May children's bookclub choice: Flora and Ulysses by Kate DiCamillo

[RachelMumsnet]

Flora is a ten year old cynic who befriends Ulysses, the squirrel who gains superpowers after an incident with a vacuum cleaner. Together the new friends set out to conquer villains, defend the defenceless and protect the weak - with hilarious results.

Kate DiCamillo is author of the brilliant Because of Winn Dixie and her latest funny and heartwarming story is a mix of narrative and comic strip, perfect for readers aged eight and above. If you'd like a copy to read and review apply for a free copy.

[cornflakegirl]

I love the sound of this book! Think DS1 would really enjoy it. The main character sounds a bit similar to Sesame Seade, the heroine of another series he's enjoyed recently.

[DuchessofMalfi]

This would appeal to my 8 year old DD. She's an avid reader now (took a while to get going) but enjoys all sorts of books.

[AliceMumsnet]

This giveaway is now closed. We will inform those who have been selected to receive a free copy via email. Once you've read the book, please come back and discuss your thoughts on this thread.

[DuchessofMalfi]

Thank you for our copy - arrived today. Didn't get an email though. Am planning to start reading it with DD tonight :)

[hughese]

Mine arrived the other day. It's an interesting looking book with some great illustrations. Looking forward to reading it with my son.

[DuchessofMalfi]

Just got my email to say I'm getting a copy :o

Started reading it with DD last night - we're both enjoying it. Love the illustrations, and it's appealing to our sense of humour. Looking forward to the next instalment at bedtime. Will post our thoughts on it when we've finished.

[cornflakegirl]

This was a very pleasant surprise when it arrived yesterday. DS got stuck in straight away and says he's enjoying it.

[cornflakegirl]

DS has now finished the book, and thoroughly enjoyed it. This is his review:

This story is about a girl and a squirrel whose paths cross when an out-of-control vacuum cleaner sucks up the unfortunate squirrel. This leads to giving the squirrel strength and other strange abilities that a normal squirrel would not have. It’s most-of-the-time fun but can lead to unforeseen consequences…

My favourite character was Flora because she was kind and loving to Ulysses. I also liked George Buckman because every time he saw someone he would say ‘George Buckman, how do you do?’

My favourite part was where Dr Meescham told Flora ‘You will eat a jam sandwich’ because she was offering one to Flora but made it sound like she was ordering her to have one.

I would recommend this book to someone who likes laughing because it made me laugh!

Six out of five

[LadyEnglefield]

DD1 (8) was really disappointed when we didn't win a copy of this book, her teacher had suggested she should read it as she thought she would enjoy it.

I bought her a copy and she finished it within 3 days. She absolutely loved the story and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys books!

[DuchessofMalfi]

We're half way through now and enjoying it so much. I wanted to read it too, so am reading it out loud to DD. I had never come across this author before but we will be looking out for her books now, if they are as quirky and funny as this. A real treat :)

[mynameisnotmichaelcaine]

We are really enjoying this. Slow going as DS (8) wants to read it to me, so we are having a few pages every night, but it makes DS laugh out loud every night without fail, so it's a big thumbs up here.

[stephgr]

My 9 year old daughter loved this so much she has read it to me and to the youngest 2 who were really enchanted by Flora. She read the book during half-term and the amusing adventures were just what we needed whilst avoiding the atrocious weather outside. My children all loved the comic-book style illustrations. They liked the vary daring squirrel and my son thought Flora would be a great friend to have. Definitely recommend this.

[LadyRaff]

I just read this book and found it quite funny - very different from the other children's books my 5 year old (Yr1) has been reading so it took a little getting used to. There are a few words I'll have to explain to DD once she starts it, beginning with cynic, but I have a feeling she'll enjoy it. probably better for children aged 7/8. I particularly loved the little comics and I think any reader will love them.

[clemetteattlee]

Thank you for the copy. Unfortunately my daughter (aged 9) didn't get very far with it. Her review is below but I have passed it on to a slightly more sensible child so will let you know what they think!

"I didn't enjoy Flora and Ulysees because her mum was quite harsh and, at the moment I m not into books about adventures. I also didn't like the fact that Flora's mum and dad are divorced. I give this book 3.5 stars"

(Maybe she has a career as a book critic but probably not!!)

[DuchessofMalfi]

We finished reading it this evening - special permission to stay up late to read the last two chapters :o. We both loved its quirky humour, loveable characters and wonderful charming little Ulysses the squirrel who writes poetry and has superhero powers. Superb little novel 5/5.

Clemette - I'd agree with you that it is quite a hard book for a child to read - quite a lot of long words, but my daughter (aged 8) enjoyed me reading it to her. I haven't read a book to her in ages, as she prefers to read her own now, so that was a little pleasure. May try and persuade her to let me read more to her. Oh and there was a hopeful ending for Flora's parents.

DD also asked me to find out what else Kate DiCamillo has written - so we'll be on the library's website soon to track down more.

A big thank you to MN for a charming and delightful read.

[Louiseway1]

Sophia (age 7) really loved this. I started it with her then she continued alone with me trying to pick up the threads three quarters of the way through. Great characters to stimulate young imaginations.