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Kingdom of Silk #3
Perry Angel's Suitcase
The third instalment in the award-winning KINGDOM OF SILK series.
It has taken Perry Angel almost seven years to find the place where he belongs. He arrives at the Kingdom of Silk one day on the ten-thirty express, carrying only a small and shabby suitcase embossed with five golden letters. What do those letters mean? And why won't Perry let go of his case?
This is a gentle and moving story about finding your place in the world - and there could be no better place than with Griffin Silk, his family and his best friend, Layla. Following on from the success of the Naming of Tishkin Silk and Layla, Queen of Hearts comes this third instalment in Glenda Millard's award-winning Kingdom of Silk series.
The Naming of Tishkin Silk was shortlisted for the 2004 NSW Premier's Literary Awards and was an Honour book in the CBCA Children's Book of the Year Awards.
Layla, Queen of Hearts was shortlisted in the CBCA Children's Book of the Year Awards and won the 2007 Queensland Premier's Literary Award for best children's book.
Perry Angel's Suitcase was shortlisted in the NSW Premier's Literary Awards and the WA Premier's Literary Awards and won the CBCA Book of the Year Award for Younger Readers.
JUDGES' COMMENTS
'this heart warming story of a young orphan boy who finally finds a home is depicted with beautiful use of language. Millard offers young readers moving insights into the business of being family, and how 'belonging' can be a wide and generous experience. Neatly sidestepping overt sentimentality, much of the charm of this work lies in the gentleness and goodness inherent in the people who inhabit the book' - WA Premier's Literary Award judges, 2008
'together the individual characters in this story nurture and encourage each other, revealing a heart-warming picture of how delightfully rewarding fostering can be for all concerned. this third book in the Kingdom of Silk series is as engaging as the first two titles. Like the previous stories, it is wonderfully written and can be read as a stand-alone book which is not always the case for books in a series. Millard has a wonderful way of developing her characters, drawing the reader into the context of the story' - NSW Premier's Literary Award judges, 2009
It has taken Perry Angel almost seven years to find the place where he belongs. He arrives at the Kingdom of Silk one day on the ten-thirty express, carrying only a small and shabby suitcase embossed with five golden letters. What do those letters mean? And why won't Perry let go of his case?
This is a gentle and moving story about finding your place in the world - and there could be no better place than with Griffin Silk, his family and his best friend, Layla. Following on from the success of the Naming of Tishkin Silk and Layla, Queen of Hearts comes this third instalment in Glenda Millard's award-winning Kingdom of Silk series.
The Naming of Tishkin Silk was shortlisted for the 2004 NSW Premier's Literary Awards and was an Honour book in the CBCA Children's Book of the Year Awards.
Layla, Queen of Hearts was shortlisted in the CBCA Children's Book of the Year Awards and won the 2007 Queensland Premier's Literary Award for best children's book.
Perry Angel's Suitcase was shortlisted in the NSW Premier's Literary Awards and the WA Premier's Literary Awards and won the CBCA Book of the Year Award for Younger Readers.
JUDGES' COMMENTS
'this heart warming story of a young orphan boy who finally finds a home is depicted with beautiful use of language. Millard offers young readers moving insights into the business of being family, and how 'belonging' can be a wide and generous experience. Neatly sidestepping overt sentimentality, much of the charm of this work lies in the gentleness and goodness inherent in the people who inhabit the book' - WA Premier's Literary Award judges, 2008
'together the individual characters in this story nurture and encourage each other, revealing a heart-warming picture of how delightfully rewarding fostering can be for all concerned. this third book in the Kingdom of Silk series is as engaging as the first two titles. Like the previous stories, it is wonderfully written and can be read as a stand-alone book which is not always the case for books in a series. Millard has a wonderful way of developing her characters, drawing the reader into the context of the story' - NSW Premier's Literary Award judges, 2009
113 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
7 people are currently reading
121 people want to read
About the author
Glenda Millard
36 books96 followersGlenda Millard was born in the Goldfields region of Central Victoria and has lived in the area all her life. The communities she has lived in and the surrounding landscapes have provided a rich source of inspiration and settings for many of her stories.
It was not until Glenda's four children became teenagers that she began to write in her spare time. She is now a full-time writer.
Apart from writing, some of Glenda's favorite things are Jack Russell Terriers, hot-air ballooning, making and eating bread and pizza in the wood-fired oven that her husband built in the back yard, and reading books which either make her laugh or cry.
Glenda has published six picture books, three junior fiction titles, short stories and two young adult titles. 'The Naming of Tishkin Silk' was shortlisted in the CBCA Book of the Year Awards and for the NSW Premier's Literary Awards.
It was not until Glenda's four children became teenagers that she began to write in her spare time. She is now a full-time writer.
Apart from writing, some of Glenda's favorite things are Jack Russell Terriers, hot-air ballooning, making and eating bread and pizza in the wood-fired oven that her husband built in the back yard, and reading books which either make her laugh or cry.
Glenda has published six picture books, three junior fiction titles, short stories and two young adult titles. 'The Naming of Tishkin Silk' was shortlisted in the CBCA Book of the Year Awards and for the NSW Premier's Literary Awards.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
November 17, 2015
This review is not just about Perry Angel’s Suitcase but two other books in The Kingdom of Silk series: Layla, Queen of Hearts and The Naming of Tishkin Silk.
Tender and lyrical prose, gentle and almost achingly poignant moments and a golden daffy-down-dilly air pervading the stories: make sure you grab your tissue box before reading the Kingdom of Silk series.
Although I've rated them highly, I admit to some doubts. Because I'm not sure these stories for children are aimed at the right age group.
Don’t get me wrong. Every story in the Kingdom of Silk series is exquisite and almost incomparably beautiful. Each of them speaks wholeness and healing and wonder to the soul. I needed several tissues in each story to wipe away the tears: whether it was over Griffin’s misunderstanding that his baby sister had gone away because he didn’t love her enough or Perry’s mute solitude as he strives to understand why his mother would leave him in a suitcase stolen from a thrift shop and go to heaven without him.
Each tale is a like a toasty warm hug with a mug of hot chocolate.
However, as I recall myself in Middle Primary school — an avid reader with a taste for everything from Knight Crusader to Anne of Green Gables — I wonder if I would have understood the velvet subtleties of these stories. I’m a reader who likes to be one of the characters, not watch them from the outside. However I found it hard to fit myself inside the mind and emotions of a seven or eight-year-old character as I read these stories.
Instead of being stories of hope for children, I suspect their massive appeal lies in the fact they are really wildly-nostalgic stories for adults about how broken childhoods (and sometimes even broken adulthoods) should have been.
Tender and lyrical prose, gentle and almost achingly poignant moments and a golden daffy-down-dilly air pervading the stories: make sure you grab your tissue box before reading the Kingdom of Silk series.
Although I've rated them highly, I admit to some doubts. Because I'm not sure these stories for children are aimed at the right age group.
Don’t get me wrong. Every story in the Kingdom of Silk series is exquisite and almost incomparably beautiful. Each of them speaks wholeness and healing and wonder to the soul. I needed several tissues in each story to wipe away the tears: whether it was over Griffin’s misunderstanding that his baby sister had gone away because he didn’t love her enough or Perry’s mute solitude as he strives to understand why his mother would leave him in a suitcase stolen from a thrift shop and go to heaven without him.
Each tale is a like a toasty warm hug with a mug of hot chocolate.
However, as I recall myself in Middle Primary school — an avid reader with a taste for everything from Knight Crusader to Anne of Green Gables — I wonder if I would have understood the velvet subtleties of these stories. I’m a reader who likes to be one of the characters, not watch them from the outside. However I found it hard to fit myself inside the mind and emotions of a seven or eight-year-old character as I read these stories.
Instead of being stories of hope for children, I suspect their massive appeal lies in the fact they are really wildly-nostalgic stories for adults about how broken childhoods (and sometimes even broken adulthoods) should have been.
April 11, 2017
Delightful as always.
August 2, 2023
Perry Angel turns up at The Kingdom of Silk clutching a mysterious suitcase that he refuses to let go.
This is a beautifully written story touching on some hard hitting topics with tenderness and a charmingly light touch.
Perry Angel is a foster boy who has been shunted between multiple foster homes, never managing to find a place where he belongs. Perry always feels like a burden; unworthy of love or acceptance. When he is sent to the Silks he is expecting the same treatment. But the silks are a chaotic, ramshackle family who have nothing but love in their hearts. Over several months of living with the Silks Perry finds the love and sense of belonging he has been searching for.
This book was wonderful, dealing with such difficult topics with care. It hits all the right notes for both the content and it's expected audience, while still being captivating and engaging for people of all ages to enjoy.
I loved this book so much, it took me by surprise and made me cry, honestly, a masterpiece.
This is a beautifully written story touching on some hard hitting topics with tenderness and a charmingly light touch.
Perry Angel is a foster boy who has been shunted between multiple foster homes, never managing to find a place where he belongs. Perry always feels like a burden; unworthy of love or acceptance. When he is sent to the Silks he is expecting the same treatment. But the silks are a chaotic, ramshackle family who have nothing but love in their hearts. Over several months of living with the Silks Perry finds the love and sense of belonging he has been searching for.
This book was wonderful, dealing with such difficult topics with care. It hits all the right notes for both the content and it's expected audience, while still being captivating and engaging for people of all ages to enjoy.
I loved this book so much, it took me by surprise and made me cry, honestly, a masterpiece.
February 27, 2019
Beautiful story with such descriptive writing. I read it to my 6 and 9 year old and they thoroughly enjoy the story. I havent read the first two books and can say this book stands on it own just fine. However it was such a lovely read I want to read the other two books now.
April 16, 2020
This is such a cute story! I read this whole series when I was much younger and I loved it then. You don't necessarily have to read the series to enjoy the singular books. As an adult, I was able to understand the significance of a story about a little foster boy finding his home.
April 22, 2019
I completely understood how Perry was feeling.
July 20, 2021
I was a little confused of context as I hadn't read the others, but still a beautiful story about family and the different shapes they can take. Explained in a great way for kids.
January 18, 2023
A book full of love. Got my eyes watery several times, and it's only 113 pages! Some unexpected secrets were unfolded. Lovely characters. Can't wait to read the next book in the series!
Read
May 28, 2011Reading age 8 to 11
Awards:
2009 Shortlist CBCA Book of the Year: Younger Readers
Annotation:
The Kingdom of Silk proves to be a place of healing for Perry, a young boy the Silk family foster.
Perry is so fragile it is appropriate Ben Silk carves him an egg to hold (but it is sturdy, made from olive wood) though his most precious possession is a small suitcase with gold letters on the outside. He clutches this like a security blanket and it is a repository for his worries, hopes and secret thoughts.
Griffin and Layla are Perry’s allies and very gradually this poor, emotionally injured boy finds his way to happiness, trust and love.
The third book in the Kingdom of Silk series about a large, loving family who are quite different to most contemporary families. There is a revelation at the end about Ben Silk and foster families. Have a hanky handy!
Themes in this book:
Adoption. Artists. Belonging. Children. Family life. Foster home care. Friendship-girls and boys. Happiness. Home. Hope. Gratitude. Love. Mothers.
Awards:
2009 Shortlist CBCA Book of the Year: Younger Readers
Annotation:
The Kingdom of Silk proves to be a place of healing for Perry, a young boy the Silk family foster.
Perry is so fragile it is appropriate Ben Silk carves him an egg to hold (but it is sturdy, made from olive wood) though his most precious possession is a small suitcase with gold letters on the outside. He clutches this like a security blanket and it is a repository for his worries, hopes and secret thoughts.
Griffin and Layla are Perry’s allies and very gradually this poor, emotionally injured boy finds his way to happiness, trust and love.
The third book in the Kingdom of Silk series about a large, loving family who are quite different to most contemporary families. There is a revelation at the end about Ben Silk and foster families. Have a hanky handy!
Themes in this book:
Adoption. Artists. Belonging. Children. Family life. Foster home care. Friendship-girls and boys. Happiness. Home. Hope. Gratitude. Love. Mothers.
March 29, 2012
I have never been moved to tears by a children's book but this one did it. A beautifully told story of a young boy abandoned by his mother, and how he finds a new home with an unusual but amazingly loving family. Adult readers might generally find the Silk family too good to be true bu this reader loved them and wanted to meet them and go to have dinner with them. The use of a suitcase as a Perry's "security blanket" and his ideas about heaven were totally believable. I felt genuine empathy for him and his situation. Well done to the author. This novel also features an unusually long orientation for a narrative. The complication comes deep into the story and is resolved very quickly but this does not at all detract from the strength of the narrative. Loved it. Highly recommended quick read for adults, and definitely a good one one for children with good moral values.
March 30, 2015
Another beautifully poignant novel in Millard's "Kingdom of Silk" series.
Another big, sensitive topic - fostering and foster children. Although Perry Angel, in his traumatized state, doesn't say a word throughout the whole novel, we are aware of his innermost turmoil
and the reasons he acts and reacts as he does.
I feel this series is far more appreciated by adults than children, but nevertheless, they are pure magic.
Not my favourite in the series, but still a gorgeous little novel. Glenda Millard must have a beautiful soul. Looking forward to reading more.
Another big, sensitive topic - fostering and foster children. Although Perry Angel, in his traumatized state, doesn't say a word throughout the whole novel, we are aware of his innermost turmoil
and the reasons he acts and reacts as he does.
I feel this series is far more appreciated by adults than children, but nevertheless, they are pure magic.
Not my favourite in the series, but still a gorgeous little novel. Glenda Millard must have a beautiful soul. Looking forward to reading more.
June 1, 2014
I have never read any other Kingdom of Silk books and only read this by accident but what a nice surprise it was. This book slowly unfolded but drew us in nonetheless. Perry is an intriguing child but it was the Silk family I enjoyed being around. No wonder Layla likes to visit them so much but she's just as lovable. A wonderfully simple story about kindness and acceptance - a beautiful lesson for me and my children.
January 2, 2015
This series is a curious and very rare thing. It's quietly so beautiful and moving it is almost eerie. This 3rd volume in the series is all about the fostering of a new child in the Silk family; the worries different members of the family have about how the dynamics of family life may change, the fears of the new member about whether or not he will ever find somewhere he feels at home. Again love, kindness, empathy seep through all the pages and words, without ever feeling cheap or sacchariny.
Read
July 28, 2011Another cute book about the Silk family, this time covering the idea of family and how it can go beyond simple genetic relations. Great books for kids, gets a message across without any feel of 'preaching'
January 12, 2012
BOO HOO HOO. Wub.
July 18, 2012
Book 3 of Kingdom of Silk
December 16, 2014
Charming and sweet, a little boy finds a new home with the warm hearted Silks.
October 27, 2013
Pleasant. Not as cry-worthy as the others, but a peaceful kind of read for gentle souls.
October 28, 2013
Totally deserving of a 5.
June 5, 2018
Another beautiful tale. They don't last long enough to me so will savour this a while before getting the next in the series. At least I still have four more to read for the first time :-)
February 14, 2015
Perry's tale of finally feeling like he belongs is an emotional read.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews