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Kingdom of Silk #7
Nell's Festival of Crisp Winter Glories
The final book in the highly acclaimed, multi-award-winning KINGDOM OF SILK series is a heart-warming story about the power of love and family. 7+ two of Perry Angel's favourite people are Grandma Nell and his good friend Jenkins. One night, while listening to Nell play the beautiful tennessee Waltz, Perry thinks of the perfect way to bring his two favourite people he wants to put on a dance - a proper one with petticoats and posies and a real band. Perry shares his idea with his sisters, and before long the dance turns into a wonderful winter festival. But when something happens to Nell, will Perry's wish come true? Glenda Millard has won many prestigious awards for her Kingdom of Silk series, including CBCA Book of the Year for Younger Readers for Perry Angel's Suitcase, and the Queensland Premier's Children's Book Award for Layla, Queen of Hearts. Now this stunning series about the very 'uncommon' Silk family has its glorious finale in Nell's Festival of Crisp Winter Glories.
- GenresChildrens
105 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2013
1 person is currently reading
54 people want to read
About the author
Glenda Millard
36 books97 followersGlenda Millard was born in the Goldfields region of Central Victoria and has lived in the area all her life. The communities she has lived in and the surrounding landscapes have provided a rich source of inspiration and settings for many of her stories.
It was not until Glenda's four children became teenagers that she began to write in her spare time. She is now a full-time writer.
Apart from writing, some of Glenda's favorite things are Jack Russell Terriers, hot-air ballooning, making and eating bread and pizza in the wood-fired oven that her husband built in the back yard, and reading books which either make her laugh or cry.
Glenda has published six picture books, three junior fiction titles, short stories and two young adult titles. 'The Naming of Tishkin Silk' was shortlisted in the CBCA Book of the Year Awards and for the NSW Premier's Literary Awards.
It was not until Glenda's four children became teenagers that she began to write in her spare time. She is now a full-time writer.
Apart from writing, some of Glenda's favorite things are Jack Russell Terriers, hot-air ballooning, making and eating bread and pizza in the wood-fired oven that her husband built in the back yard, and reading books which either make her laugh or cry.
Glenda has published six picture books, three junior fiction titles, short stories and two young adult titles. 'The Naming of Tishkin Silk' was shortlisted in the CBCA Book of the Year Awards and for the NSW Premier's Literary Awards.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
April 23, 2013
This mustn't be the end of this divine series. It can't be!
Over the seven books of the Kingdom of Silk series, Glanda Millard has maintained the characterisation, writing, heart and soul with absolute skill and class.
From the heart-breaking first title, The Naming of Tishkin Silk, when we meet the Silk family and Griffin in particular, through Layla, Perry Angel, Saffron, The Kadris, Scarlet and just EVERYONE that lives in Cameron's Creek, the reader is drawn into their lives with joy and sadness, small and large mysteries, and, over all, love, love, love.
This story centres around Perry, Nell and Mr Jenkins, a secret dance, a town festival, an accident, worries, distractions, disasters and triumphs.
I started crying about a third of the way through, and kept crying until the very last page. Perhaps it's because Nell reminds me of my own dear Nan, with her family cooking and nurturing and unconditional love; perhaps it's because the Silks remind me of my own family when we were little. Perhaps it is just that the affection that Millard feels for her characters shines and shines and shines. It's more that affection: it's love. And love is what makes the Kingdom of Silk so wonderful.
Over the seven books of the Kingdom of Silk series, Glanda Millard has maintained the characterisation, writing, heart and soul with absolute skill and class.
From the heart-breaking first title, The Naming of Tishkin Silk, when we meet the Silk family and Griffin in particular, through Layla, Perry Angel, Saffron, The Kadris, Scarlet and just EVERYONE that lives in Cameron's Creek, the reader is drawn into their lives with joy and sadness, small and large mysteries, and, over all, love, love, love.
This story centres around Perry, Nell and Mr Jenkins, a secret dance, a town festival, an accident, worries, distractions, disasters and triumphs.
I started crying about a third of the way through, and kept crying until the very last page. Perhaps it's because Nell reminds me of my own dear Nan, with her family cooking and nurturing and unconditional love; perhaps it's because the Silks remind me of my own family when we were little. Perhaps it is just that the affection that Millard feels for her characters shines and shines and shines. It's more that affection: it's love. And love is what makes the Kingdom of Silk so wonderful.
January 12, 2019
9yo: You're crying, Mummy.
Me: Yes, this book has sad parts. So does the while series.
9yo: Why do you read it then?
Me: Because it has happy parts too, and is so beautifully written.
9yo: You read it because it has beautiful writing?
Me: (sniffles) Yes.
This series is stunning. I bought this book from the other side of the planet because I couldn't bear not finishing the series. Lyrical, beautiful, sad, happy. It is everything. I wish there was more from the Kingdom of Silk, but this is a fitting end.
Me: Yes, this book has sad parts. So does the while series.
9yo: Why do you read it then?
Me: Because it has happy parts too, and is so beautifully written.
9yo: You read it because it has beautiful writing?
Me: (sniffles) Yes.
This series is stunning. I bought this book from the other side of the planet because I couldn't bear not finishing the series. Lyrical, beautiful, sad, happy. It is everything. I wish there was more from the Kingdom of Silk, but this is a fitting end.
June 8, 2018
Beautiful way to end the series. I can't wait to read these lovely books to my daughter one day.
January 24, 2023
this one made me cry even more than the rest (no small feat). 10/10
November 11, 2023
God this is such a beautiful, simple, and heart-warming series.
November 17, 2015
As ever, a lyrical warmth and nostalgic poesy pervade the seventh book in the Kingdom of Silk series.
The story opens with Perry Angel's introduction of a chorus line of characters from the previous books. So many characters in such swift succession quickly became confusing and, despite the beautiful and poignant prose, the depth of relationship fell away. It felt like a bit of a laundry list at times.
Once past this, however, the usual sweet, light-filled suffusion of a Kingdom of Silk story unfolded.
Perry Angel doesn't talk. Much. But he notices things.
He can make a cage of his teeth so his secret words, 'I love you,' never escape his mouth. Two of the people he loves most are Nell, his foster-granny, and Jenkins. Perry has a lot of schooling to catch up and Jenkins is his personal assistant in the classroom.
Perry notices the way Nell lights up when she talks about the times she was a girl, all dressed up in her finery, and heading out to dance the beautiful Tennessee Waltz. Perry decides the best thing in the world would be if Nell and Jenkins could dance the beautiful Tennessee Waltz together.
Perry enlists the help of Saffron, the youngest of the Silk sisters, and she in turn calls on her sister Scarlet for help. Soon the whole town of Cameron's Creek is planning a surprise ball for Nell. But how to keep it a secret?
In a small town it would be all but impossible to hide the preparations for a dance from the guest of honour. Then it's decided to disguise the event as part of the Festival of Crisp Winter Glories.
But disaster strikes. Nell falls over and breaks her hip. Dancing is out of the question and even recovery is uncertain. Perry Angel waits fearfull for news from the hospital.
The story opens with Perry Angel's introduction of a chorus line of characters from the previous books. So many characters in such swift succession quickly became confusing and, despite the beautiful and poignant prose, the depth of relationship fell away. It felt like a bit of a laundry list at times.
Once past this, however, the usual sweet, light-filled suffusion of a Kingdom of Silk story unfolded.
Perry Angel doesn't talk. Much. But he notices things.
He can make a cage of his teeth so his secret words, 'I love you,' never escape his mouth. Two of the people he loves most are Nell, his foster-granny, and Jenkins. Perry has a lot of schooling to catch up and Jenkins is his personal assistant in the classroom.
Perry notices the way Nell lights up when she talks about the times she was a girl, all dressed up in her finery, and heading out to dance the beautiful Tennessee Waltz. Perry decides the best thing in the world would be if Nell and Jenkins could dance the beautiful Tennessee Waltz together.
Perry enlists the help of Saffron, the youngest of the Silk sisters, and she in turn calls on her sister Scarlet for help. Soon the whole town of Cameron's Creek is planning a surprise ball for Nell. But how to keep it a secret?
In a small town it would be all but impossible to hide the preparations for a dance from the guest of honour. Then it's decided to disguise the event as part of the Festival of Crisp Winter Glories.
But disaster strikes. Nell falls over and breaks her hip. Dancing is out of the question and even recovery is uncertain. Perry Angel waits fearfull for news from the hospital.
May 13, 2015
Last in the gorgeous 'Kingdom of Silk' series. What a wonderful series it has been - appreciated more by adults than children.
The Silk family is totally endearing on the page but I can't help wonder if they would be greeted in the same way in person - children that wear clothes 'the colour of happiness', bare feet with sparkly toenails, wings made from wire and chicken feathers; a father that spends hours contemplating the clouds through the skylight in his shed & is fabulous at carving wood & letting his girls plait his beard with flowers. How would most of society really see them ? Not kindly, I fear - but these books should be a lesson in 'what's really important in life'.
The women are the strong ones in this family. Annie -the mother, is gentle, brave and wise. Nell - the grandmother touches everyones hearts and teaches life lessons to all. Annie and Nell are able to 'read hearts' - the ability to look at someone and know that they are hurting - and they are experts at saying the right thing at the right time (given the choice, that would be my superpower).
Sad to have come to the end of this series - but then again - if ever there were books that can be re-read, these gorgeous new-age classics are the ones.
Favourite passage from the series ......
"Books are many things: lullabies for the weary, ointment for the wounded, armour for the fearful and nests for those in need of a home."
The Silk family is totally endearing on the page but I can't help wonder if they would be greeted in the same way in person - children that wear clothes 'the colour of happiness', bare feet with sparkly toenails, wings made from wire and chicken feathers; a father that spends hours contemplating the clouds through the skylight in his shed & is fabulous at carving wood & letting his girls plait his beard with flowers. How would most of society really see them ? Not kindly, I fear - but these books should be a lesson in 'what's really important in life'.
The women are the strong ones in this family. Annie -the mother, is gentle, brave and wise. Nell - the grandmother touches everyones hearts and teaches life lessons to all. Annie and Nell are able to 'read hearts' - the ability to look at someone and know that they are hurting - and they are experts at saying the right thing at the right time (given the choice, that would be my superpower).
Sad to have come to the end of this series - but then again - if ever there were books that can be re-read, these gorgeous new-age classics are the ones.
Favourite passage from the series ......
"Books are many things: lullabies for the weary, ointment for the wounded, armour for the fearful and nests for those in need of a home."
April 13, 2014
I do love this series and am sad that this is the final instalment. As always, the Silk family and their friends support each other when tragedy strikes. Do places exist like Cameron creek? I don't believe so, but there is no harm in striving for such harmony and for a children's book to promote empathy and kindness as the norm. Thank you Glenda Millard for sharing the Kingdom of Silk with us. Highly recommended.
February 28, 2014
4.5 stars
The last book in the Kingdom of Silk series was a wonderful reading experience and it was so nice to end the series as it began - strongly and with gorgeous writing, gorgeous characters and moments that linger.
A book all about celebrating 'crisp winter glories' but ultimately a book about family, community, belonging, celebration and simplicity.
The last book in the Kingdom of Silk series was a wonderful reading experience and it was so nice to end the series as it began - strongly and with gorgeous writing, gorgeous characters and moments that linger.
A book all about celebrating 'crisp winter glories' but ultimately a book about family, community, belonging, celebration and simplicity.
July 15, 2013
Final in the Silk family series. I loved these stories - they deal gently with issues children face every day and they are imbued with love. The festival is Perry Angel's way of saying thank you to Nell and her family and as usual the whole town joins in.
February 12, 2014
Once again Glenda Millard reduced me to tears. Such exquisite prose. Very sad that this is the last book about the Silk family. It has been a pleasure to be introduced to each member and I will miss them dearly. They touched the hearts of all who met them and read about them.
October 1, 2013
I adore these books.
August 24, 2013
Actually 3.5 rating from me. I love this series, but didn't feel this one was quite as good as the rest. A nice, fitting end to the series nevertheless. Recommended.
April 28, 2019
I love this ending!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews