Wild Robert

Less realized than her usual work. This is one of her books that actually feels like it is written solely for children. An interesting concept with possibilities but too short to really go there. Still good, though, like all Jones' work.

A haunting and, actually, quite horrible little story about a boy born with fairy blood and murdered by his family. This is published as a title for younger readers, and I don't know quite what the kiddies made of it. I do feel that publishing it like this was rather a waste; it reads like the first few chapters of something much longer, complex and more interesting. I should have liked to have read that book. Quite possibly that's what it was intended to be and it just didn't happen. But if any of DWJ's books are begging for fanfic for completion, this would be the one.

Heather is tired of the tourists who over run her home at Castlemaine every summer, even though she knows that it is part of her parent's job as trustees of the historic site. Then one day while trying to escape the flocks of visitors she sits upon the mound of Wild Robert and calls to life the spirit of the young wizard who is determined to claim Castlemaine as his own.

I very much enjoyed this cute, quick tale of a sad yet determined spirit who was wronged by those he trusted. I think that if I could convince my 7 year old to read the book, he would like it also. This book is a great chapter book for beginning readers with easily read print and exciting enough to hold a child's attention. The ending did kind of leave off abruptly but show more it might be the sort of story you could talk to your child about and ponder, "what do you think happened next?" show less

Beguiling, but insignificant. Even if I were 8 years old I wouldn't love it. And the ending is abrupt - do you suppose there were thoughts of a series or sequel?

Wonderful, short story, for young children, but not too simple. A quick, but enjoyable read.

Heather is hiding from the tourists invading her home, just looking for some peace and quiet so the reputed grave of the former owner seems a good place to try. Exasperated at being unable to read she invites Wild Robert to deal with all the tourists and chaos ensues.

http://www.leemac.freeserve.co.uk/kiddies.htm#rob

short and cute