This is the second book by David
Walliams and another good one for children. Set in the same town as The
Boy in the Dress, this time the story is about a tramp and a little girl.
The tramp is Mr Stink named by the local people, as he stank something awful.
His dog Duchess was equally smelly. It appears they lived on the bench by the
shops and did not get to even have a wash. People ignored them and even crossed
the road to avoid them.
Then one day, a little girl called
Chloe stops and says hello. She is curious about Mr Stink – where did he come
from? Why was he living on the bench? Did he ever have a home? And so on….. Chloe
was interested in stories and thought Mr Stink would have an interesting tale.
Chloe lived with her younger sister and parents. Her sister, Annabelle, was her
mother’s favourite and so got most of her attention. Her mother was status conscious
and constantly trying to ensure that she, her family and her home did not come
across as anything but classy. Her father is her friend but he also keeps on
the right side of his wife. She has no real friends at school either.
That one little hello leads to a
timid conversation and start of a friendship between Mr Stink and Chloe. The story
is full of lessons about being human, tolerant, non-judgemental, thoughtful, and
courageous so that you can follow your dreams. The tramp finds a kind friend and
a shelter. Cloe finds someone who she can talk to and who understands her, encourages
her and advices her.
The review of this story is hard
to write as everything I want to praise or point out will give away the story.
I was fascinated by the way it unfolded and where it led. It gives a view of
lives and perspectives of ordinary people. When you read of the different characters
they seem familiar as I am sure we have met each one sometime in our lives.
What will be the impact of this friendship between Mr Stink and Chloe not only on
Chloe but also her family, the local community and the wider society? Will they
learn to be tolerant and not judge a book by its cover?
This is a story that everyone
should read for it hold lessons for the adults too. Reading the story to your
kids will help open up conversations about human values and all the things you
wish to teach them about.
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