Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Stars: A charming collection of stories and poems from the Dales, filled with laughter, warmth and the wisdom of children

by Gervase Phinn

Twinkle, Twinkle Little Stars is the second delightful collection of stories and poems from Gervase Phinn.Following on from the terrific success of A Wayne in a Manger, Gervase Phinn has collected together from his bestselling Dales books his favourite stories about children, and included some poems from his popular Puffin poetry books. In this humorously illustrated book, the stories have one thing in common - the wonderfully funny (and usually innocent) things that children say. What makes Naomi's granny wobble? What's the secret ingredient in Richard's jam tarts? What is Billy's unconventional method for making babies?Whether they are stories about children who cannot read very well but know the names of many breeds of sheep or children who are more privileged (coming to school in a Wolls-Woyce), they are simply delightful. Twinkle, Twinkle Little Stars is a heart-warming book will enchant you, as Gervase Phinn helps you look at life through a child's eyes - and that's quite a special thing.'Gervase Phinn's memoirs have made him a hero in school staff-rooms' Daily TelegraphGervase Phinn is an author and educator from Rotherham who, after teaching for fourteen years in a variety of schools, moved to North Yorkshire to be a school inspector. He has written autobiographies, novels, plays, collections of poetry and stories, as well as a number of books about education. He holds five fellowships, honorary doctorates from Hull, Leicester and Sheffield Hallam universities, and is a patron of a number of children's charities and organizations. He is married with four adult children. His books include The Other Side of the Dale, Over Hill and Dale, Head Over Heels in the Dales,The Heart of the Dales, Up and Down in the Dales and Trouble at the Little Village School.

Genres: Nonfiction, Humor, Childrens, Short Stories, Christmas

112 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 6, 2008

About the author

Gervase Phinn (born 27 December 1946, Rotherham, South Yorkshire, England) is an English author and educator. After a career as a teacher he became a schools inspector.

He is now a freelance lecturer, broadcaster and writer, a consultant for the Open University, Honorary Fellow of St. John's College, York, Doctor of Letters (D.Litt) of the University of Leicester, Doctor of Letters (D.Litt) of The University of Hull and the Fellow and Visiting Professor of Education at The University of Teesside.

In 2005 the highest academic award of Sheffield Hallam University, Doctor of the University (D.Univ.) was conferred upon him by the Chancellor, Professor Lord Robert Winston. In 2006 he became President of The School Library Association.

He has published five volumes of memoir, collections of poetry and a number of books about education. He has a particular interest in children's literature and literacy.
He is married with four grown-up children.

Reviews

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very funny- made me laugh out loud.

[Bev Walkling · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a delightful little book that is perfect for picking up and putting down (great bathroom book) as the chapters are short and to the point. The author is a retired school inspector and the anecdotes shared in this book are ones that were apparently first published in his longer books. They are a real eye-opener to looking at life through the eyes of a child. i had many good chuckles while reading it and will be passing my copy on to a dedicated kindergarten teacher as I believe it will speak to her heart.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A makes you smile or laugh light read

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is absolutely hilarious. If you need a quick pick-me up, then this is the book for you. As each story is told in sections, you can pick it up at any time, read a few and be laughing out loud in minutes. The saying "out of the mouths of babes" is certainly true, and these stories reflect how children say things without any thought or consideration, with the funniest results. READ IT NOW!!

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really wonderful pick-me-up of a book. I enjoyed 'A Wayne In A Manger' and 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Stars' is just as funny with some fabulous stories of the things that children say.

It's lovely to be reminded of just how innocent most little children are and the dryness of the Yorkshire humour that runs through the book.

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some may say this writer is far fetched but for me he is an entertainment and gives great pleasure.What could we all learn from Mr Phinn? To shut up and listen.

[Faye · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Enjoyable, funny and heart-warming. It takes you to an innocent world of children, full of fun and laughter. I devoured the book in an hour and had a smile on my face all day.

[Wilde Sky · Rating 3 out of 5]

A school inspector recounts various anecdotes.

Amusing in places, but not as funny as ‘A Wayne in a Manager’ (by the same author).

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely little book celebrating the innocence of children.

[Jenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this a couple of anecdotes at a time and I enjoyed it. It's light hearted and fun and you can't help laugh at the things kids say. It's a bit twee and small doses is the way to go.

[Beth · Rating 2 out of 5]

This little book of anecdotes by Gervase Phinn was fairly amusing and I enjoyed the poems but it is not entirely that different from his Dales books.

[Felicity · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to his job as school inspector in Northern Yorkshire for 10 years, Gervase Phinn now shares some of his best stories about the children he encountered in these schools. If you haven't read any of his books, do yourself a BIG favour and start with this one, it's brilliant! You'll find it quick to read and I'm sure you'll find yourself laughing out loud at the honesty of these children. My favourite two would have to be Wayne and Shane.

[Kerry-Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful! Heartwarming! Loved these stories and these children!

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

52 Book Club Reading Mini-Challenge- Prompt: December on the Cover

Received as a Christmas present 🎁

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twinkle Twinkle Little Stars by Gervase Phinn is the most enchanting little book about the hilarious tales the author has come across in his years as school inspector for Yorkshire.
Told in a very down to earth, personable style, the reader sniggers and titters throughout. The children are straight faced as they inject humour into what they say. “Can you tell me how many sheep you can see in that field?” “Aye, I can… I can see all on ‘em.”
As well as being literal, the children sometimes mispronounce words. One young one refers to ‘Old Timers Disease’ instead of Alzheimer’s’. It certainly has a friendlier tone to that.
There are so many delightfully amusing poems too.
This is a true gem of a book, guaranteed to make you chuckle.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

really funny love this author