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The Hatters Go West!
A
hilarious new children's adventure novel for 8-12 year
olds by
Piers Warren
- click here for ordering |
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"This
book was a fantastic read and I recommend it to any younger readers
who just want a subtle, easy but hilariously silly book"
Evening Post 17 June 2006 (click here for
full review)
 The
Hatters Go West!
Maddie's mum is missing – in fact she vanished a year ago, gathering
mushrooms in the nearby woods. But when Maddie's little sister disappears
as well, in search of Mum, there's no time to waste: Lupin (or Loopy
for short!) must be found before she gets into trouble. But to make
the situation even worse, the sisters have a dad who – though
quite loveable – is completely round the bend!
Never quite sure what her crazy dad will do next, Maddie and her family
set off on an amazing cross-country journey in their trusty old campervan,
facing one adventure after another on the trail of some peculiar clues.
Accompanied by an ever-growing menagerie of animals, including Mr
Nose the Giant Anteater, Maddie comes across a bizarre cast of characters.
But will she ever find Mum?
Extract
from the first chapter:
"He
put the spoon down, read the note calmly, and then screamed hysterically,
‘WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO?!’ eyes bulging in panic.
‘I suggest we go and look for her,’ replied Maddie.
‘Oh – yes – right,’ said Dad, calming down
slightly. Dad’s reaction belied the fact that Lupin disappearing
was not uncommon, although to be fair, she had never before stated
that she was going to look for Mum. Anyway, they had a routine sorted
for occasions such as this, and they flew into action like a well
goose-greased machine.
Maddie grabbed a rucksack and stuffed into it a torch, a first aid
kit, a map, a bottle of water, a whistle and a packet of biscuits.
Dad’s contribution to the efficient preparations was to rub
goose-grease from a large tub onto his forehead. He clearly misunderstood
the routine, but finally seemed satisfied that he had done his bit.
‘Ready?’ he asked.
‘Ready,’ said Maddie."
 About
the Author
Piers
Warren is an eccentric adventurer and author. He has
walked the African plains with Maasai Warriors, tracked tigers
in India on elephant-back, explored the Amazon rainforest, swum
with sharks, trekked across Tanzanian deserts on a camel and filmed
cheetahs hunting in Kenya.
He
writes books on a variety of subjects from his greenhouse in Norfolk
where he lives with his teenage daughter, a number of carnivorous
plants, and a Komodo Dragon called Perry Komo. The Hatters
Go West! is his first children's novel. More books are in
the pipeline - including further adventures of The Hatters! |
What
Readers have said about The Hatters Go West!
Reviewer:
Adam Jeffries, Norfolk, aged 9
"This
book has to be one of my favourites. It is very cleverly plotted out
- taking you on a very exciting journey of mystery and madness. It made
me feel like I was joining in on all the family's adventures. All the
characters in the book have delightful personalities - I loved the old
lady Dotty because she had a handbag that seemed to carry just about
everything you could possibly need, especially mint humbugs! Dad is
pretty crazy and makes me laugh out loud - he is always getting things
very muddled and seems very kind. My favourite animal in the book has
to be Prunes the guinea pig. I have two guinea pigs of my own and it
was nice to read a story about one. I hope there will be more books
about The Hatters and I have told all my friends what a great book this
is to read."
Reviewer:
Alex Murden, Bristol, aged 13
"This
book was fantastic! For readers aged 8–11, this wacky story is
funny, exciting, weird, and what’s more you can’t put it
down. I
think that the best part of this book is the characters. The dad is
one of my favourite characters ever in a book. I love the way he always
gets the wrong end of the stick and all of his weird and wonderful remedies:
the way he puts goose-fat on his forehead to help find Lupin who has
run away to look for their mother. This
is a very fun read and the animals are amazing: my personal favourite
is Mr Nose the giant anteater, who is great! I
rate this book nine out of ten, a must-read for those who want a short
light book but also want to be entertained."
Dani
Maimone, Surrey
"Brilliant! We couldn't put it down.This
is such a great book. Both I and my seven year old daughter Jasmine
enjoyed it enormously. We laughed constantly throughout the story and
looked forward to each new chapter with eager anticipation as the plot
unfolded.
Piers writes in such a way that each character leaps off the page and
comes to life. We can't wait to read more zany adventures about the
Hatter tribe. I would thoroughly recommend this book to parents and
children."
Ms.
T. Cheslaw, Cambridge
"It has been many years since I have
read such an enjoyable book for children. The colourful characters and
their escapades jump off each page as one is swept away by the journey
they decide to undertake. The author has a gift like Mr. Dahl in that
one wishes to inhabit the world that he weaves. I am going to buy more
- for my younger relatives and also for my adult friends. It is quite
simply a timeless book, long may the Hatters live!"
Published
by Wildeye in 2006
Available as Paperback
96 pages, ISBN 978-0-9541899-8-3
Click
here for ordering
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