Sue Wickstead

Bewbush Playbus is a factual account of the setting up and running of the Bewbush playbus scheme which sadly closed its doors for the final time in 2003.

The Bewbush playbus is the inspiration for Ms Wickstead's children's stories involving playbuses, and it is my love of these stories which made me curious about the 'real' playbus.

This book describes the conversion of an ordinary double decker bus into a safe mobile play space for, initially, the under 5's; the learning curve of the volunteers; gaining inspiration from other playbus groups nationally; the changing market as schools started to provide places for children in the September following their 4th birthday; and the trials and tribulations of maintaining a playbus.

Even though I do not have a connection to Bewbush, nor have I used or had access to a playbus scheme for my own children, I found the history very interesting and informative. The book includes lots of pictures which document the various playbuses as a much loved resource within their communities.

I think this book will be of particular interest to parents and children who have used the Bewbush scheme, and others with fond memories of their own playbus schemes, as well as the individuals and groups who were involved in its creation and maintenance.… (mais)

David is getting ready for a bath. Except that he has decided to have a swim rather than bath. He gets dressed in his swimming trunks, then puts a lot of toys in the bath. He is still not ready to get in, and gets a rubber ring and his flippers, all the time dripping water all over the house as he goes hunting for the things he needs. When finally he is in the bath David imagines he is diving for sunken treasure, splashing and squirming about in the water. David's Bathtime Adventure concludes with a bedtime story and a happy little boy dreaming of swimming in the sea, and finding real treasure beneath the waves.

My granddaughter absolutely loved this story. It is something she can relate to - the bubbles; the slippery soap; the bathtime imaginative play; the disappointment at having to get out; the warm towel that greets her when she finally gets out... As a parent, I can well remember supervising my children's bathtime adventures and sympathise with David's mother, knowing that she will have to clear up his watery mess before her day is done.

David's Bathtime Adventure made me smile in a 'Been there. Done That' kind of way. It is written in easily understandable language yet elegantly paints a picture of a child preparing for their playtime in the bath before bedtime.

Once again Ms Wickstead has produced an amusing children's story that engages and entertains young readers.… (mais)

This was a darling Children's Picture Book that not only captured my interest, but my heart as well. I had no idea there was actually a bus very much like 'Sparky' that went around to areas where handy-capable children lived, allowing them the chance to play pretty much unencumbered by any limitations they may have on a normal day to day thanks to the special features of the bus! I mean, what a wonderful idea and when translated from life to page, it still manages to bring a tear to your eye and a smile to your heart. So that's a definite recommended read for the kiddos out there with the delightful story, feelings of empowerment, and wonderful illustrations....but also a great big green light for older readers as a reminder that good deeds can in fact be found in more than just the written word.


**ebook received for review; opinions are my own… (mais)

This is the story of a little boy, David, who is inspired by watching the bin men working in his road, to collect all the 'rubbish' in his house, and dispose of it himself - just like he has seen the bin men do. The trouble is, not everything he picks up and puts into his bin is rubbish. Thankfully, unlike the waste that has gone into the bin lorry, the things that David has collected are not gone forever.

I read this book to my two year old granddaughter, who is quite taken with busses, trains, helicopters, airplanes, emergency service vehicles and of course the bin lorry, and she absolutely loved it!

David's Bin Day is inspired by a true story. It is an engaging and funny story with the most wonderful accompanying illustrations. Written in easily understandable language for younger readers, and introducing a few more difficult words to extend their vocabulary, it made me smile, and has already become a favourite with my granddaughter.

As you know, I am a big fan of Sue Wickstead's children's stories, so it is no surprise that I highly recommend this book for younger readers.… (mais)