Reviews

Jonathan's Tales, Volume 1  and 2 being read in a Tanzanian classroom

Lameck Bagyumya, English Teacher, Tanzania posted on Instagram

"Jonathan's Tales is a touching and inspiring book that leaves a lasting impression on its readers. Tom Kissack delivers a story filled with heart, sincerity, and meaningful lessons, making it both enjoyable and adds to critical thinking.

The writing style is clear and accessible, allowing readers of all backgrounds to easily connect with the story. Its themes are relatable and uplifting, encouraging reflection on personal growth and life's challenges. The simplicity of the narrative works in its favour, making the message even more powerful and easy to understand.

Overall, ‘Jonathan's Tales’ is a wonderful and inspiring read. It stands out for its genuine emotion and positive message, making it a book that many readers will appreciate and remember.

The book was really enjoyed by grade 5 pupils from Grace Primary School — they loved ‘The Pig and the Egg’.

Sinza Mapambano, a government school, loved ‘The Hammer and the Shoe.’ They loved the books because of the story and the idioms and proverbs that Tom used in his writing.

Thank you @tomtom99xx for donating this book to Tanzania. I highly recommend parents to buy this book for their children. It's one among the interesting books I have passed through.”

                                                             Lameck Bagyumya

Lucy posted on Amazon a 5-star review of Volume 2

“I loved this book. It is full of imaginative stories of all kinds of things. I would recommend it to children, and would be very good for bedtime stories or for children to read themselves. Lucy, age 9.”

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Lucy

"Greetings from my critiquing desk. Tom, I have just read two of Jonathan's Tales stories in the new book. The first one, The Hen and the Mirror, and then went to the Contents page and was intrigued by the 7th tale, The Cup and the Trousers. I WAS BLOWN AWAY. You seem to have a knack of capturing a Hans Christian Anderson vibe, yet infusing your own unique style. I cannot but tell you that your narrative flows seamlessly. Your evident enjoyment of writing Jonathan's Tales is shot through every story making them truly captivating. You breathe life into them and have given yourself in the writing of them. That is what makes them special. They are absolutely wonderful. I salute you. Each one a modern Aesop's fable. It matters to you that people of whatever age takes them to heart. You bring a wholesome morality to each one. Always ending with kindness. Very powerful. I wasn’t sure if Volume 4 could be better than the others. Or on a par. Often when authors have finished the first book, other editions while good, can’t quite top the first one. However not so in this case.”

Sarah, a veritable blue stocking and perhaps an arch critic as  my ex -wife on reading all four volumes.