Tree Soup: A Stanley Wells Mystery

Stanley Wells #2

by Joel Stewart

Stanley is sleeping in the caravan at the bottom of the garden of his new house. He awakes at the sound of an odd whooooomphing noise and goes to investigate. There appear to be new trees in the garden—very odd. And now his mom and the twins are missing. Could these things be connected? And what about Jim, the old man who lives in the woods with his parrot telling tales of the sea? Could he be involved somehow? Dr. Moon is the only person who can help Stanley with this puzzle, and luckily he's on his way.

180 pages, Paperback

First published August 7, 2008

About the author

Joel Stewart is a writer and illustrator of children's books. He spent the earliest years of his life in a commune in the wilds of Yorkshire, and spent the rest of his childhood in the north of England. He now lives and works in London UK.

Alongside his own picture books and chapter books, he is known internationally as an illustrator for contemporary authors such as Julia Donaldson, Carol Ann Duffy, Jeanne Willis, and Michael Rosen, and for classic texts by authors such as Hans Christian Andersen, Lewis Carroll and J.M Barrie.

He is also known as the creator/director of the hit children's animation series The Adventures of Abney & Teal, which he created, co-wrote, and directed under the guidance of Anne Wood and Ragdoll Productions LTD (creators of Tellytubbies and In the Night Garden).

Joel works in a variety of media, including digital, always with a love of drawing at the centre.

Reviews

[Smiley C · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was wholesome, alright. Children's books -- I'm rather surprised everybody at the end had a hearty dinner together, even the alleged 'villain' who is, in fact, not at all a villain.
The writing wasn't bad, but sounds like it's written by a kid: not a bad thing, just that I'm not the intended audience anyway. Stanley seemed flat to me, as is the 'Dr Moon' who doesn't actually do much (what is it with his EARS too??)
But overall, not bad, and the cover is pretty (not sure about some of the illustrations, but Morecambe the dog is adorable).

[Carolina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm a bit too old for these books but there are so many children' books that are so entertaining even for older people.. And this one wasn't like that. A bit boring and dragging in moments for me so it may be cool for younger kids but not very interesting for older people

[Abigail Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was fun and enjoyable even tho its for kids age 7+ lol .Got it for a cheap price when I buy a few secondhand books .The cover are quite inviting me to bought as well .Finish in just one night (since I can't sleep)

[siso.sofy · Rating 3 out of 5]

start my September reading with this book. bought this because of the offer on website that I always shop my books and I need something light to read after a hectic week of exam and marking. Reading children book can help me to improve my creative thinking.

[Kluxorious Kluxces · Rating 2 out of 5]

it started out kinda confusing at first but gradually, the event that took place was explained but it already threw off my mood for the whole story.

I think it was an over ambitious story telling that kinda get lost in itself.