Gervase Phinn

On the whole another enjoyable book by Gervase Phinn. Maybe because I've read most of what this author has written, I'm starting to read some of the same tales in different books. To be fair to the author, the double ups are probably some of the funniest recollections from his time as a school Inspector, and they still make me smile. It's the retelling of the direct and very honest life observations said by the school children that are pure gold, I would love to meet some of these kids, who show more are as blunt as a dull knife! The story of the surprising individualist Kyle, aged 10 and the new boy at school, tore at my heartstrings. If you want a bit of light cheerful reading that will give you more than a few good chuckles, have a read. show less

Lovely book about the experiences and travails of a newly appointed inspector of schools in the Yorkshire dales. Some of the anecdotes are sidesplittingly funny, but there is an undercurrent of seriousness in his love for teaching and encouraging children to grow and learn. A quote on the cover says "The James Herriot of Schools", a perfect description of this book.

Gervase Phinn never fails to make me smile and laugh and nod my head knowingly. I have read all his books. I have loved all his books. Teacher, School Inspector, Public Speaker, Author, Poet and Patron of many charities for children, turns the story on himself in this book and it's told with all the humour and honesty of his tales about the straight talking Yorkshire schoolchildren of his previous books. Mr. Phinn is obviously one of those brilliant people who were BORN to teach, born to show more enlighten and encourage, born to tell stories, to write stories and to make people laugh and feel good about themselves. I hope the next book isn't too far away. show less

Gervase Phinn, who narrates this book, is appointed School Inspector for English in the Yorkshire Dales. He recounts his initial interviews and settling-in period, and several incidents as he travels around visiting local schools.

Well-written with a humorous eye for detail, and I found each chapter enjoyable. However it felt somehow like collected short stories rather than a book in its own right - not necessarily a problem, but it made it rather less enjoyable than the James Herriot books show more with which it's been compared. show less