Product Description

Timmy Twinkle is chubby. That means he gets bullied at school and hasn't any friends. He longs to play football, but he's hopeless at games. He's miserable. And it doesn't help when Gramps tells him about Great-Uncle Vernon, a chubby boy who grew up to be a famous footballer. Then his gran's friend May comes to stay. May is a fitness fanatic who knocks Timmy and Gramps into shape in no time, and Timmy discovers there's magic in his toes - he can kick a ball just like Great-Uncle Vernon. And when Timmy performs on the football field, everyone wants to be friends with him. A lovely story of a child whose unhappiness is dispelled by the discovery of a magical gift.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #132796 in Books
• Published on: 2006-05-04
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 96 pages

Amanda Craig, THE TIMES
'Gardner's timely, touching tale, told in clear, warm prose, has all the satisfaction of a good fairystory.'

Review
'Gardner's timely, touching tale, told in clear, warm prose, has all the satisfaction of a good fairystory.' (Amanda Craig THE TIMES )

'A lovely story of how some dreams come true.' (Dina Rabinovitch THE GUARDIAN (Family Supplement) )

'I will certainly be adding books from this series to my collection for new readers in this age group.' (Annabel Gibb BOOKS FOR KEEPS )

'A fun and original story with easy-to-read print and line illustrations.' (FAMILY INTEREST )

'This entertaining story is a modern fable on how lots of love and a bit of determination can change the most unpromising situations. In a short volume the author has created a host of well-rounded and appealing characters both young and old.' (Rosemary Woodman SCHOOL LIBRARIAN )

About the Author
Sally Gardner trained at art college and went on to work in the theatre, winning awards for her costume designs for some notable productions. After her twin daughters and her son were born she started to illustrate children's books, and then turned to writing. Sally won the Nestle Children's Book Prize Gold Award in 2005, for her novel I, CORIANDER. She lives in North London.

Customer Reviews

It's Lightning!
The author of this book is Sally Gardner. Timmy Twinkle is a large boy who gets bullied at school because he is large. He desperately wants to play football but he is hopeless at it. His grandma died and one of her friends was called Mad May, she is a fitness fanatic she also comes to stay. Mad May made him do lots of fitness exercises every day. Then he became thin and got lots of friends. One day Timmy finds out he has magic feet and he is a football expert.
My favourite part of the story is where Timmy gets thin and sad to happy. I also liked the part where he gets lots of friends.
The language was good because all the characters names were described using alliteration. I also liked it all because it made me laugh.
The characters were funny. Mad May was quite thin and always wearing a tracksuit. Timmy Twinkle was chubby and wore plain clothes. Grandpa had a bold patch and wore an apron.
Overall I really liked this book I would give it 20 out of 20.
Issy

wonderfully inspiring football story
My boys ages 6 and 7 really love this CD. They play it again and again....and again! It is an inspiring story covering topics such as bullying, low self-esteem and courage within an engaging football tale. It is very well read and would be totally absorbing for any football-mad child.