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Book giveaway: The Sound of Whales by Kerr Thomson

14 replies

TinaMumsnet · 06/07/2015 12:17

This week we're giving away 50 copies of The Sound of Whales by Kerr Thomson, the story of three children who spend a summer on a wild Scottish island.

Kerr Thomson won The Times Chicken House Children's Fiction Competition with The Sound of Whales in 2014 and it was published in April this year. The competition has once again reopened in search of some top new children's fiction writers, and our very own Justine Roberts is on the judging panel.
Click here to find out more about the competition and apply for a free copy of The Sound of Whales.

Don't forget, if you're lucky enough to receive a free copy we ask that you tell us what you think about it on the thread below or in our book reviews section.

Book giveaway: The Sound of Whales by Kerr Thomson
OP posts:
cornflakegirl · 06/07/2015 20:40

DS1 (10) has just read the extract. He says it looks really good and is gripping - he'd love to read the rest of the book.

AnonymousBird · 08/07/2015 10:13

I've applied, and agree with cornflakegirl - 10yo son loved the sound of it.

AnonymousBird · 17/07/2015 09:12

Has this one been sent? Ive not heard, so assume not successful. Never mind, I got the Julian Clary one, The Bolds, for my daughter - she was SO excited when I showed it to her and I reckon my son would enjoy it too.

AnOddOod · 29/07/2015 15:28

This arrived today. I'm assuming it's from you!

Wings77 · 03/08/2015 09:37

Thank you for a copy of this book, it arrived a few days ago. My children have just started reading it, so will post a review when finished.

Lariflete · 03/08/2015 10:44

I was chosen by MNHQ to receive a free copy of this book. This review is in my own words and reflects my true opinion.
I applied for this for my daughter to read at bedtime. I have just finished reading it and while I think that she will enjoy it, I think it is a little bit too old for her at the moment.
This book is beautifully written and captures the isolation of Fraser, Dunny and Hayley perfectly.
Mysticism and reality are blended together as one 'supernatural' child performs miracles and two 'ordinary' children deal with their own, adolescent problems.
I think there were some very important themes in the book (people trafficking, betrayal and trust) but this was dealt with in a child-friendly way.
As I say, I misjudged the appropriateness of this for DD, but am sure that both DC will enjoy this when older, especially reading about the whales.

purplepandas · 04/08/2015 20:17

Oooh thanks for this. I will update when we have made progress.

cookiemonster66 · 06/08/2015 11:59

I was chosen by MNHQ to receive a free copy of this book. This review is in my own words and reflects my true opinion.

Although this is a childrens book, I read it anyway, and it was brilliant, really enjoyed it from start to finish. It would appeal and be more suitable for teenagers as it covers political issues, death, and personal relationships.

Great storyline and it had me hooked even though its not usually my chosen genre of reading. My fav characer was dunny - bless his cotton socks , although he does not speak, he won my heart!

Very well written and deserves the Times Childrens short story Prize award.

Many thanks for the book!

purplepandas · 13/08/2015 15:36

Like cookiemonster66 has said, I am now reading this rather than DD. It's a bit beyond her. I am enjoying it so far and will come back to this thread when I am further forward. :)

Wings77 · 18/08/2015 12:40

I was chosen by MNHQ to receive a free copy of this book. This review is in my own words and reflects my children's own true opinion.
My children found this a rather hard book to follow and is definitely more suited to older children. It is well written so I have suggested that they read it again in a couple of years. I am planning to read it myself! Thank you for the book.

musicalprof · 18/08/2015 22:04

I enjoyed reading our free copy from MNHQ, but I think my 9 year old ds is a little too young for some of the themes & events in the story at the moment. When he is ready, it is well-written, in fairly short, manageable chapters & I think he will enjoy the relationships between Fraser, Hayley & Dunny.

AnOddOod · 19/08/2015 07:17

I enjoyed the book but have yet to persuade my teens to read it ( they avoid anything recommended Hmm)
Anyway I enjoyed it but agree with other posters that it's certainly one for older children due to language and topics covered.

purplepandas · 19/08/2015 11:23

I have finally got to this and really enjoyed it. I like the short chapters and also the way that some of the tricky issues were managed (trying not to give too much away here). I do agree that this is for much older children though. Something to keep for when they are rather older!

DuPainDuVinDuFromage · 20/08/2015 12:30

I really, really liked this book. The two main characters were believable and likeable, and the little brother was intriguing. The book gave a true-to-life picture of a hebridean island (with just a couple of niggles, such as it being pitch-dark at 10pm in early July). I thought the difficult topic of human trafficking was dealt with well for the age group that the book is aimed at, and the story was paced well and was very readable.

I would say that the book is suitable for children aged about 12. With the wholesome outdoorsy element combined with the otherworldly aspect, it is a bit like a modern Ghost of Thomas Kempe with a bit of 39 Steps thrown in. Now to find a 12-year-old to read it...my DCs are a bit young.

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