The Naming of Tishkin Silk
Glenda Millard
ABC Books, 2003
96pp., pbk, $11.95
0733313140
HONOUR BOOK: YOUNGER READERS
CBC Book ofthe Year Awards 2004
Griffin Silk, was born on an uncommon day, 29th February. His father thinks he's likely to be an 'uncommon boy', but Griffin is not sure that would be a good thing. Maybe if he was common and ordinary, he wouldn't have to worry about his secret. Griffin lives in a loving home with his father, many colourful sisters and his grandmother, Nell. Until now, all the children have had home schooling, but because his mother has gone away, as has his baby sister, Griffin must attend the local school. Griffin finds school challenging until he meets Princess Layla, who helps him discover the courage to share his secret. A heart-warming, tender junior story about family, love, loss and home.
ABC website
http://shop.abc.net.au/browse/product.asp?productid=235489
I have chosen to review The Naming of Tishkin Silk. This book was written by Glenda Millard and was published in 2003 by ABC Books.
When I first saw this book at school, I found the title eye-catching and quite interesting because it was hard to put a story to the picture onthe cover.
I was very excited and I wanted to start reading the book right away. When I started reading, I found it was easy to put a background to the story as well as feel the resentment, happiness and sadness Griffin Silk was feeling throughout the story. I could even smell the lush flowers blooming, the little river freshness, the forest trees making swishing sound as though they were telling secrets, the birds chirping and the gravel crunching under his feet. I felt as though I were there standing next to Griffin and Layla.
I became very absorbed in the story and I found it hard to put down. I always wanted to stay up at night to read it and it seemed as if it was in no time that I finished it.
I felt Layla's personality and her kindness, loyalty, helpfulness and the way she always brough joy to griffin when he saw her at school, after school and nearly every waking hour of the day. I saw her in my mind's eye and shewas my favourite character because she kind of resembled me.
I thought they would be close friends because of the way they felt free to tell each other their problems, worries and things they looked forward to. I think the author was trying to convey two messages. The first was is that if you want to be a good friend you have to listen to each other and stick together through bad times and good. The second is that things aren't as bad as they might seem - after bad times come good times.
The cover of The Naming of Tishkin Silk caught myeye because of the different textures, the way it is artistic, the originality and the story it communicates. The pictures onthe inside help to convey the story and I like the way they are sketches but if thetarget audience was 10-11 year olds I think it would be better to use colours as well on the inside.
I would like to get this book for my birthdayor as a gift because it makes you think of what things youtake for granted and the wishes that other people might have. it also makes you think aboutwhat it's like to not have as many things as other people nad how it would feel just to know thow many friends you have who care.
I am very glad I read this book and I can't wait to read another one by this author. I think the book might reflect one of her experiences because it seems so real and it is so believable.
I would recommend this book to any 11-12 year olds because I think they would enjoy reading it If you see it in a bookstore or library I think you should buy it or borrow it to read.
Crystal, 11, Palmerston ACT
