Reviews

A few words said by people about my books:

From The Little Wooden Horse Blogspot Reviews
http://thelittlewoodenhorse.blogspot.co.uk/2013_04_01_archive.html

"I am a small potato in the giant Blog allotment. Whilst I am theoretically interested in receiving review copies of books (FREE STUFF!- come on you like it too dontcha....dontcha??) when I have been sent them they sometimes engender a certain panic: I'm not interested in bashing anything- there's enough of that on the internet, and I want to write about what I want to write about. But it's hard not to feel a sense of obligation when someone's sent you something, and obligation and objectivity are not friends. This is all perfectly manageable when you're being sent something by a big publisher or distributor but rather less so when you are holding someone's self-published dreams. And so I have tended to head off the self published who approach me periodically for that reason.
Against form I didn't however pass up the offer to be sent Jules Marriner's books; and, reasonably objectively I hope- I'm glad I didn't. In a world where getting a picture book publishing deal is apparently Quite Hard she seems to be doing a very professional job going it alone. These are funny and enjoyable books definitely worthy of a readership outside her immediate family and friends I think.
'Vincent the Vampire' tells the story of a controversial blackberry-loving bat who finds unlikely sanctuary in a vampire's castle with surprisingly good catering for vegetarians.

'Royal Fleas' deals inventively with the tricky problem of What To Do when you spot the Queen's corgi scratching.

Both have plenty of humour in both text and illustration. There's some good spotting to be done. I liked the sharp-toothed dentures and the changing face of Munch's Scream in the background of 'Vincent the Vampire'. In 'Royal Fleas', the incongruous pink fluffy slippers of the Queen's snooty secretary, Mr Horatio Flowers-Simkinson made Bill giggle.
 
Both books bear stickers on the cover saying 'Written and illustrated on the Isle of Wight'. I think this is a pretty canny move on Jules Marriner's part and emblematic of one of the most interesting parts of the brave new world of self- publishing. I love the fact that increasingly a visit to a fair or craft market leads to an encounter with an author next door to the miniature teddy maker and knitted egg cosy lady. And I'd much rather bring back a bookish souvenir to remember a place or holiday than anything else. I like the idea of a community rallying around its authors and supporting their stories."

Vincent and the Vampires

"I just wanted to say how nice the book was. The illustrations and story are lovely, my daughter enjoyed studying the pictures for all the extra scary eyes and creepy crawlies hidden amongst the pictures. After I finished reading it to my daughter, she asked me to read it to her again 3 times in a row, she enjoyed it so much.

My favourite line; 'Wings like a skin off a cold gravy".

I look forward to discovering more of your work."
from Jack

"Having read the delightful Royal Fleas (also by Jules Marriner)we just had to read this too! There are so many beautiful illustrations - each page is a smorgasbord, a real treat for little readers. The story is well written and not at all scary, so perfect for younger readers. A fab Halloween gift too. If you enjoyed Royal Fleas, I recommend this too. I can't wait for more offerings from the very talented Jules Marriner."
from Ms Henderson

"have to say I loved this book!! Ticks all the boxes for me, from an original(not to scary)story to some lovely artwork. My daughter loves the pictures as well as the story pointing out the eyes hidden in the trees and peeking out from under the coffin and out of the jar on the table. I liked the little touches like the vampire dentures next to the bed and "mint saws" on the banquet table. For my daughters Age I found the words to picture ratio good too."from Whiskeyboy

Royal Fleas

"My son wanted to learn more about the Queen's Corgis and quite by accident we stumbled across this book. The illustrations are delightful and really make the story come alive. My son loved this book and thought it hilarious that the Queen's doggy had fleas! An enjoyable bedtime story. Highly recommended."
from Ms Henderson

 

"Brought this book for my niece who loved it as a bed time story found it very amusing particularly the flea facts at the beginning."
from G77Walker

Wally and Bert BFFs

"What a delightful book, even for a 63 year old. I could not wait to turn the pages and see the antics, marvellous illustrations. This is a must read for all small people, and their grandparents."
from Mrs Kneller

 

"This is an excellent little book aimed at 7 -10 year olds and if you have children who are in this age range you can't go wrong buying this book.

It tells the charming story of Wally and his best friend Bert (who just happens to his tail) who try to help their sick housemate, Blenda. As Blenda is feeling ill they volunteer to fill in for her at work helping Mr Wong in his shop. I don't want to give too much away but they have a few mis-adventures along the way, both getting to the shop and while working for MR Wong. However, it all works out for the best and has a happy ending (as all good books should).

It is well written, very well laid out, making it easy to read. The story itself flows very well, is amusing and well illustrated. The large type make it easy to read and the words are pitched at the right level for the intended audience.

It is a book I would thoroughly recommend."
from Rob R