Simple Things (Puffy Books)

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It is the sort of story that deserves to be enjoyed for its own sake, and remembered fondly. The book The Simple Things by Bill Condon was a beautiful and heart-warming story of family, childhood experiences and growing relationships. What I loved about this book is that it could be used in the classroom for any Primary age group and even in Secondary classrooms. Whilst reading the book, I could think of a myriad of different ways to use the book in my Grade One classroom.

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The main character, Stephen, has a fantastic way of describing the things that make him happy. His memories took me on a trip down memory lane to similar thoughts and experiences from when I was a child. In the classroom, I would use his experiences to lead discussions about what makes them happy.

Do all classmates value the same things, or is everyone different? It could also be used in Social lessons focusing on appreciating the simple things in life or, integrated further, would tie beautifully into a History of Technology unit. Questions could be posed about whether we have become too materialistic and focused on new technologies rather than enjoying the simple things?

Overall, I really enjoyed reading the book as an adult, and would recommend it to any teacher just wanting to share a feel good story and open up the classroom to social discussions. The versatility of the book only makes it that much more appropriate for classroom settings.

Stephen receives a card with money twice a year: Christmas and his birthday. She is an aging spinster with no internet, Stephen an energetic young lad; how will they be able to get along? With help from Allie, the girl next door, he learns to enjoy small-town life, backyard cricket and fishing.

This heart-warming story of pages is a great read for 8 to 12 year-old readers who are over fantasy and vampires. Nova Gibson, Massey Primary School. It is a situation likely to be familiar to young readers and indeed the adults who may be reading to them. Stephen is a ten year old boy, who, with his parents, goes to visit his great-aunt Lola, who lives in the country and is approaching her 80th birthday.

Stephen has never met her, but his family is spending several weeks with her. His first impressions of Aunt Lola and the view from her yard are bleak, and we know he is about undertake a personal journey as he reluctantly succumbs to his surroundings. The characters in The Simple Things are beautifully drawn. Stephen is a quiet, gentle and slightly shy boy who finds Aunt Lola quite intimidating but is drawn to her nevertheless.

His innate kindness drives him to keep initiating conversation while she brusquely corrects his grammar and admonishes his slang! Aunt Lola, despite her initially gruff manner, is likable and we see from the outset that her crusty exterior masks a cheeky sense of humour. Twelve year old Allie, the grand-daughter of the next door neighbour, is brash, confident and competitive and she encourages Stephen to come out of his shell and face his fears. Both children are great role models for young readers. The story unfolds in a very reader-friendly way. The chapters are short and each begins with a whimsical illustration by Beth Norling which hints at the events to come.

Much of the action unfolds through dialogue which is realistically portrayed in terms of brevity, pacing, and nuance. Stephen narrates, so we are drawn into his inner world as he processes the new experiences he encounters. This is a beautiful story for ages 7 and up, with a number of possible curriculum links. We are introduced to Stephen's family in the first chapter. Up until now Stephen's only contact with Aunt Lola has been a birthday card twice a year. Now he is to spend holidays with her and his parents. He doesn't get off on the right foot with Aunt Lola or so it seems but Aunt Lola is not what she appears to be.

Stephen's understanding of older relatives is the main theme throughout the book. When reading the first couple of chapters the reader might feel that the development of the story is slow but as the book progresses the reader realises that this is the tone of the book.

It gently meanders through each day showing the reader a little more of each character and what the main reason is for Stephen and his family visiting Aunt Lola.

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This gentle stroll is going to appeal to many readers and may resonate with them extending their knowledge and understanding of their own older relatives. The book is written in chapters and at the beginning of each chapter the reader is given a taste of what the chapter is about through the illustration. The black and white sketches give enough detail to intrigue the reader and encourage them to continue reading and not stop at the end of a chapter. Amongst the main plot, the relationship between Stephen a 10 year old boy and his Great Aunt Lola are snippets of complex issues in society such as divorce, death, illness and growing old.

I recommend it to all teachers of students in Years 4,5 and 6 as either a whole class book or small group focus. The Simple Things is easy-to-read, with pages split into 35 chapters and This book looks at the simple things in life while giving a glimpse at some of the complex issues society has to deal with. The Simple Things is easy-to-read, with pages split into 35 chapters and the language is not challenging for children. Therefore, making a perfect teaching tool to begin discussions with students in a non-confronting way. I have written a full Educational Review with activities based on the Australian Curriculum at my website.

Click on the link to read the review. Aug 02, Tanja rated it really liked it Shelves: A heart-warming, tender, at times humerous as well as thought-provoking story as a young boy builds a relationship with what seems to be a bitter and grumpy old great-aunt he has never met before.

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I loved Steve from the very first pages, a scared little boy with a big heart who tries to be courageous and take risks to be a better person. But Steve wasn't the only one I enjoyed meeting: The author has done A heart-warming, tender, at times humerous as well as thought-provoking story as a young boy builds a relationship with what seems to be a bitter and grumpy old great-aunt he has never met before.

The author has done such a wonderful job bringing them all to life, making them feel so real that at the end of the book, they seem to be people you have met in person. While the book is written for children, the story has lots for adults as well to wonder and ponder about. Dec 13, Julie rated it really liked it.

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What a gorgeous story. Well written, with short chapters to encourage emerging readers, and a lovely theme. It is the simple things in life that are the most meaningful - family, friends, and the simple joys that are all around us if we only take the time to notice them. As a writer I was so impressed by the simplicity of this story, which I know must have been quite painstakingly achieved.

I was encouraged by reading all the acknowledgements in the back, to the numerous people who helped the au What a gorgeous story.

I was encouraged by reading all the acknowledgements in the back, to the numerous people who helped the author in various revisions of the manuscript. Recommended for youngish readers perhaps 8 - Jul 15, Amanda O'Shea rated it it was amazing.

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This book says so much about old age and growing up. The main character, Stephen is an interesting and highly likeable boy. I have never come across a character quite like Stephen in a book before. However, he reminds me of a handful of gentle, inquisitive and accepting boys I have taught over the years. Aunt Lola, as the old person, was a classic. She made me laugh, many times.

The Simple Things is a sweet, beguiling story about a young boy meeting a rather crotchety old great-aunt. Things mellow with time of course, and there are some minor adventures and mysteries along the way. Sep 04, Tina rated it really liked it Shelves: A warm, cute, cuddly and touching story. Family, friends, growing up, character, personality, ageing, death and secrets are some of the themes covered.

Flowing and easy to read. A great story to share with younger readers. Definitely a sweet read. Jan 08, Desna rated it really liked it.

A sweet simple story about family. Stephen and his parents stay with 79 year old Aunt Lola.

The Simple Things by Bill Condon

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