Granny Rainbow

by Katherine Hetzel

A collection of illustrated short stories about Granny Rainbow, a lady with a knack for solving problems; she's always got a powder or a potion for the job.

Suitable for children of 6-10yrs.

Currently available for purchase direct only via
http://microscribbler.wix.com/katheri...

102 pages, Paperback

First published March 15, 2014

About the author

Author and volunteer librarian at a local primary school.

Primarily a children's author, but with short stories for adults in various anthologies.

Lover of cold chicken and liquorice (not at the same time), who has a thing about rainbows.

Favourite author - Sir Terry Pratchett.

https://www.katherinehetzel.com/

Reviews

[S.P. Moss · Rating 4 out of 5]

A CHEERFUL AND COLOURFUL COLLECTION

“It all started with…”

So begins each of the seven tales about the resourceful Granny Rainbow, who helps her friends and neighbours to resolve their problems with a large dollop of common sense, topped with a sprinkle of magic – in all the colours of the rainbow. And it doesn’t matter whether it’s a batty professor with an out-of-control marmalade-machine or a visitor from outer space – Granny Rainbow saves the day with her unflappable capability, and a twinkle in the eye.

The stories are full of fun and come in nice bedtime-sized chunks. There’s a super combination of the familiar and expected – plenty of cups of tea and cake – and the slightly off-beat and nutty. The cast of characters reminded me a little of one of my favourite books as a child – Professor Branestawn. The illustrations of the characters and the cover design are charming and very appealing. My particular favourite was the Colonel in “Granny Rainbow and Sunflower Saturday.”

These stories would be ideal to read aloud to children of 5 or 6 upwards, and for older children to read themselves – and I suspect a few parents will be drawn into the colourful world of Granny Rainbow, too!

Available to buy here:
http://microscribbler.wix.com/katheri...

[Katherine Hetzel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Am I allowed to review my own book, I wonder? I don't know...so I won't review it, (I'll leave that up to whoever else decides to read it) and instead I'll tell you how the book came to be written.
(If, by doing so, I've violated a Goodreads code somewhere, do let me know and I'll take it down!)

I wrote a short story, 'Granny Rainbow and the Black Shadow' which was published in 'Reading is Magic', an anthology raising money for the NSPCC. My son, knowing my love of all things rainbow, told me I had to write more stories about Granny Rainbow - 'one for every colour of the rainbow, please.' So I did.

The idea of publishing them as a collection in their own right started to develop, and I asked Laura (who I've known for years) if she'd like to illustrate the stories, seeing as how she'd already illustrated one children's book before leaving school and was about to embark on a degree in Graphic Design and Illustration. She said yes.

So Granny Rainbow was born...a collection of seven illustrated short stories for children.

If you read it, please let me know what you think.

Thanks, Katherine

[Mandyb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book to my 3 and 6 year old boys at bedtime - one story per night - and it was perfect for them. They loved all the different problems and Granny Rainbow's magic powders - particular favourites were Granny defeating the Black Shadow, the bake-off that got out of hand and there were lots of giggles especially in the marmalade chapter! The stories are engaging and quirky and I'm sure that when my children are able to read for themselves, they will read this one over and over again.

[J.A. Ironside · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got a signed copy from the author years ago, read it at the time, then dug it out to read at storytime at work last week (library!) The audience - fifteen 4 -6 year olds - were completely enthralled. They were only supposed to be getting 2 or 3 stories but the clamours of 'please can we have one more?' led to me reading almost the entire book to them. They're back next week for the rest. I think I'll have to bring the second Granny Rainbow book with me too or they might riot!
I can confirm that it is a charming collection of magical stories with plenty of colour, and that it's absolutely perfect for its target audience.

[Rozelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was really impressed with this book. Having endured way too many identi-plot Rainbow Fairy Magic books, this was a refreshing change. Well formed characters, a well paced storyline, good ending - why can't all children's books be like this?