Hurray for Ethelyn

by Babette Cole

Jealous colleagues of Ethelyn try to sabotage her dream of becoming a brain surgeon--but she overcomes, winning hearts in the process.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

Hardcover

First published September 1, 1991

About the author

Babette Cole was a British children's author and illustrator. Born on the island of Jersey in the Channel Islands in 1949, she attended the Canterbury College of Art (now the University for the Creative Arts) and received first-class BA Honors. She worked on such children's programmes as Bagpuss (working with Oliver Postgate and Peter Firmin) and Jackanory for BBC television.

As a children's writer, Cole created more than 150 picture books. Her best-seller Doctor Dog has been adapted as a successful children's cartoon series. Much of her work is earthy comedy, having titles like The Smelly Book, The Hairy Book, The Slimy Book and The Silly Book.

She spent her time writing, visiting schools and traveling. After a short illness she died on 15 January 2017, aged 66.

Reviews

[Rod Brown · Rating 1 out of 5]

Two thumbs down from me and my daughter. We disliked it when we first read it in 2004, and even more now in 2023.

The story is pure nonsense: wholly implausible plot developments with questionable timeframes. The art makes the rat characters as unattractive as real rats.

[Cordelia Dinsmore · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this little gem. I was especially impressed with the illustrations. So much was said with facial expressions, and my granddaughter had fun pointing out the 'bad' girls by the mean looks they gave.

[Heather Culley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bullies get caught

[Heidi Burkhart · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Cole's unique and quirky style we have this improbable little book. Written in 1991 there were far fewer heroines in traditionally male roles than there are today.

My granddaughters enjoyed the illustrations, the drama of the story and of course the "bad girls." A cute book but perhaps not one of Cole's best. I chose it because we were doing an author focus study about Cole and her books. This was a good addition.

[Jenna · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ikäväkseni joudun toteamaan, että tämä Babette Colen teos ei ole kestänyt aikaa. Kiusaamista käsitellään onneksi 2010-luvun lasten kirjallisuudessa hivenen järkevämmin kuin tässä 90-luvun alun teoksessa.

[Anna (booksandbookends) · Rating 2 out of 5]

A funny short read, but I felt it had little purpose and wasn't very enjoyable. Very confused by the ending of the story but it had some good potential for work with children.