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#MGMonday Characters: The Friend

I'm sorry this blog is later than usual! Truth is, I'm on holiday at the moment and a little tired and sore with all the walking and gardening. Not that I would change a thing - it's been a wonderful few days! Today, in our Character series, I'll be looking at what makes a good Friend character. The poor Friend never gets a great deal out of the story and I'm afraid this blog is going to be shorter than normal, so I feel like I'm adding to the Friend's misery. Sorry! What do I mean by a Friend character? To explain what I mean, it's handy to think in terms of the Oscars. The 'Best Actor/Actress' category would go to the person playing the main character, of course. The 'Best Supporting Actor/Actress' category would go the person playing either the villain or the friend. It's a basic explanation, but it's a start. We've already talked about the villain ( here ) so let's focus on the Friend. Dos and Don'ts Do allow Frien...

Book Review: Marlon and the Scary Something

  



Review

I should begin this review by apologising to Dan Bailes, the author. I had promised to review Marlon's most recent adventure months ago but, after a very busy three or four months, I'm only just getting round to it.

But I am so pleased I did eventually get round to reading Marlon and the Scary Something. It is a charming book, and one which deals with issues of anxiety and fear in childhood in a way that rarely strays into being heavy-handed.

The story follows Marlon, a cat who certainly feels like he's got the cream! He's just lounging around and winding up his brother when suddenly a dog appears! He doesn't even know what a dog is at this point - he just knows that this new arrival makes him feel afraid.

Over the course of the book, Marlon realises that the best thing to do is to face his fear and, eventually, it all ends very well. 

This is a personal book for the author, who explains in the afterword that he experienced anxiety as a child. This really shows - I would highly recommend this book to anyone who would like to discuss fear and anxiety with their child.

Marlon's story would have been an absolute 5* for me, but I just wasn't as convinced by the little bits with the children and their parent discussing the story. By contrast, Marlon is a charming little guy, and his newfound fear (or friend?!) is written brilliantly too. 

There aren't very many illustrations but, where there are, the style is really lovely.

I'm looking forward to taking this book into school - I can already think of one or two pupils who will really enjoy and benefit from this book.

In summary, a lovely story which will invite your little ones to start talking about any fears and anxieties.


Blurb

When Marlon stumbles into the Scary Something he freezes, stares at the creature and scurries home to safety. Why is the creature there? What does it want? And why is Marlon so scared?
Oh no! Marlon's caught in a web of worry.
He's nervous, anxious and frets about the creature all day. That Scary Something has Marlon stuck on a Creature-Feature-Merry-Go-Round. What can he do?
Anxiety is thief! It's stealing Marlon's joy!
Can he break free and stop being afraid? Can he learn how to believe in himself, quiet his anxieties and face his fears?

It’s Book 2 of Marlon’s Marvelous Adventures!A cozy cat adventure, perfect for kids 6-9 and cat lovers everywhere! Dog lovers too!

You can find the book on Amazon


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