Sigmund's Birthday Surprise

Fern Hollow

by John Patience

Due to a mix-up with parcel labels, Sigmund Swamp accidentally receives a real live crocodile for his birthday. The creature escapes and causes pandemonium around the village.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

20 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1983

About the author

John Patience was born in Lancashire, England, in 1949 and trained in typography and book design at the Harris College in Preston, Lancashire. After college, he worked briefly as a designer for a couple of publishers in London, England but he really wanted to have his own children's books published. He did various jobs to earn a living, whilst writing and developing his skills as an illustrator.

John's first self-authored illustrated children's book was published in 1980 - 'The Seasons in Fern Hollow'. Over the next few years this grew into four further series called 'Tales from Fern Hollow', eventually totalling 17 titles.

Since then John has had more than 100 titles published in many countries around the world and translated into many languages. He has written, designed and illustrated both "flat" books and pop-up books.

He lives with his wife in rural France and as well as his writing and illustrating he enjoys producing digital sculptures.

Reviews

[Christy Roberts]

So adorable and a great read.

It's Sigmund's inland his uncle sends him surprise. Only problem is that it's a crocodile that's eating everything around. From Sigmund's breakfast to laundry.

The crocodile becomes was and lonely though since he's the only one in Fern Hollow so the cal the zoo keeper to come get him using Swiss rolls to get him in the truck.

Come to find out there was mix up on the labels and the zoo got Sigmund's real gift of honey and he'd gotten the crocodile. They sort of out and Sigmund goes back to fed the crocodile the cream rolls he loved from the bakery.

[Somegirlhere]

I had this book a few years back couldn't remember the name finally found it!! I liked this book :) don't remember too much about the story but I remember enjoying it and like the pictures.Also liked how there's a map of where they lived drawn in the book.

[Diana Pettis]

This story did not grab my attention. I would not recommend it to others.

[Chelsea Trujillo]

These books are the earliest memory I have of reading when I was a child. I still have all of the ones from when I was young, and my children LOVE them also!