The Enchanted Village

by Jeanne Willis

Unknown Binding

Published January 1, 215

About the author

Jeanne Willis was born in St Albans and trained as an advertising copywriter at Watford College. She worked for various agencies creating press adverts and TV, cinema and radio commercials. She is now a full-time writer and has published over 80 books. Her hobbies include gardening, reading (non-fiction), natural history and collecting caterpillars. Jeanne has also worked on scripts for TV, including POLLY POCKET and THE SLOW NORRIS, and a pilot TV series for DR XARGLE. She lives in North London with her husband and two children.

Reviews

[Jack Gorst · Rating 1 out of 5]

Essentially a propaganda children’s book about Alton Towers, and how fantastical and magical the place is. While the resort is wonderful, and I did have a brilliant time, all I could feel from reading the book was that I was living in a dystopian future where all books were approved by the fable folk dictator, or maybe Mr. Towers himself.

The chapter ‘Fun at The Crooked Spoon’ cracked me up because that eating experience was once of the worst I’ve ever had. Overpriced food (that to be fair was very nice) and a server who moaned about my partner’s allergies (not happy with you Ozzy 😡) so not the wonderfully unusual adventure of the characters. I find it easier to believe that little people live in the inside of the walls of the huts behind the little doors, than someone having a positive experience at that restaurant.

I don’t even think kids would like this story much. It felt confusing and unclear. Did the children have a fun time? Was the trip even for them? Why write a book where the highlight for the children was cleaning up some rooms for other people? It makes Alton Towers sound like slave labour.

I don’t recommend this book, but if you are at the hut and have a spare hour while your kids are playing on the seesaw or what have you, and you want to read some tat, this could be the book for you!

[Maria · Rating 2 out of 5]

As a book for kids - it’s rubbish. The family go to Alton Towers, the adults act like they’re high and the kids have to be their caretakers oh and also be like magical housekeeping staff for the resort.

For adults - a bit of a laugh, especially if you’ve got anyone in the family with the same name as a character in the book.

Read it for a laugh because it was free. Totally wouldn’t bother otherwise and certainly would’ve massively regretted my life choices if I’d read it to my kids when they were younger.

[Danica Caunt · Rating 2 out of 5]

Would be nice for young children but there wasn’t really much plot, no problems arise or anything like that it just seems like the book describes their day

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunning book

[Lou · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quickly read through this book whilst staying over at work and it's definitely a cute book and an easy read for younger readers.