Readers Views

Jane Emerson 13.11.05
"The children at Emerson House, some of whom are dyslexic, have enjoyed Frank Hinks's books very much. Eleanor (9) is very sad she has read all twelve in less than a month and there are no more. Christopher (9) goes to bed half an hour early so he can read them before he goes to sleep. Antonia (10) reads them in the car when she arrives early at school. They love Frank's books and want him to write more. The books are beautifully illustrated, by Frank too, and they fire the imagination of the children as they read the stories, longing to know what will happen next."

Jane Emerson is Director of Emerson House, children’s tutorial centre, 40 Redmore Road, Hammersmith, London W6 0HZ

Simone H. 29.10.05
''I have been meaning to tell you that the Frank Hinks books have been doing us a great service. For ages Christopher had to be persuaded bribed encouraged to read for 15 minutes twice a day. Then slowly but surely he was noticed to sit in his chair quite happily and then heard to chorkle and giggle and now he goes to bed half an hour early with his book quite happily wanting to see what happens next. I am more pleased than I can say. The greatest thing is a break through in attitude to reading because I want him to read because he likes it and believe me we really tried to get there.''

Mercedes M. 23.5.05
''I really enjoyed the cruel count story and you really had good amazing expression and it was nice German expression. The story gave me a picture in my head and the picture was really colourful and you were really funny and my name is German as well.''

Stefan W. 23.5.05
''I enjoyed your books that you have written. I like your funny accent that you played in the story. The Cruel Count was funny because you made us stand up, back straight, that bit made me laugh. Your books are amazing and I would like to read more of your books. I like your illustrations.''

Sean Y. (Age 9) 1.5.05
''I have been reading your new books at school and I think they are very good because they have got different characters and they do not keep repeating the same ones over and over again. I really liked the Vicar’s Chickens because it was a good adventure and it was funny, especially when the vicar kept saying ‘Auntie Griselda.’ In the crystal key I liked the bit where they go to the land of minds because the brothers kept wishing for food and drink…..Please can you write some more books as they are special.''

Ameila J. 14.4.05
''My class have just got your lovely series of books. I think they’re really funny and I love Snuggle.''

Josh S. March 2005
''How do you write so many brilliant books? My favourite book is the Land of Lost hair. Snuggle is my favourite character. My favourite evil character is Boris. You have an amazing imagination. I think you must be very clever to write such a good book. You are a fabulous author. Kids love your books. Are you going to write another one?''

Graeme March 2005
''I recently bought Ramion and Realm of Ramion and I must say they are brilliant, especially Ramion. My favourite story is The Land of Lost Hair. My favourite part is when Griselda uses her magic staff and makes hair dryers, combs and scissors chase Julius, Alexander and Ben.''

Robbie H. (Just 8) Feb. 2005
''I have really enjoyed reading your two books. I loved reading about Julius, Alexander, Benjamin, Scrooey-Looey and all their adventures. My favourite characters are Snuggle, Fluffy and the dim daft dwarves. I thought the best story was the Magic Magpie. I was very sad when I had finished Realm of Ramion and Mummy said there wasn’t another book. So please can you write some more books. They are the best books I have ever read.''

Eliana A. Jan. 2004
''Ramion was one of my best presents! I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. The pictures were also very good! My favourite character would have to be the evil witch! I like her wicked ways. (Not to send the wrong message or anything).''

Chantelle G. 6.3.03
''My favourite character was Scrooey-Looey. He was hilariously funny and kind of cute. I would like to congratulate you on your fantastic achievement. I know you are going to become a famous author some day soon. If I rated your books I would give them 10 out of 10.''

Sarah M. 6.3.03
''I was amazed to see the wonderful creative creations in your stories and writing, my heart was pounding and wanted to hear more. The inspiration you brought to me and the school was breathtaking. I had never heard or seen a more fantastic writer and performer in my life. It was great! A very big THANK YOU for making me and the other children feel great after your stories. (The teachers squeezed a laugh or two in when the children weren’t looking!).''

Nicole B. 6.3.03
''The stories in Ramion are funny, great and wonderful! My favourite character is Snuggle the cat, and yes you are right you did get Snuggle’s name wrong. I like Snuggle because he gets in the way and is in and out of the story, and he gets up to things. And I have a great time listening to the story of ‘Creatures of the Forest’ and I really liked the illustrations, they really went with the story.''

Nicholas H. 6.3.03
''I was amazed to hear the stories of Ramion, and also amazed to hear that they started out as bed time stories for your children. The thing that made them so hilariously funny was the names of the characters, I mean whoever heard of a rabbit called Scrooey-Looey! I hope that you have success if you write any more stories and have them published for I’m sure they will be just as good as your first book. I still can’t stop laughing about the story of Snuggle and the Vicar’s Chickens!''

Hannah M. and Tom C. 6.3.03
''We certainly enjoyed you coming in and reading your fabulous story the Creatures of the Forest. It set us in a world of our own. They amaze us. It was a great experience that your fantasies sort of came true with a little bit of imagination.''

Tom L. 6.3.03
''That was a dazzling story. We all adored it. The pictures were fantastic. I especially liked the picture of Screwy Louie. The skull was YUK! When you said about the Venomous Vampires it sent shivers down my spine. The hedgehogs shot spikes out of their bums. Why is Griselda so ugly, and why does Screwy Louie keep gambling in the lettuce bars.''

Louie F. 6.3.03
''Brill! I thought your book Ramion was excellent. It was one of the best books I’ve ever heard. My favourite bit was when all the monsters came out, my favourite Monster was the Venomous Vampires. My favourite character was Screwy Louie when the kids were in danger he just sat around eating lettuce!''

Alex H. 6.3.03
''I thought it was wonderful when you came to tell us about the Ramion adventures! The stories were breathtaking. My favourite character was lettuce-eating Screwy Looey, who when the boys were in mortal danger he just sat around getting fat1 I think Snuggly should be renamed Mr Naughty because of his ludicrous behaviour! I thought Griselda was horribly evil! Zany Zombies, Whoaa! Yours excitedly.''