Helen Cresswell (1934–2005)
Author of Ordinary Jack
About the Author
Series
Works by Helen Cresswell
The Return of the Psammead [1993 TV Series] — Screenwriter — 2 copies
Rug is a Bear: By Helen Cresswell; Illustrated by Susanna Gretz (First Steps in Reading) (1968) 1 copy
The Winter of the Birds 1 copy
Weltrekord mit Gänseblümchen 1 copy
Moondial 1 copy
A tide for the Captain 1 copy
Associated Works
Tagged
Common Knowledge
- Legal name
- Cresswell, Helen
- Birthdate
- 1934-07-11
- Date of death
- 2005-09-26
- Gender
- female
- Nationality
- UK
- Birthplace
- Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, England
- Place of death
- Eakring, Nottinghamshire, England
- Places of residence
- Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, England, UK
- Education
- Nottingham High School
King's College, London
Members
Discussions
Looking for a funny book? I know I always am. in Book talk (March 2013)
Reviews
What a very peculiar little book.
If you are looking for a story about witches, do not read this one. Don't be fooled by the blurb or the cover, it has virtually nothing to do with witches whatsoever.
If you're looking for a an incoherent series of stories about a yorkshire lass in a rural backwater, daydreaming, calling her parents by their first names and growing leeks, then this is for you.
If you are looking for a story about witches, do not read this one. Don't be fooled by the blurb or the cover, it has virtually nothing to do with witches whatsoever.
If you're looking for a an incoherent series of stories about a yorkshire lass in a rural backwater, daydreaming, calling her parents by their first names and growing leeks, then this is for you.
Poor Jack. In a family of (eccentric) overachievers, he's the average one, no 'strings to his bow.' In an effort to impress his family, he enlists his dog and his uncle in a scheme to demonstrate his psychic powers, which, of course, this being the Bagthorpes, goes awry with hilarious results.
Even as an adult, I find myself reflecting on Jack Bagthorpe's experiences when I've had a particularly difficult day at work and need to lighten up.. Cresswell's characters and their exploits never fade, from the demon pair of Grandma and Daisy to the hedgehogging housekeeper and the offstage Anonymous from Grisby.… (more)
Even as an adult, I find myself reflecting on Jack Bagthorpe's experiences when I've had a particularly difficult day at work and need to lighten up.. Cresswell's characters and their exploits never fade, from the demon pair of Grandma and Daisy to the hedgehogging housekeeper and the offstage Anonymous from Grisby.… (more)
Another fine adaptation by Helen Cresswell (an excellent children's author in her own right) of E. Nesbit's fantasy. Well acted. Eight-year-old enjoyed it.
Lists
Elevenses (1)
Awards
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Associated Authors
Statistics
- Works
- 99
- Also by
- 11
- Members
- 2,834
- Popularity
- #9,050
- Rating
- 3.9
- Reviews
- 63
- ISBNs
- 340
- Languages
- 5
- Favorited
- 5
The book is a bunch of funny excerpts from funny books some of which were aimed at children.
Reading it back now, I am fonder of some of the stories than I was and the collection will always have a special place in my heart for introducing me to Three Men In A Boat. The book used The Cheeses, which makes sense because it's one of the funnier free-standing bits and of the other options both The Packing of the Luggage and Uncle Podger are probably funnier with more life experience.
The book may also have been my introduction to Adrian Mole and one day I will get round to reading Witch Week.… (more)