (and the age demographic they're meant for)
anyway, this one was too young even for me, but i'll review it with year 2/3 in mind
it was, uh... hm. i liked parts of it. the triplets' story and tina's medical issues were handled well. when does jacqueline wilson not handle difficult subjects well?
that's not a rhetorical question, she handles them badly in this book.
the school bully turned best friend is literally explicitly punched several times by her MOTHER at school pickup, in front of other parents and teachers. later on our protagonist goes to her house and discovers that she's also being physically, verbally and psychologically abused by her stepdad.
so what does jacqueline wilson do? does she write her protagonist telling her own parents about the child abuse she's witnessed? do any of the adults in the situation think "that's not right" and try to help the abused seven year old?
nope! literally nothing happens! it's never resolved or even brought up again! which is a fantastic message to give young children who might be worried about their friends' home lives. c'mon, jackie, you're better than this.
anyway, this one was too young even for me, but i'll review it with year 2/3 in mind
it was, uh... hm. i liked parts of it. the triplets' story and tina's medical issues were handled well. when does jacqueline wilson not handle difficult subjects well?
that's not a rhetorical question, she handles them badly in this book.
the school bully turned best friend is literally explicitly punched several times by her MOTHER at school pickup, in front of other parents and teachers. later on our protagonist goes to her house and discovers that she's also being physically, verbally and psychologically abused by her stepdad.
so what does jacqueline wilson do? does she write her protagonist telling her own parents about the child abuse she's witnessed? do any of the adults in the situation think "that's not right" and try to help the abused seven year old?
nope! literally nothing happens! it's never resolved or even brought up again! which is a fantastic message to give young children who might be worried about their friends' home lives. c'mon, jackie, you're better than this.
July 22, 2024
When Tina was born she was one of triplets, however, Tina wasn't well when she was born causing her to be smaller than her identical sisters. They look out for each other and make sure Tina is looked after more due to her weak heart.
In school there is one girl called Selma who always picks on Tina but when their teacher throws them into a project together to make a butterfly garden, they must learn to work together and overcome their differences.
This has to be one of my favourite Jacqueline Wilson books. The story was intriguing and the characters easy to relate to and root for.
Overall, a quick and enjoyable read.
In school there is one girl called Selma who always picks on Tina but when their teacher throws them into a project together to make a butterfly garden, they must learn to work together and overcome their differences.
This has to be one of my favourite Jacqueline Wilson books. The story was intriguing and the characters easy to relate to and root for.
Overall, a quick and enjoyable read.
August 30, 2022
Hey guys i haven't been super active on goodreads but im going to be active again now i just finished this book and i absolutely loved itt :) light hearted enemies to best friends my absolute favourite book i know it's aimed at a younger audience but id absolutely recommend this book to get you out of a reading slump or if you want something adventurous to read
March 18, 2021
4.5 stars
January 8, 2023
a lovely book helping to gain knowledge of butterflies and how to build confidence and that even if your different you can still make a difference 🤍
October 21, 2023
Sweet little book
May 12, 2024
Just read it
February 2, 2026
książki dla dziewczynek to najlepszy travel read. Dont change my mind
January 24, 2020
lmao I know I'm far too old for the target audience yet I can't help but keep going back to read all of Jacqueline Wilson's new releases and immersing myself in the innocence of youth ah I feel like such an old angsty teenager. Nevertheless, this book didn't disappoint in its wholesomeness and how effortless it was to read. Plus the illustrations were spot on, as usual. A pleasure to read and enjoy.
Read
September 25, 2019It made me cry, like a lot
December 31, 2023
This is a great story I finish it in two days
October 24, 2022
I've never read a book about triplets before - I loved it!
Each with thier own personalities and yet each having the same care and worry for each other, this was such a sweet book I read it in two sittings!
The sisters Phil & Maddie are so considerate of tiny Tina who has a poorly heart and had an operation after she was born. This was so lovely to read aka how they supported her and worried for her. However, I'm glad thier new year 3 teacher Miss Lovejoy helped Tina develop independence - she was firm with even Tina's mum, making the triplets sit apart for the first time to make thier own friends and to be comfortable in thier own space apart from one another.
Miss Lovejoy was the best character, she is the kind of teacher that everyone needs and wants - firm so you grasp everything in the lesson and damn right caring for her class. She goes out of her way like no teacher I have ever heard of, from visiting Tina with a present/get well cards/catch up lesson supplies when Tina had pneumonia, to helping her make a friend with another girl Selma who needed a friend and something positive to focus on. This was so so sweet, not only did the girls create a lovely butterfly garden to help wildlife and the planet, but Miss Lovejoy helped Tina bloom by herself and stand up to people and she let Selma feel loved and proud of herself and stopped her lashing out at people.
I cannot believe the twists of Jacqueline Wilson putting herself into her own book. THIS WAS MARVELOUS! More please!
Seeing her illustrated in her own book and being referred to as "a local lady writer" made me so happy and giggle! I wish she did this in every book with Nick Sharratt's art!
Lastly, having her characters from another book 'Double Act' all grown up and acting/producing television was GOLD! MORE PLEASE!
Seeing Ruby act as she always wanted too was such a treat and seeing Garnet flourish in her own camera-shy way behind the scenes and making a name for herself via producing/script writing was brilliant. They are both truly still the personalities of Ruby & Garnet from when they were young in 'Double Act'.
The triplets had no idea what brilliant twins the just met. Brilliant!
Each with thier own personalities and yet each having the same care and worry for each other, this was such a sweet book I read it in two sittings!
The sisters Phil & Maddie are so considerate of tiny Tina who has a poorly heart and had an operation after she was born. This was so lovely to read aka how they supported her and worried for her. However, I'm glad thier new year 3 teacher Miss Lovejoy helped Tina develop independence - she was firm with even Tina's mum, making the triplets sit apart for the first time to make thier own friends and to be comfortable in thier own space apart from one another.
Miss Lovejoy was the best character, she is the kind of teacher that everyone needs and wants - firm so you grasp everything in the lesson and damn right caring for her class. She goes out of her way like no teacher I have ever heard of, from visiting Tina with a present/get well cards/catch up lesson supplies when Tina had pneumonia, to helping her make a friend with another girl Selma who needed a friend and something positive to focus on. This was so so sweet, not only did the girls create a lovely butterfly garden to help wildlife and the planet, but Miss Lovejoy helped Tina bloom by herself and stand up to people and she let Selma feel loved and proud of herself and stopped her lashing out at people.
I cannot believe the twists of Jacqueline Wilson putting herself into her own book. THIS WAS MARVELOUS! More please!
Seeing her illustrated in her own book and being referred to as "a local lady writer" made me so happy and giggle! I wish she did this in every book with Nick Sharratt's art!
Lastly, having her characters from another book 'Double Act' all grown up and acting/producing television was GOLD! MORE PLEASE!
Seeing Ruby act as she always wanted too was such a treat and seeing Garnet flourish in her own camera-shy way behind the scenes and making a name for herself via producing/script writing was brilliant. They are both truly still the personalities of Ruby & Garnet from when they were young in 'Double Act'.
The triplets had no idea what brilliant twins the just met. Brilliant!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 27, 2018
This is a story of a triplet namely, Tina, Phil and Maddie. Phil and Maddie look identical but Tina looked a lot different. They are bigger and stronger than Tina. They both always took care of teeny tiny Tina. Tina has never been alone to any where, not even in the school. They were always together. Phil and Maddie thought that it is their responsibility to look after Tina and to protect her from the school bullies.
Tina dosen't have a confidence that she can do things on her own. She was also feeling lonely as Phil and Maddy made friends on their tables. Mrs. Lovejoy, their new class teacher separated them. She made them seat on three different tables. Tina was made to sit with Selma, a bully in the class, along with four other kids who were stronger than her.
When Mrs. Lovejoy asked Selma and Tina to help her develop a butterfly garden in the school the story changes. Tina develops her confidence in the process and becomes Selma's best friend.
The characters in the story are crafted very thoughtfully. Mrs. Lovejoy is my favorite character in the story. In the beginning, I hated her for being so strict with students. She didn't give permission to triplet to seat together but as I read further, I understood Mrs. Lovejoy better. She has a purpose to it. In the beginning, I felt that the story was moving at a slow pace but later on it became very interesting.
At the end of the book, there are few exercises for kids to do such as- tips to make your own butterfly garden, a recipe of Tina and Selma's butterfly cakes, a life-cycle of a butterfly and an information about few species of different butterflies. Children can visit www.jacquelinewilson.co.uk for games, puzzles and more fun activities.
There are pictures in the book but all are in black and white. No doubt they look beautiful but few colorful butterflies would have been great.
Age no bar to read the book. While reading you can relive your childhood memories, your favorite teachers and your best friends in the school.
Tina dosen't have a confidence that she can do things on her own. She was also feeling lonely as Phil and Maddy made friends on their tables. Mrs. Lovejoy, their new class teacher separated them. She made them seat on three different tables. Tina was made to sit with Selma, a bully in the class, along with four other kids who were stronger than her.
When Mrs. Lovejoy asked Selma and Tina to help her develop a butterfly garden in the school the story changes. Tina develops her confidence in the process and becomes Selma's best friend.
The characters in the story are crafted very thoughtfully. Mrs. Lovejoy is my favorite character in the story. In the beginning, I hated her for being so strict with students. She didn't give permission to triplet to seat together but as I read further, I understood Mrs. Lovejoy better. She has a purpose to it. In the beginning, I felt that the story was moving at a slow pace but later on it became very interesting.
At the end of the book, there are few exercises for kids to do such as- tips to make your own butterfly garden, a recipe of Tina and Selma's butterfly cakes, a life-cycle of a butterfly and an information about few species of different butterflies. Children can visit www.jacquelinewilson.co.uk for games, puzzles and more fun activities.
There are pictures in the book but all are in black and white. No doubt they look beautiful but few colorful butterflies would have been great.
Age no bar to read the book. While reading you can relive your childhood memories, your favorite teachers and your best friends in the school.
April 21, 2021
Tahle knížka je doporučená čtenářům zhruba od sedmi do devíti let. Ehm, ani bych neřekla. Připadalo mi, že to klidně bylo OD sedmi let, ale třeba tak nějak do třinácti nebo dvanácti let. Protože hlavní postavy se nechovaly nějak přehnaně dětinsky, i když měly sedm let. Tina sice ze začátku často brečela, ale bylo to hlavně kvůli Selmy. Selma mě vlastně ze začátku strašně štvala, ale asi to doma nemá lehké. Sice za její chování nemůže ona, ale její rodiče, jenže si to nemusela vybíjet na ostatních (obzvlášť na Tině). Potom se však ukázalo, že Selma umí být hodná a chovat se hezky. Hodněkrát jsem měla pocit, že, ať už rodiče nebo paní učitelka Veselá, Tinu strašně upřednostňují a dovolí jí toho víc oproti ostatním. Sice to se svou nemocí neměla moc lehké, ale zase to nemuseli tolik přehánět. Maddie a Phil jsem si moc oblíbila, byly na svou sestru Tinu moc hodné a ve všem jí pomáhaly. Ani se spolu skoro nikdy nehádaly a měly spolu moc dobrý vztah, což jsem považovala za velké plus. Jejich máma to s tou starostlivostí někdy, podle mě, až moc přeháněla, třeba že nechtěla, aby říkaly slovo ,,hustý". Ale to je jenom taková maličkost. Moc se mi líbilo, že Jacqueline Wilsonová do tohoto příběhu zakomponovala i Ruby a Garnet, jež jsem si moc oblíbila v knížce Dvojčata v průšvihu. V knížkách od Jacqueline Wilsonové jsem nikdy nenašla žádnou chybu v textu, což je taky velké plus oproti jiným knížkám. Taky byl moc hezký doplněk knížky Tinin test, který mě bavil a taky zajímavosti o motýlech. Třeba jsem se dozvěděla, že nejmenší motýl měří jenom tři milimetry. No a úžasný recept na motýlí košíčky si určitě zkusím upéct. Super knížka!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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