SOLVED. Short story collection wizards, children's [s]

[Alexafirechild]

I read this book some time in the late 80s or 90s. I remember one story that was about a King who hated or disliked washing clothes day and I think it was on a Monday so to get rid of it he abolished Mondays. It was fine until the following Tuesday when clothes washing had to be done. so he kept on abolishing days. He abolished Mon through to Saturday and then couldn't do anything on a Sunday.

I believe all the stories were written by the same author.

Thanks for any help.

[Lilac]

?

This is the only book I can think of off the top of my head. I've read the short story you're talking about but I can't remember where.

[Alexafirechild]

Sadly not but thanks Lilac.

[Aimee]

Alexafirechild wrote: "I read this book some time in the late 80s or 90s. I remember one story that was about a King who hated or disliked washing clothes day and I think it was on a Monday so to get rid of it he abolish..."

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/69...

Maybe that? I'm not sure if it contains the short story you're talking about but I can definitely check if you think that might be it!

[Alexafirechild]

Aimee, that book was published way too late. I don't think it would contain the story either.
You have just prompted me though because I think the book was a collection of stories by one author not several.
Thanks very much for your help.

[Shanna_redwind]

I remember that story, or something just like it that I've read reasonably recently. Now, what was the name of that book... *sigh*

[Cheryl]

Do you think most of the stories were humorous?
Do you think it was aimed at little kids, or older children or teens?
Do you remember anything about the cover or whether there were pictures?

[Alexafirechild]

Cheryl, thanks for the prompts. Yes I think the stories were humourous, as to age I would say 9-14s, I think the stories were accompanied by line drawings. I don't remember anything about the cover.
I'll have a think and see if I remember anything else.
Katharine

[Sofía]

Hi, Alexafirechild. I remember EXACTLY the story you are talking about and indeed I've been trying to remember the name of the book for ages (unsuccessfully). All the stories were set in the same fictional kingdom and I remember other details: the Queen wouldn't let the King cut out the crusts in his toast because she thought they would make his hair curl; in another story, stripes were all the rage (said the Queen) and the King had to figure out how to make striped paint to impress the neighbouring king. In another story, everybody pushed the needles in the castle clocks forward thinking everybody else had forgotten to do it and the result was hilarious. They were really brilliant stories and I so wish I remember the title of the book. It was something like "The disappearing days and other stories" and all the stories were by the same author. In fact I remember having 2 books of short stories by the same author, with the same characters. I'm sorry I can't be of more help but hope I have prompted your memory since I so would like to remember that title! Best. Isabel in Spain

[Isabel]

Alexafirechild: the comment apparently by my good friend Sofía (above) was in fact written by me. I don't know what happened but my computer decided to slip me into her profile. The mysteries of technology? Apologies, Sof! Best, Isabel

[Alexafirechild]

Oh my gosh! I had forgotten all those stories! I know, logically, that other people have read the same books but it's always a surprise and a delight when someone else talks about them.

Thank you so much Isabel!

Love
Katharine

[Alexafirechild]

Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, you did it Isabel! It is the disappearing days! the book is by Norman Hunter!

http://sf-encyclopedia.com/entry/hunt...

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...

I'm still not sure which book it is but I certainly remember some of his books.

I'm so excited!

[Ann aka Iftcan]

Let us know which book it is Alexafirechild. There are more of us wondering, and we would also like to add it to the group's bookshelf (you know, our "trophy case of solved books".) :o)

[Kate]

The Frantic Phantom, And Other Incredible Stories by Norman Hunter has a story called "The Disappearing Days" in it.

[Isabel]

yesssss!!!! that's it!!!!! so glad we solved that!!!
"The Frantic Phantom" it is!! Good old Norman Hunter!
Such great memories... can't wait to read it again.
Thanks all for your help!

Best

Isabel