PRESS/REVIEWS
Press / Endorsements
“Jack, Muffin & Basingstoke Bear:
GETTING TO KNOW JOE”
Grief is an important concept and kids must learn to embrace it as we often find it in life. Nicola has described it incredibly well in her book, Jack, Muffin & Basingstoke Bear: GETTING TO KNOW JOE. The book is perfectly poised for younger audience and has plenty of chance of being a category winner. It is a must have book for any library that caters to a young audience. I recommend it to parents and teachers.
Rob Biddulph (Award Winning Author)
Children Book Author/Illustrator
London
http://www.robbiddulph.com
I was looking for a suitable book to help my school children understand and cope with their feelings when I found this book. “Jack, Muffin & Basingstoke Bear: GETTING TO KNOW JOE” by Author Nicola Jack. It uses a simple story that’s beautifully written and serves as a useful tool to teach kids empathy. Early school-going kids are the perfect audience since it offers visual pleasure along with a teachable story.
Brenda Zalka
Mental Health Counselor
Pompano Beach, FL
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/brenda-zalka-pompano-beach-fl/1197834
I recently read this book “Jack, Muffin & Basingstoke Bear: GETTING TO KNOW JOE” as I like to find reading material for my kindergarten kids. It is more than just a story; it’s a journey that imparts important life lessons for kids in an easily understandable manner. If you are looking for a bedtime story for kids, it is a perfect fit. The author Nicola has a specific style in this book which I loved. With its perfect blend of storytelling and life lessons, it’s a must-read for children and a helpful guide for parents and educators alike.
Kevin Johnson
Children Book Author
Roaring Brook Press Philadelphia
https://authorsunbound.com/kevin-johnson/
DR MARTIN BRUNET – GP / Medical Educator / Author
“This book would go well alongside a talk time about grief”
“Nicola has gently explored the topic of grief and the importance of friendship in an accessible way for children and caregivers. The introduction gives context and useful links for further support. Nicola uses everyday interactions to which children will be able to relate, to demonstrate the importance of empathy and distractions in supporting someone on their grief journey”.
‘CRUSE BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT’ –
https://www.cruse.org.uk
”MOTHER WRITES CHILDREN’S STORY ABOUT COPING WITH GRIEF”
– Basingstoke Gazette –
‘I highly recommend this book”
Nicola’s story is a very powerful one, highlighting the challenges young children may have in understanding grief, either dealing with their own, or supporting their friends.
The tale of Jack and Joe’s friendship is heart-warming, and the topic is handled in a fun yet sensitive and compassionate way. I highly recommend this book.
PRU GAYTON
https://www.paccopywriting.com
”The perfect book to use for emotional support”
Nicola Jack’s debut picture book will capture children’s love for fun and friendship,whilst subtly addressing the themes of grief and loss. Join Jack, Muffin and Basingstoke Bear on their adventures. The perfect book to use for emotional support and to delicatelyintroduce/initiate conversations around grief for young children in a very relatable way.
BETH BRIDGES
http://www.instagram.com/thebookfairygifts
Amazon reviews
"Great Book."
Verified Purchase
A. Cotton
"Nice Illustrations."
Verified Purchase
Jasmine
"Lovely to read to a child."
Verified Purchase
Katie Barron
"Empathy and managing grief for younger schoolchildren.."
Verified Purchase
Medved
Beautifully written
Verified Purchase
javaid b akhtar
Lovely little book
Verified Purchase
EMMA CURRY
Fantastic book for children
Verified Purchase
Brilliant book,
Wrote in such a heartfelt way, perfectly written for children. Wasn’t all about grief, which is a very tough topic to talk about but a lovely story about friendship whist one child trying to deal with grief.
Lee
Great book
Verified Purchase
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Broached multiple topics such as standing up for what you believe in, not accepting injustices and intelligent/creative thinking in a funny, approachable way.
Would happily recommend the author and the book itself.
Ant
Great book that's readable about grief for young children
Verified Purchase
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 8 December 2024 This is a simple and lovely book to help children about grief. Very well written and lovely pictures.
One person found this helpfulWould happily recommend the author and the book itself.
Hannah
“Children’s books Ideal as Christmas presents”
Referred to as the trouble with bananas book, this release takes us through Jack’s adventure. Along with his best friends, they need to tackle a new challenge at school. When a bully threatens the environment, they need to come together and find a solution to this problem.
The book shows us how four friends find the best thing to do by working together. They end up looking after each other in a creative way, but they also use their bravery to combat the problem. Like any other good book for kids, this one has some stunning illustrations by Martynas Marchiusm as well.
A bit of humor here and there, plenty of practical advice and, why not, an educational tool to help your little one understand what friendship really means. I think it’s one of the best children’s Christmas gift books given in today’s society and climate.
Of course, make sure you discuss things in the book and showcase the importance of certain elements. After all, it’s not all about fun, but also about the educational profile.
