What do you think?
Rate this book
Kingdom of Silk #2
Layla, Queen of Hearts
A follow-up to the award-winning THE NAMING OF TISHKIN SILK, this is a gentle, moving novel about friendship, old age, loss, and the power of love. A friend like Layla comes along once in a lifetime, and Griffin Silk knows this with all his heart. Griffin's daddy used to say that Layla had been sent to comfort them after tishkin went away; 'like an arm about their shoulders, a candle in the dark or like golden syrup dumplings for the soul'. When Senior Citizen's Day is announced at school, Layla wishes for someone special to take. It is then that the intriguing Miss Amelie comes into their life. through their new friendship, Layla and Griffin learn the importance of memories, generosity of spirit, and of small miracles that warm the heart. the Naming of tishkin Silk was shortlisted for the NSW Premier's Literary Awards and was an Honour book in the CBCA Children's Book of the Year Awards. Layla, Queen of Hearts continues the story of these memorable characters.
140 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2006
3 people are currently reading
127 people want to read
About the author
Glenda Millard
36 books96 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
December 18, 2024
Millard is wonderful at vivid imagery through dainty figurative language. She has a true poignancy when writing that speaks to readers of all ages.
November 17, 2015
This review is not just about Layla, Queen of Hearts but two other books in The Kingdom of Silk series: The Naming of Tishkin Silk and Perry Angel’s Suitcase.
Tender and lyrical prose, gentle and almost achingly poignant moments and a golden daffy-down-dilly air pervading the stories: make sure you grab your tissue box before reading the Kingdom of Silk series.
Although I've rated them highly, I admit to some doubts. Because I'm not sure these stories for children are aimed at the right age group.
Don’t get me wrong. Every story in the Kingdom of Silk series is exquisite and almost incomparably beautiful. Each of them speaks wholeness and healing and wonder to the soul. I needed several tissues in each story to wipe away the tears: whether it was over Griffin’s misunderstanding that his baby sister had gone away because he didn’t love her enough or Perry’s mute solitude as he strives to understand why his mother would leave him in a suitcase stolen from a thrift shop and go to heaven without him.
Each tale is a like a toasty warm hug with a mug of hot chocolate.
However, as I recall myself in Middle Primary school — an avid reader with a taste for everything from Knight Crusader to Anne of Green Gables — I wonder if I would have understood the velvet subtleties of these stories. I’m a reader who likes to be one of the characters, not watch them from the outside. However I found it hard to fit myself inside the mind and emotions of a seven or eight-year-old character as I read these stories.
Instead of being stories of hope for children, I suspect their massive appeal lies in the fact they are really wildly-nostalgic stories for adults about how broken childhoods (and sometimes even broken adulthoods) should have been.
Tender and lyrical prose, gentle and almost achingly poignant moments and a golden daffy-down-dilly air pervading the stories: make sure you grab your tissue box before reading the Kingdom of Silk series.
Although I've rated them highly, I admit to some doubts. Because I'm not sure these stories for children are aimed at the right age group.
Don’t get me wrong. Every story in the Kingdom of Silk series is exquisite and almost incomparably beautiful. Each of them speaks wholeness and healing and wonder to the soul. I needed several tissues in each story to wipe away the tears: whether it was over Griffin’s misunderstanding that his baby sister had gone away because he didn’t love her enough or Perry’s mute solitude as he strives to understand why his mother would leave him in a suitcase stolen from a thrift shop and go to heaven without him.
Each tale is a like a toasty warm hug with a mug of hot chocolate.
However, as I recall myself in Middle Primary school — an avid reader with a taste for everything from Knight Crusader to Anne of Green Gables — I wonder if I would have understood the velvet subtleties of these stories. I’m a reader who likes to be one of the characters, not watch them from the outside. However I found it hard to fit myself inside the mind and emotions of a seven or eight-year-old character as I read these stories.
Instead of being stories of hope for children, I suspect their massive appeal lies in the fact they are really wildly-nostalgic stories for adults about how broken childhoods (and sometimes even broken adulthoods) should have been.
March 14, 2014
Layla Queen of Hearts
I read Layla Queen of Hearts a few years ago but it is permanently printed in my memory for eternity. I loved this book, it was the first book I shed a few tears for the characters. Considering that I have been accused of not having any emotions, it surprised me, that a book who was meant for a younger audience made me cry. I don't remember exact details from the book but i recall that this book had a certain gentleness in the words, gentle and calm. The characters are simple and understandable as you would expect from a childrens book but it also expresses maturity that you would not always find in an adult book and especially not in a young adult fiction book.
Sweet and simple, I loved it.
I read Layla Queen of Hearts a few years ago but it is permanently printed in my memory for eternity. I loved this book, it was the first book I shed a few tears for the characters. Considering that I have been accused of not having any emotions, it surprised me, that a book who was meant for a younger audience made me cry. I don't remember exact details from the book but i recall that this book had a certain gentleness in the words, gentle and calm. The characters are simple and understandable as you would expect from a childrens book but it also expresses maturity that you would not always find in an adult book and especially not in a young adult fiction book.
Sweet and simple, I loved it.
February 6, 2017
I adored this book!!
November 30, 2022
"I don't think you can rescue someone unless they want to be rescued."
The #2 book of Kingdom of Silk is focused on Layla and the task to bring an old person for Senior Citizen's Day. With the help of Griffin and his grandmother Nell, she was introduced to Miss Amelie. But bringing Miss Amelie to school is another challenge, for she has her own circumstance.
I think I fell in love with this series. It's such a heartwarming stories. I like Layla's determination and how she seems to be able to read the atmosphere. She's kind of considerate, and I think it's a mature character seeing how young she is.
I also sympathize Miss Amelie. It must be hard living by yourself with no many visitors, while waiting for someone and dealing with your illness. I wish there'd be a better ending, but maybe this one is the best for everyone.
The #2 book of Kingdom of Silk is focused on Layla and the task to bring an old person for Senior Citizen's Day. With the help of Griffin and his grandmother Nell, she was introduced to Miss Amelie. But bringing Miss Amelie to school is another challenge, for she has her own circumstance.
I think I fell in love with this series. It's such a heartwarming stories. I like Layla's determination and how she seems to be able to read the atmosphere. She's kind of considerate, and I think it's a mature character seeing how young she is.
I also sympathize Miss Amelie. It must be hard living by yourself with no many visitors, while waiting for someone and dealing with your illness. I wish there'd be a better ending, but maybe this one is the best for everyone.
October 27, 2018
A very sweet & compassionate story told through the eyes of children. After losing her Nana and almost becoming a Silk herself Layla truly wants someone special of her very own to take to school for Senior Citizen Day; we accompany her through a lovely (& sometimes sad*) tale of her doing just that.
*Who am I kidding, I bawled my eyes out.
*Who am I kidding, I bawled my eyes out.
April 18, 2019
So beautiful. The illustrations were darling and the silk family was fabulous. I loved the breakfast chapter. So gorgeous. I loved Layla's dads philosophies. Of course I loved Amelie and the ending was tragic but I loved how we saw the death and grief through Layla's eyes. Out of all of the books I've ever read this is one of the two that has made me cry. This book is perfect for ALL ages.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 28, 2019
Nell is so caring and kind!
June 8, 2019
Layla needs a senior citizen to take to Senior Citizens Day at school and ends up inviting Miss Amelie. This is a simple, sweet story that looks at ageing, love and loss in a sensitive manner.
March 24, 2015
Gorgeous. Another "small miracle... an arm about your shoulders... a candle in the dark.... like golden syrup dumplings for the soul". Glenda Millard's 'Kingdom of Silk's' series is all of that.
It's not often a book can make me cry, really cry.... let alone a children's book. But these slim novels are full of such wisdom and warmth - they are pure delight.
"Layla Queen of Hearts" tackles another big topic (dementia) - Griffin and Layla get the benefit of Nell's gentle wisdom when they befriend Miss Amelie (who waits at the gate for childhood sweetheart, 'John William', to come back from war). It's about saying goodbye and how the memory of one small miracle can last a lifetime.
Gorgeous.
It's not often a book can make me cry, really cry.... let alone a children's book. But these slim novels are full of such wisdom and warmth - they are pure delight.
"Layla Queen of Hearts" tackles another big topic (dementia) - Griffin and Layla get the benefit of Nell's gentle wisdom when they befriend Miss Amelie (who waits at the gate for childhood sweetheart, 'John William', to come back from war). It's about saying goodbye and how the memory of one small miracle can last a lifetime.
Gorgeous.
November 2, 2016
I love that this author tackles tough subjects in her children's chapter books, but I think she took on too much in this one. Death AND Alzheimer's disease are too much to cram into one 116-page chapter book for children aged 7-10. As a result, the treatment of Alzheimer's in this book suffered a bit, which will leave young readers with many questions. Furthermore, by mixing Alzheimer's with death, children will get the erroneous impression that Alzheimer's disease is a fatal illness.
The relationship between Layla and Miss Amelie is touching. The book is enhanced by the author's lyrical prose.
The relationship between Layla and Miss Amelie is touching. The book is enhanced by the author's lyrical prose.
May 9, 2010
Glenda Millard has created a sweet place for her gentle characters. These are gentle little books for readers just leaping into chapter books. Here, Layla knows that for the school's senior citizen's day she can borrow Griffin's grandmother Nell- but she desperately wants her own Senior- Nell introduces her to Amelie. When the relationship becomes challenging, Layla does not give up, her generosity of spirit and patience win the day in the end.
July 26, 2010
A Unique portrayal of a friendship that develops between a 3rd grader and a frail senior citizen, whose mind is failing. Shows importance of the elderly in young people's lives. Layla is a loveable character who is seeking a friend to accompany her to Senior Citizen's Day at school. (The author is Australian, so I am presuming this is an Australian custom.) The story shows death and decline as natural elements of life.
December 16, 2014
A delightful and sensitive story about a little girl who learns that love and miracles turn the sadness of missing someone who has passed away into the sweetest of loving memories. A stunning story.
Layla's sadness a year after her nana's death:
"In an odd way though, it was a lovely sort of sadness. It was as fragrant as the flowers in Nana's garden and as sweet as the last bite of a pink jelly-cake." (19)
Layla's sadness a year after her nana's death:
"In an odd way though, it was a lovely sort of sadness. It was as fragrant as the flowers in Nana's garden and as sweet as the last bite of a pink jelly-cake." (19)
October 22, 2010
Gentle. Sentimental. Compassionate. Quiet. That's this book. I am now firmly a Glenda Millard and Silk family fan. These books have also introduced me to illustrator Patrice Barton, and I LOVE her work. If I could draw, this is how I'd want to do it.
Companion to The Naming of Tishkin Silk, another heartwarming family story.
Companion to The Naming of Tishkin Silk, another heartwarming family story.
Read
July 30, 2011Very sweet follow-up to The Naming of Tishkin Silk. The Silk family are wonderfully eccentric and feel much more complete with their mother back in the fold. Layla's quest to first find a 'senior citizen' to bring to school and then help Miss Amelie when they find her, show a sweet and innocent compassion.
January 1, 2015
Brimming with kindness and thoughtfulness this exploration of cross generational friendship is, like the first book in Kingdom of Silk series, surprising and beautiful. This 2nd book also explores unresolved grief; this time of Layla missing her grandmother. Dementia and what memories mean and how they are made are also important themes. Unpatronising and gentle.
August 30, 2010
Layla is needs to find a special person to take to Senior Citizen's Day at school. She could share Griffin's grandma, but she wants someone of her own. A tender story about family, love and growing old. Second book in the Silk Family series. Lovely
September 8, 2010
Charming. Deals with the importance of senior citizens in the lives of children and also how children feel better when they are part of the funereal customs concerning the death of a loved one, as opposed to being "protected" from knowing about death. (grades 3 - 7)Very touching.
January 31, 2013
I would love to live in the Kingdom of Silk: keeping bees, baking my own bread, enjoying outdoor brunches with soft-boiled eggs (that are wearing knitted caps to keep them warm, of course). So simple and so lovely.
Want to read
September 12, 2016RL900
August 8, 2011
Sweet but could be deep, depending on the discussion or what the child got from it. The story is at a higher level than the reading level required.
October 5, 2012
I loved this book. I really love the elderly and this was a cute book about a elderly woman and the love of a child for her. Quick, sweet read.
October 3, 2012
This book is really sweet and a bit sad in a way. My dad read it to me and I will never forget it
January 4, 2014
Absolutely adorable. Love this series. A word of advice, read them in order for the full emotional effect. The later books will spoil the first.
February 5, 2015
4* because the ending felt rushed, but maybe that's because I want these books to last forever. Heartbreakingly beautiful. I need to read them all.
February 14, 2015
It makes sense now that Layla is a Silk even though she technically isn't.
January 3, 2024
Those emotions caught me by surprise!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews