Member Reviews

A sweet, sweet story and I have added it to our library collection. I can use it in multiple programs and am looking forward to sharing it!

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Mr. Scribbley: A Day In The Garden, written by Y. J. Toner, tells the story of Mr. Scribbley, Sat Nav, Worm, and their friends. The group are working together in the garden to plant and beautify their area, but things turn a little sillier than they thought when they use Silly Seeds! This book was very cute and humorous, with fun drawings and storyline. It also has a sweet message about working together, and sharing what you have! I really enjoyed this book; and can see little ones enjoying it as well. Thank you to NetGalley and to the author and publisher of this book for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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Mr Scribbley: A Day in the Garden is an entertaining children's book by Y.J. Toner with wonky characters and filled with whimsy and gardening fun. Released 15th July 2024, it's 20 pages and is available in ebook format. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.

The prose is accessible and written in a fun free verse which will have the littles chanting along with Mr. Scribbley, making a list of gardening tools, finding his supplies, and getting to work in the garden. Not everything goes to plan, however, and Scribbley and pals (Sat Nav his dog, and Worm, his... worm assistant) are soon having adventures and hijinks.

The art is full of whimsy and details which invite a closer look. Despite being a very *fun* book, there are good takeaways about reading and following instructions, planning carefully and carrying out plans, as well as the importance of friends and having fun.

The language and slang are British English. It shouldn't pose any problems in context for readers from the USA, but it is noticeable (wellies, hosepipe, deckchairs, pyjamas, and a few others).

Four and a half stars. The art and story are delightful.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

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What a delightful story! Perfect length for bedtime. As a grandma, I could imagine reading this to my grandchildren when they were much younger. There is scope for a dramatic reading - character voices, drama, surprises and giggles. I can also see little ones getting interested in planting their own bulbs and seeds - never a bad thing! Mr Scribbley will obviously have many more adventures, I hope the little ones get hooked! Thanks to NetGalley and Troubador for an ebook ARC.

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What a beautiful and funny little children’s book about magic and gardening. I really would like some of these magic seeds as I think they would be such and adventure in my garden. This is beautifully illustrated and a great book to read at bedtime to bring wonder and imagination to our children. I look forward to more books with these characters.

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I have read Mr. Scribbley from Y. J. Toner 3 times in all. I love how completely bonkers this book is. I love the characters, Sat Nav, is such a great name for a dog. Worm, well, it's a worm.

Mr. Scribbley always has a mishap one way or another, and this story is no exception. I don't want to reveal too much, but the seeds he planted were called "Silly Seeds" and the wording said "Find a Magic Suprise inside" Expect hysterical madness and an ending that turns out just right.

It is a wonderful book for young children with a vivid imagination. My granddaughter loved it.

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A very cute and funny story. It had adventure and kept my littles entertained for their good night story-time.

Thank you YJ Toner, NetGalley, and Troubador Publishing.

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I don’t necessarily think this is bad, as far as children’s books go, but it wasn’t a hit. My little ones really liked the pictures but the story didn’t keep them much engaged and the kitschy writing and odd words felt a bit like maybe this is part of something bigger that we aren’t knowledgeable about. I think I would gift this to a kid that likes cute artwork and whimsy, but my practical-minded little one wasn’t as enthralled.

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"Mr Scribbley: A Day in the Garden" by Y. J. Toner is a delightful children's book that takes readers on a whimsical adventure in the land of Squiggle Doodle. The story begins with the ordinary and somewhat dull Scribbley House garden, which soon becomes the center of a magical transformation.

Mr. Scribbley, our charming protagonist, decides it's time to bring a little magic into the garden. With the help of some unusual companions - Sat Nav and Worm - he dives into the Scribbley Shed to find just the right ingredients for his magical gardening project. The garden quickly transforms from drab to fab, but things don't stay ship-shape for long. Within a few days, the garden begins to grow out of control, leading to a hilariously chaotic situation.

Toner's writing is playful and engaging, making it a perfect read for young children. The story is filled with silly surprises and imaginative scenarios that are sure to captivate young minds. The vivid descriptions of the garden's transformation and the ensuing chaos are both funny and charming, making it easy for readers to visualize the wibble wobble world of Squiggle Doodle.

The characters, especially Mr. Scribbley, are endearing and quirky, adding to the overall charm of the book. The interaction between Mr. Scribbley, Sat Nav, and Worm provides plenty of laughs and highlights the importance of teamwork and creativity.

Overall, "Mr Scribbley: A Day in the Garden" is a delightful and entertaining read that will leave children giggling and eager for more adventures in Squiggle Doodle. Y. J. Toner has created a magical world that young readers will love to explore, filled with silly sunshine and unexpected twists.

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Book Title: Mr. Scribbley: A Day in the Garden
Series: Mr. Scribbley: A Wibble Wobble World of Adventure Book 1
Author: Y. J. Toner
Publisher: Troubador Publishing Ltd.
Genre: Children’s Fiction
Pub Date: July 15, 2024
My Rating: 4. 3 Stars

Planting a garden on a normal wibble wobble day in the land of Squiggle Doodle!

Story starts when Mr. Scribbley decides his garden is not looking great and needs some work. With the help of Sat Nav and Worm they set out with Mr. Scribbley’s gardening tools – spade, rake watering. They are delighted that they soon have the garden looking good. They have flower bulbs, seeds and a tub of ‘Magic Grow’
However, days after all their hard work nothing is growing – they are sure there was no magic in the Magic Grow.

Then nearly a week after planning the garden they are surprised that it is now wild with well . . . .not what they expected.
It appears the seed were ‘Silly Seeds’!!

I am not going to tell you what developed from the seeds as I am sure you have a youngster in your life who would love for you to read this to them.
The story comes with great illustrations.

I read [book: Bogus Business Unlimited] by author, Yvonne Toner and thought it was so much fun- so here I am again!
I read a lot of thrillers and sometimes it is fun to escape into the world of children’s magic. As a grandma as well as I guidance counselor I enjoying reading a children’s story I can recommend.

I want to thank NetGalley and Troubador Publishing Ltd. for granting me this eGalley.
Publishing Release Date - July 15, 2024.

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