What do you think?
Rate this book
Mr. Pipes #1
Mr. Pipes & the British Hymn Makers
Early teens who love adventure and the Christian faith will enjoy reading this fictional account of two young Americans, Annie and Drew, who are on vacation in England. These young people wind up lear
241 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2000
5 people are currently reading
137 people want to read
About the author
Douglas Bond
79 books227 followersDouglas Bond, author of more than thirty books--several now in Dutch, Portuguese, Romanian, and Korean--is father of six, and grandfather of eleven--and counting--is Director for the Oxford Creative Writing Master Class and the Carolina Creative Writing Master Class, two-time Grace Award book finalist, adjunct instructor in Church history, recent advisory member to the national committee for Reformed University Fellowship, award-winning teacher, speaker at conferences, and leader of Church history tours in Europe.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
February 18, 2016
If you are interested in learning about the church, its hymns, its history, its people, and, most of all, about God, Douglas Bond is a must-read author. He writes a variety of fiction and non-fiction for adults and teens (though all of his books would be of great benefit to adults) that are focused on helping the reader understand who God is and how we can better worship Him. And does so in a most enjoyable manner that is accessible to readers of all ages.
In this case, this is the first in a series of four books about Mr. Pipes and two children, Annie and Drew. Mr. Pipes plays the organ in a Church of England parish in Olney, Bedfordshire, England. Annie and Drew are two young American children (probably about 13 or so) who think they are going to be stuck in Olney for a boring summer whilst their mother pursues her research in a local library. But instead they meet Mr. Pipes, who not only shows them all around the local countryside and a bit of London, but also gives them a once in a lifetime tour of many British hymn writers while instructing them about how good hymns help us to worship and enjoy God. Each chapter is about a different hymn writer, but also includes some adventure like sailing down teh River great Ouse, hiking to a cave, or visiting the organ in London that Charles Wesley played as he was composing many of his hymns.
We took full advantage of this book on our trip to the UK last year. We used it as a guide to help us know where different hymn writers were from, focus on one hymn in each region we visited, and guide our trip to museums about or the homes of some of the hymn writers. We saw Charles Wesley's organ, visited the home of William Cowper (now the Cowper and (John) Newton--Amazing Grace-- Museum and the John Bunyan (Pilgrim's Progress) Museum, and sang some wonderful hymns. It turned out that my family (the Peacocks) is originally from Bedfordshire so we also were able to see the churches where some of my ancestors were baptized, married, and buried.
All of this thanks to Douglas Bond--and God. Our lives and our worship are richer because of his books. Everyone and their children should read them.
In this case, this is the first in a series of four books about Mr. Pipes and two children, Annie and Drew. Mr. Pipes plays the organ in a Church of England parish in Olney, Bedfordshire, England. Annie and Drew are two young American children (probably about 13 or so) who think they are going to be stuck in Olney for a boring summer whilst their mother pursues her research in a local library. But instead they meet Mr. Pipes, who not only shows them all around the local countryside and a bit of London, but also gives them a once in a lifetime tour of many British hymn writers while instructing them about how good hymns help us to worship and enjoy God. Each chapter is about a different hymn writer, but also includes some adventure like sailing down teh River great Ouse, hiking to a cave, or visiting the organ in London that Charles Wesley played as he was composing many of his hymns.
We took full advantage of this book on our trip to the UK last year. We used it as a guide to help us know where different hymn writers were from, focus on one hymn in each region we visited, and guide our trip to museums about or the homes of some of the hymn writers. We saw Charles Wesley's organ, visited the home of William Cowper (now the Cowper and (John) Newton--Amazing Grace-- Museum and the John Bunyan (Pilgrim's Progress) Museum, and sang some wonderful hymns. It turned out that my family (the Peacocks) is originally from Bedfordshire so we also were able to see the churches where some of my ancestors were baptized, married, and buried.
All of this thanks to Douglas Bond--and God. Our lives and our worship are richer because of his books. Everyone and their children should read them.
April 2, 2024
A bit cheesy, but I loved reading with my kids. Learning about Hymn writers... reading and seeing the young boy, Drew, as his faith is solidified...all the while praying for my children's faith to grow as we read and discussed together.
August 7, 2007
I read this as an assignment for a Christian homeschooling academy in which I was enrolled. I was, thankfully, removed from that particular educational program a year later.
As with the other Mr. Pipes book I was forced to read, this book was a dreadful piece of crap (the academy sure didn't like it when I said that during a book review). The dialogue was moronic; the situations were moronic; and the life lessons I was supposed to be learning were lost because I was so unbelievably bored.
I'd have all me teeth removed with a hammer before reading another Mr. Pipes book. Douglas Bond, be ashamed of the creation you brought into this world.
As with the other Mr. Pipes book I was forced to read, this book was a dreadful piece of crap (the academy sure didn't like it when I said that during a book review). The dialogue was moronic; the situations were moronic; and the life lessons I was supposed to be learning were lost because I was so unbelievably bored.
I'd have all me teeth removed with a hammer before reading another Mr. Pipes book. Douglas Bond, be ashamed of the creation you brought into this world.
December 22, 2023
5+ stars (7/10 hearts). How I love this book! I love the hymns—almost every single one. I love the histories of the men and women behind the hymns. I love the British talk and the little British town and Mr. Pipes and Dr. Dudley and all the other inhabitants. And Annie and Drew, of course. ;) I do not agree with all his ideas, and if I were reading this to an unsaved child I would explain the Gospel much more clearly than it is represented here, but it is a wonderful read for anyone. <3 This doesn’t sound half as enthusiastic as some of my reviews, but I love this book so much it’s hard to find words for it. ^-^
A Favourite Quote: “Many hymns are prayers that express our desire after God better than we can ourselves. It is a glorious thing to worship God, and hymns will give you words with which to worship him.”
A Favourite Beautiful Quote: Stretching below them, the sparkling river, bordered on one side by rolling green pasture, seemed to beckon as it grew narrower and finally disappeared around a distant bend.
“Where did it go?” Annie wondered to herself with a sigh.
A Favourite Humorous Quote: Drew ... stood straight up and stepped eagerly toward the rowing thwart[.] Toplady tipped dangerously to her port[. His] next step sent the little craft to her starboard rail[.]
“We’ll be bathing—not fishing—if you keep that up, Drew,” said Mr. Pipes. “... I dearly love the river, mind you, but I prefer our relationship to remain as it is—me dry and on top, the river wet and underneath. It is entirely in the prepositions, my boy. ‘On’ not ‘in’ the water; do try and observe this rule.”
A Favourite Quote: “Many hymns are prayers that express our desire after God better than we can ourselves. It is a glorious thing to worship God, and hymns will give you words with which to worship him.”
A Favourite Beautiful Quote: Stretching below them, the sparkling river, bordered on one side by rolling green pasture, seemed to beckon as it grew narrower and finally disappeared around a distant bend.
“Where did it go?” Annie wondered to herself with a sigh.
A Favourite Humorous Quote: Drew ... stood straight up and stepped eagerly toward the rowing thwart[.] Toplady tipped dangerously to her port[. His] next step sent the little craft to her starboard rail[.]
“We’ll be bathing—not fishing—if you keep that up, Drew,” said Mr. Pipes. “... I dearly love the river, mind you, but I prefer our relationship to remain as it is—me dry and on top, the river wet and underneath. It is entirely in the prepositions, my boy. ‘On’ not ‘in’ the water; do try and observe this rule.”
November 19, 2012
Sigh. Oh I don't know how many stars to give this book. I wanted to read it b/c I thought it'd be a simple way to learn about the history of some of the great hymns.... in a children's story format. But the story seemed forced, the dialogue unrealistic, and at times, it was..yawn.. boring. I wanted it to work. It could have worked. But the author made the conversations so stilted, the children's characters saying things no child would ever say.. I liked the narratives about the hymn writers,(and so it gets two stars for that) but unfortunately they were enmeshed w/campy-corny-make-me-cringe dialogues, and so it was a tedious read. Unfortunately these Mr Pipes books are often required reading for some on-line homeschools. They should really find something else! I don't think I'll read the other book Mr. Pipes and Psalms and Hymns of the Reformation. I wanted to, but I don't think I could stay awake long enough... (yawn)
February 17, 2024
How do I adequately describe the experience of reading this book?
I was about 14, homeschooled, emphatically Christian, a lover of Tolkien and Lewis, a student of piano and an appreciator of classical music.
And this book assigned by my satellite school nearly undid ALL OF THAT.
Bond is POMPOUS. Bond is SHALLOW. Bond is pretty much LEGALISTIC. Bond demonizes CD PLAYERS. Bond cannot write realistic, fleshed-out teenagers to save himself from being burned by Nero. Bond made me (for a time) hate hymns I adored because his stuffy, stiff approach poisoned them.
If you want your kids to appreciate church history or the rich array of hymns, SPARE THEM THIS MONSTROSITY!
I was about 14, homeschooled, emphatically Christian, a lover of Tolkien and Lewis, a student of piano and an appreciator of classical music.
And this book assigned by my satellite school nearly undid ALL OF THAT.
Bond is POMPOUS. Bond is SHALLOW. Bond is pretty much LEGALISTIC. Bond demonizes CD PLAYERS. Bond cannot write realistic, fleshed-out teenagers to save himself from being burned by Nero. Bond made me (for a time) hate hymns I adored because his stuffy, stiff approach poisoned them.
If you want your kids to appreciate church history or the rich array of hymns, SPARE THEM THIS MONSTROSITY!
August 21, 2012
Cute story of a brother and sister who spend the summer in England. While their mother is working they explore and meet a man nicknamed Mr. pipes. He plays the organ in a local church and is an expert on the history of British hymns. He teaches them all about these hymn writers and their Christian lives. He also takes them on Some fun adventures. As they spend the summer with them, they also learn a lot about Christianity and decide to convert. A lot of fun historical stories, and also scores of many great hymns at the end of each chapter. I loved learning the history of many of the hymns that we sing in our church still today. This book is recommended for high school aged students, but is also great read aloud to younger kids, too.
May 18, 2021
“Music is a gift of God and has enormous power that can help lead us to virtue.”
This collection of short biographies of British Hymn Makers is wrapped in a delightful story of the adventures of Annie and Drew, two young Americans vacationing in England. The history described in these pages makes me want to vacation in England as well and see the sights for myself. Although this is a juvenile book, I enjoyed it enough to buy the whole series. There is just something about being reminded of the beautiful language in hymns and the desire to sing out to God in these pages. It makes me ever more grateful of all those hymn writers, and equally sad our modern worship songs lack such depth. We have lost something.
This collection of short biographies of British Hymn Makers is wrapped in a delightful story of the adventures of Annie and Drew, two young Americans vacationing in England. The history described in these pages makes me want to vacation in England as well and see the sights for myself. Although this is a juvenile book, I enjoyed it enough to buy the whole series. There is just something about being reminded of the beautiful language in hymns and the desire to sing out to God in these pages. It makes me ever more grateful of all those hymn writers, and equally sad our modern worship songs lack such depth. We have lost something.
March 12, 2014
This is such a great series, especially as a read-a-loud with the kids. The hymns and hymn writers are such an encouragement to my faith. I pray it helps my children appreciate what and why we sing even more.
November 20, 2019
I believe this is my favorite of the Mr. Pipes books. There are great stories of hymnwriters, lovely lyrics familiar and new, and I was inspired to look up more of their hymns. There is also a clear gospel message.
September 3, 2016
I love this series. Whoever loves history, this series is for them! I love how Mr. Bond includes exciting adventures throughout the book as Annie and Drew learn about hymn writers.
July 27, 2024
Anyone who knows me well knows I have an extreme love of music. I love music in almost any form but am especially enamored with wonderful pieces that can be used in liturgy.
Christian Liberty Press has a suggested grade level of 7th through 10th grade for this particular title. I’d argue that the actual writing is quite manageable for a younger student or even lends itself well to being read aloud. I know that my high school student considers the writing level of this text to be below his grade level. Even my 7th grader feels that way. They also raised eyebrows at times as the setting for the story of Annie and Drew seems to be from more than a decade ago. (iPods and mp3 players have usurped the discman Drew totes around town.) All of this aside, the material presented is rife with plenty of topics for further discussion that an older student is better able to handle while a younger student could take it all at face value as a nice story about people that lived long ago.
Once the stage is initially set for Mr. Pipes to have the opportunity to bend Annie and Drew’s ears about the history of church music, the book can be read in small increments to allow for more focus upon each musician covered. As a musician and music lover, I really appreciated Mr. Bond’s placement of selected pieces IN the text. Sometimes the words are so familiar, but the tune eludes me until I see the notes.
For my Catholic readers, you will recognize many of the hymns as ones that are currently song in Catholic churches. When using this particular book with your children, be aware that the hymn makers were Protestant and often times held the Catholic Church in disregard. The author does not personally come out against Catholics, but in at least one chapter the historical figure in question viewed a return to Catholicism in England as a fate worst than death. However, I still find this a great title to learn more about these individuals who continue to touch lives through their prose and music.
Christian Liberty Press has a suggested grade level of 7th through 10th grade for this particular title. I’d argue that the actual writing is quite manageable for a younger student or even lends itself well to being read aloud. I know that my high school student considers the writing level of this text to be below his grade level. Even my 7th grader feels that way. They also raised eyebrows at times as the setting for the story of Annie and Drew seems to be from more than a decade ago. (iPods and mp3 players have usurped the discman Drew totes around town.) All of this aside, the material presented is rife with plenty of topics for further discussion that an older student is better able to handle while a younger student could take it all at face value as a nice story about people that lived long ago.
Once the stage is initially set for Mr. Pipes to have the opportunity to bend Annie and Drew’s ears about the history of church music, the book can be read in small increments to allow for more focus upon each musician covered. As a musician and music lover, I really appreciated Mr. Bond’s placement of selected pieces IN the text. Sometimes the words are so familiar, but the tune eludes me until I see the notes.
For my Catholic readers, you will recognize many of the hymns as ones that are currently song in Catholic churches. When using this particular book with your children, be aware that the hymn makers were Protestant and often times held the Catholic Church in disregard. The author does not personally come out against Catholics, but in at least one chapter the historical figure in question viewed a return to Catholicism in England as a fate worst than death. However, I still find this a great title to learn more about these individuals who continue to touch lives through their prose and music.
January 29, 2025
That is the highest rating I'll give it. I thought that having a girl character would make it manageable but it didn't. She was the most sensitive girl I have read about. She was a shame it was written in 1999, but still. Maybe the fact that I had to read this book played into my view, but it was not enjoyable. I think my appreciation for hymns went down by eighty percent.
June 11, 2017
Wanted to like this one. Info on hymn writers was good, but the story of Mr. Pipes and the children was not engaging at all, a real slog. Disappointed as I've read Bond's Crown and Covenant series and enjoyed it.
January 5, 2019
Good! If you like history, hymns, and fiction, read this!
April 24, 2025
Tried this as a read-aloud with my kids. It was so dry that we all had trouble following along and understanding the purpose. None of it was compelling or memorable.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews