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The Password Is Wishpers
A teacher and her young students use whispers and wishes to turn a school lockdown into something positive — a quiet journey of the imagination and a lesson on treasuring childhood regardless of the situation.
This book features color illustrations by Jeanine Henning, a Goodreads author and illustrator from Cape Town, South Africa.
This book features color illustrations by Jeanine Henning, a Goodreads author and illustrator from Cape Town, South Africa.
34 pages, Paperback
Published August 4, 2017
274 people want to read
About the author
Jack Chaucer
10 books169 followersJack penned the four-book Nikki Janicek novel series, a genre-bending, unpredictable ride from Lakes of the Clouds Hut in the White Mountains of New Hampshire ("Streaks of Blue," 2013) all the way to deep space ("Mars Colony Agatha: Nikki Red," 2019), with many interesting stops along the way ("Nikki Blue: Source of Trouble," 2015, and "Nikki White: Polar Extremes," 2017). Chaucer also has written the mythological tale "Revenge to the Tennth Power" (2018), the children's book "The Password Is Wishpers" (2017), the political sci-fi thriller "Queens are Wild" (2012) and the rock 'n roll novella "Freeway and the Vin Numbers" (2010), as well as the short stories "Afterlife University" (2023) and "heroinE" (2016). He lives in Litchfield, Connecticut, USA, with his wife and twin 14-year-olds.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
October 9, 2017
Thanks to John Cullen and Netgalley for providing this in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed reading this much to my dismay. I love the illustrations its so colourful and beautiful. The book is written using very simple words and sentences so it'll be comprehensible to children. Its just 30 pages long so kid's won't be discouraged.
Totally recommend this to parents and teachers looking for a quick read for their child or pupil.
I really enjoyed reading this much to my dismay. I love the illustrations its so colourful and beautiful. The book is written using very simple words and sentences so it'll be comprehensible to children. Its just 30 pages long so kid's won't be discouraged.
Totally recommend this to parents and teachers looking for a quick read for their child or pupil.
July 28, 2017
Joanne M. Moore, MLS, school library media specialist at Litchfield Center School in Litchfield, Connecticut, USA: "Author Jack Chaucer sensitively addresses a solemn school exercise in his first children's book, The Password Is Wishpers. Along with fire drills and other safety measures, lockdown drills are standard in schools of today, and the author’s message soothes and distracts students in the fictional story about the sensitive topic. In the story, during an extended drill, the teacher and her students weave an exciting tale of adventure. Along the way, the children spell the word CHILDHOOD, as they discover and are reminded that their childhood is a gift to be cherished every day. Although silence is often required during a lockdown drill, if whispering is permitted, the book has a comforting message and is an exciting read. The book would be an excellent one to “whisper read” to students during lockdown drills in every school."
August 5, 2017
This is a very good story that shows the school classroom during a lockdown. I can't exactly describe the quality that sticks with you other than to say that the story created a sense of peace in me. I can only hope that my children have a teacher like this in a similar situation. The teacher's quiet confidence sticks with you after the story is finished. It does feel like it could use a few more illustrations. The ones that are included are well done and help bring the wishes the students make alive.
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
August 7, 2017
Ever wonder what kids do during a school lockdown? How do teachers keep their classes quiet when they are in such an emergency situation?
The Password is Wishpers is a tale of imagination and playful fantasy set in the context of a lockdown. Mrs. Shea keeps her class of twelve students quiet and calm with a trip to the Isle of Wishpers. With their eyes closed, Mrs. Shea uses storytelling to guide them through their trip. Each child has an opportunity to whisper a wish (wishper) to add flair to the story.
The tale was beautifully written. I was in awe of Mrs. Shea’s ability to smoothly incorporate each child’s wish into her story and change the direction of the story without hesitation. I could see the eager faces of the children and imagine teachers inspired to tell similar tales to their own classes during lockdown drills or the real thing.
I received an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review.
The Password is Wishpers is a tale of imagination and playful fantasy set in the context of a lockdown. Mrs. Shea keeps her class of twelve students quiet and calm with a trip to the Isle of Wishpers. With their eyes closed, Mrs. Shea uses storytelling to guide them through their trip. Each child has an opportunity to whisper a wish (wishper) to add flair to the story.
The tale was beautifully written. I was in awe of Mrs. Shea’s ability to smoothly incorporate each child’s wish into her story and change the direction of the story without hesitation. I could see the eager faces of the children and imagine teachers inspired to tell similar tales to their own classes during lockdown drills or the real thing.
I received an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review.
September 1, 2017
The Password Is Wishpers by Jack Chaucer with illustrations by Jeanine Henning. 5 Stars. An amazingly imaginative way of dealing with grade school lockdown. Keeping young students calm and occupied with a guided imagery adventure during lockdown seems a fabulous way to maintain unity by engaging children through the duration of school drills or any ordeal that may actually occur on school property. Highly recommend. Thanks to NetGalley and John Cullen for providing this ebook for review.
August 5, 2017
As a retired elementary school teacher/administrator, we had to practice lockdown drills with our students. Because they were always drills, I do not think they were taken as seriously as they should have been. I liked that this story emphasized being quiet, taking it seriously. the story the teacher and students whispered was calming and kept them on task. The story was a bit long and probably could have used more illustrations. The illustrations that were there were large, vivid and colourful. This would be a great book to read before a lockdown drill or emergency so the activity could be used when the time arises. A nice addition to a primary classroom. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.
August 25, 2017
I'd like to thank Netgalley for the ARC of The Password is Wishpers in exchange for an honest review.
The Password is Wishpers is a story that reminds us that magic and happiness can still be found in the darkness. It begins with a school lock down, which took me by surprised, and then I realized this is an every day occurrence in America. I mean, when I was in high school we started the lock down procedures. I never took into account what it means for children (first graders in this instant) today and how scary it can be. The Password is Wishpers, transports the children to another time and place, much like The Magic School Bus. This book is important because it reminds me that even though terrible things happen, it doesn't mean that there still isn't good in the world.
The Password is Wishpers is a story that reminds us that magic and happiness can still be found in the darkness. It begins with a school lock down, which took me by surprised, and then I realized this is an every day occurrence in America. I mean, when I was in high school we started the lock down procedures. I never took into account what it means for children (first graders in this instant) today and how scary it can be. The Password is Wishpers, transports the children to another time and place, much like The Magic School Bus. This book is important because it reminds me that even though terrible things happen, it doesn't mean that there still isn't good in the world.
September 2, 2017
This is an easy and quick paced book. I feel like it can be enjoyed by all ages, but is most important for grade school students who might not understand the horrors of a shut down. It would be confusing and scary for an adult, let alone a child! I never had to experience anything like this as a kid; it is sad that it is now common for schools to have these drills.
Using your imagination and cherishing your childhood seems to be some of the main themes of this book. I adored how they used their imagination to do all sorts of cool things, while there was a lock down drill.
One of my wishes for this book and the reason this did not have a 5 star rating, is I wish that there was more description instead of telling. Part of me can understand why this does not happen, because perhaps the author wants the child/person reading to use their own imagination. That is a nice thought, but I still like when books have showing over telling.
I know this is meant for children, and it is supposed to be quick and simple, but as an adult, I really wish I knew what caused the lock down, but I suppose I can use my imagination there as well.
The artwork by Jeanine Henning was cute. I wish there were more artwork in this book! I love the colors they went with.
Disclaimer: I received this from Netgally in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for the chance to read this!
Using your imagination and cherishing your childhood seems to be some of the main themes of this book. I adored how they used their imagination to do all sorts of cool things, while there was a lock down drill.
One of my wishes for this book and the reason this did not have a 5 star rating, is I wish that there was more description instead of telling. Part of me can understand why this does not happen, because perhaps the author wants the child/person reading to use their own imagination. That is a nice thought, but I still like when books have showing over telling.
I know this is meant for children, and it is supposed to be quick and simple, but as an adult, I really wish I knew what caused the lock down, but I suppose I can use my imagination there as well.
The artwork by Jeanine Henning was cute. I wish there were more artwork in this book! I love the colors they went with.
Disclaimer: I received this from Netgally in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for the chance to read this!
August 13, 2017
A wonderful novel that shows how the teacher has found a way to keep her classroom of young children calm during a lockdown for the school. She has the children sit in a circle on the floor and tells them to close their eyes. She starts a story that has the children involve in creating the story together. Even though the teacher wonders how long the lockdown will be, she doesn't show the children her worries.
It's a novel that made me think about what to do in an experience where one must stay calm and collected. I don't find that always easy to do in stressful times. Do you know what to do? It's an excellent example of showing one way to keep your children from harm in a dangerous situation.
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book free from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I was not obliged to write a favorable review, or even any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
It's a novel that made me think about what to do in an experience where one must stay calm and collected. I don't find that always easy to do in stressful times. Do you know what to do? It's an excellent example of showing one way to keep your children from harm in a dangerous situation.
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book free from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I was not obliged to write a favorable review, or even any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
September 27, 2017
*thank you to John Cullen and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
4 stars.
Ohh you had me at 'Wishpers!'
This was too cute and SO much fun to read!
Its an adventure story without the characters ever leaving the classroom, its brilliant. It also gives an idea of what guided meditation is like as its easy to see the similarities between the two.
The graphics are beautiful, bright and colourful which is sure to grab childrens attention. The message at the end about childhood being something to treasure was a really nice touch. Because childhood is just that, a treasure.
Im so glad I got a chance to read this. I hope there will be more like it and I definitely recommend it to everyone who has a young (or young at heart) child. There is real love from this book and although its short, it wasnt lacking. Its right just how it is. I hope more people become aware of this story, its magical.
4 stars.
Ohh you had me at 'Wishpers!'
This was too cute and SO much fun to read!
Its an adventure story without the characters ever leaving the classroom, its brilliant. It also gives an idea of what guided meditation is like as its easy to see the similarities between the two.
The graphics are beautiful, bright and colourful which is sure to grab childrens attention. The message at the end about childhood being something to treasure was a really nice touch. Because childhood is just that, a treasure.
Im so glad I got a chance to read this. I hope there will be more like it and I definitely recommend it to everyone who has a young (or young at heart) child. There is real love from this book and although its short, it wasnt lacking. Its right just how it is. I hope more people become aware of this story, its magical.
July 31, 2017
No one ever wants to hear that their child’s school went into lock down. It’s a scary thing for both the parents and the kids. This story is about a classroom going on a grand imaginary adventure during one such lock down. The illustrations are a little cheesy, and the story while important, is long.
February 14, 2019
I am reviewing this book for Jack Chaucer, John Cullen and Netgallery who gave me a copy of their book for an honest review.
Lovely illustrations to sit alongside a book based on a class in a lock down situation. The teacher uses imagination to take them on an imaginary journey while real life carries on outside the classroom wall.
Lovely illustrations to sit alongside a book based on a class in a lock down situation. The teacher uses imagination to take them on an imaginary journey while real life carries on outside the classroom wall.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews