{"title":"Books by Gervase Phinn","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"9781529389180","title":"At the Captain's Table","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eSail away with the delightful new novel from Gervase Phinn, bestselling author of \u003ci\u003eThe School at the Top of the Dale\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA summer cruise should be just the ticket for a few weeks of luxury and relaxation - but for the passengers and crew of the \u003ci\u003eEmpress of the Ocean, \u003c\/i\u003ethe sights of the Mediterranean are nothing compared to the excitement on board...\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFor bickering couple Albert and Maureen, the trip might prove a much-needed escape - or the final straw. Elegant Frances de la Mare is determined to hobnob with the right kind of people - but her penthouse suite proves lonelier than she ever imagined. Meanwhile, precocious twelve-year-old Oliver discovers that guidebooks don't teach you everything, sparks fly when the port lecturer finds himself upstaged by a popular author, dancers Bruce and Babs can't keep in step, and cruise expert Neville just wants \u003ci\u003esomeone\u003c\/i\u003e to speak to.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBut as unlikely friendships are forged, feuds bubble in the laundry room, and everyone jostles for a seat at the Captain's table, they might find all their plans going overboard....\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e  Warm, funny and uplifting, this is the perfect escapist read for fans of Gervase Phinn's Yorkshire novels, as well as readers of Celia Imrie, Alan Titchmarsh and Maeve Haran.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e'[Gervase Phinn is] a worthy successor to James Herriott, and every bit as endearing' - bestselling author Alan Titchmarsh\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43128644206770,"sku":"9781529389180","price":10.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781529389180.jpg?v=1786023567"},{"product_id":"9781473650688","title":"Tales Out of School","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e'[Gervase Phinn is] a worthy successor to James Herriot, and every bit as endearing.' - bestselling author Alan Titchmarsh\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cbr\u003e'A shining light in our dark days' - 5 STAR reader review\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAfter an eventful start to his first ever teaching post in the sleepy village of Risingdale, Tom Dwyer is hoping for a bit of calm. Nursing a broken heart after a romantic disappointment, he just wants to keep his head down and get on with his job.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e  But it is not to be. A beautiful London artist sets tongues wagging when she moves into the village, and her precocious yet frail son is in Tom's class. On top of that, his colleague's malicious ex-husband is back, determined to create mischief, and a tragedy on one of the winding country roads sends the village reeling. And all this alongside a class of children who still seem to know more about farming than fractions.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eWith its colourful mix of characters both old and new and its many laugh-out-loud moments, \u003ci\u003eTales Out of School\u003c\/i\u003e is a warm, humorous portrayal of life in a small Yorkshire village.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eReaders are loving TALES OUT OF SCHOOL:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e'Loved it. So easy to read, lovely story, unforgettable characters.' - \u003cb\u003e5 STARS\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e'Brilliant!' - \u003cb\u003e5 STARS\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e'Could not put the book down. Gervase Phinn is an expert story teller.' - \u003cb\u003e5 STARS\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e'Such a relaxing and calming read' - \u003cb\u003e5 STARS\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e'I have been waiting for this sequel and it didn't disappoint.' - \u003cb\u003e5 STARS\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Paperback","offer_id":57697046200693,"sku":"9781473650671","price":10.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Hardback","offer_id":43204519723186,"sku":"9781473650688","price":17.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781473650671.jpg?v=1793083573"},{"product_id":"9781473650701","title":"A Class Act","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eThe third and final novel in the delightful Top of the Dales series from bestselling author Gervase Phinn.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e'A worthy successor to James Herriot, and every bit as endearing.' - Alan Titchmarsh\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eChange is afoot in the usually sleepy village of Risingdale. Gerald Gaunt, headmaster of the primary school for over thirty years, is retiring. It is the end of an era and Gerald hopes that his replacement will work with him to secure a bright, happy future for the school. But Mr Smart has his own ideas about how things should be run, and things start to become fraught very quickly.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e  On top of this, the teachers have plenty of other dramas to contend with. Still dealing with a class of children who seem to understand agriculture better than arithmetic, Tom Dwyer is pining over Janette, his one-that-got-away. Meanwhile, his colleague Joyce Tranter's new marital bliss is shattered by the arrival of her husband's avaricious, scheming nephew. And elsewhere in the village, Sir Hedley's long-cherished plans for his future are jeopardised by the arrival back in his life of his bitter, desperate ex-wife.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e  Can the residents of Risingdale pull together and achieve happiness against the odds?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eWith a lively cast of characters both old and new and countless laugh-out-loud moments, \u003ci\u003eA Class Act\u003c\/i\u003e is a warm, enchanting portrayal of life in a small Yorkshire village.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eReaders are loving the Top of the Dales series:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e'Loved it. So easy to read, lovely story, unforgettable characters.' - \u003cb\u003e5 STARS\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e'Brilliant!' - \u003cb\u003e5 STARS\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e'Could not put the book down. Gervase Phinn is an expert story teller.' - \u003cb\u003e5 STARS\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e'Such a relaxing and calming read' - \u003cb\u003e5 STARS\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e'I have been waiting for this sequel and it didn't disappoint.' - \u003cb\u003e5 STARS\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Paperback","offer_id":57688198349173,"sku":"9781473650718","price":9.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Hardback","offer_id":43204530012338,"sku":"9781473650701","price":16.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781473650718.jpg?v=1792686119"},{"product_id":"9780007231089","title":"The Golden Turtle and Other Tales","description":"\u003cp\u003eBuild your child’s reading confidence at home with books at the right levelThree folk tales from around the world retold by the wonderful storyteller Gervase Phinn.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn the first, a golden turtle offers a kindly fisherman riches beyond his wildest dreams. In the secod, Amparo’s daughter looks sweet, but when she’s determined to do something nothing gets in her way. In the third, a naughty leprechaun gets a big shock!\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSapphire\/Band 16 books offer longer reads to develop children's sustained engagement with texts and are more complex syntactically. A ‘wanted’ poster on pages 54 and 55 for the leprechaun in the last story helps children to recap all the naughty things he did.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eText type: Three stories from other cultures.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis book is paired with The Ultimate World Quiz, a non-fiction information book full of facts about our planet. Curriculum links: Geography: Passport to the world; Citizenship: Choices, Living in a diverse world.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis book has been quizzed for Accelerated Reader.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56220131590517,"sku":"9780007231089","price":8.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9780007231089_33f1f0a5-b304-45d9-8e18-f5c690a0f2fe.jpg?v=1785658859"},{"product_id":"9780140275421","title":"The Other Side of the Dale","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eTake a trip to the country with Gervase Phinn's heartwarming tales of life as a school inspector in Yorkshire\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e'Gervase Phinn's memoirs have made him a hero in school staff-rooms' \u003c\/b\u003e\u003ci\u003eDaily Telegraph\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAs the newly appointed County Inspector of Schools in North Yorkshire, Gervase Phinn reveals in this warm and wonderfully humorous account, the experiences of his first year in the job - and what an education it was!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e He quickly learns that he must slow his pace and appreciate the beautiful countryside - 'Are tha'comin' in then, mester, or are tha' stoppin' out theer all day admirin' t'view?'\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHe encounters some larger-than-life characters, from farmers and lords of the manor to teaching nuns and eccentric caretakers.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAnd, best of all, he discovers the delightful and enchanting qualities of the Dales children, including the small boy, who, when told he's not very talkative, answers: 'If I've got owt to say I says it, and if I've got owt to ask I asks it.'\u003cbr\u003e \u003cb\u003e\u003cbr\u003e With his keen ear for the absurd and sharp eye for the ludicrous, Gervase Phinn's stories in \u003ci\u003eThe Other Side of the Dale\u003c\/i\u003e will not fail to make you weep with laughter.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56224035570037,"sku":"9780140275421","price":10.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9780140275421_fe8e413e-7ecb-4ff4-945e-8c18eab872e4.jpg?v=1786011159"},{"product_id":"9780141005225","title":"Head Over Heels in the Dales","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eJoin Gervase Phinn in the classroom where he faces his greatest challenge: keeping a straight face as teachers and children alike conspire to have him laughing out loud . . .\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e'So funny, it will echo things that happen in your own life'\u003c\/b\u003e 5***** Reader Review\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e'A wonderful, entertaining and enjoyable read. The humour is infectious'\u003c\/b\u003e 5***** Reader Review\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e'Could you tell me how to spell \"sex\" please?'\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Gervase Phinn thinks he's heard just about everything in his two years as a school inspector, but a surprising enquiry from an angelic six-year-old reminds him never to take children for granted.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This year Gervase has lots of important things on his mind - his impending marriage to Christine Bentley (the prettiest headteacher for miles around), finding somewhere idyllic to live in the Yorkshire Dales, and the chance of a promotion.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAll of which generate their fair share of excitement, aided and abetted as usual by his colleagues in the office.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eFunny, uplifting and joyful, \u003ci\u003eHead over Heels in the Dales \u003c\/i\u003eis the third in Gervase Phinn's much-loved series.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e'Gervase Phinn's memoirs have made him a hero in school staff-rooms' \u003c\/b\u003e\u003ci\u003eDaily Telegraph\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e'A natural storyteller' \u003c\/b\u003e\u003ci\u003eYorkshire Post\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56224210616693,"sku":"9780141005225","price":12.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9780141005225_c65a4b9c-64c4-49c3-8d1b-759ea4e8e3e8.jpg?v=1786011224"},{"product_id":"9780141026886","title":"A Wayne in a Manger","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eA Wayne in a Manger\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e is the hilarious compilation of nativity stories by Gervase Phinn.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDiscover some wonderfully funny and touching nativity play anecdotes, including children forgetting their lines, ad-libbing, falling of the stage, picking their noses and showing their knickers. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOne brilliant anecdote tells of an innkeeper who generously says there's plenty of room for Mary and Joseph, while another child, jealous of Joseph's starring role, allows Mary to come in but not Joseph, who can 'push off' ... There's the baby Jesus who suddenly pipes up with 'My name is Tammy, are you my Mommy?' and funniest of all, Mary who tells Joseph, 'I'm having a baby - oh and it's not yours'.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGervase Phinn's \u003ci\u003eA Wayne in a Manger \u003c\/i\u003eis the perfect gift this Christmas.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e'Gervase Phinn's memoirs have made him a hero in school staff-rooms' \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eDaily Telegraph\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGervase Phinn is an author and educator from Rotherham who, after teaching for fourteen years in a variety of schools, moved to North Yorkshire to be a school inspector. He has written autobiographies, novels, plays, collections of poetry and stories, as well as a number of books about education. He holds five fellowships, honorary doctorates from Hull, Leicester and Sheffield Hallam universities, and is a patron of a number of children's charities and organizations. He is married with four adult children. His books include \u003ci\u003eThe Other Side of the Dale, Over Hill and Dale, Head Over Heels in the Dales\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eThe Heart of the Dales, Up and Down in the Dales\u003c\/i\u003e and\u003ci\u003e Trouble at the Little Village School\u003c\/i\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56224242073973,"sku":"9780141026886","price":8.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9780141026886_e347f672-5cb3-40fe-b3c9-ed6e41ae7c8d.jpg?v=1786011522"},{"product_id":"9780141027678","title":"The Heart of the Dales","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eEscape to the country with Gervase Phinn's heartwarming tales of life as a school inspector in Yorkshire\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cbr\u003e'Gervase Phinn's memoirs have made him a hero in school staff-rooms' \u003c\/b\u003e\u003ci\u003eDaily Telegraph\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHis colourful cast of characters have become firm favourites: the mostly mad staff at County Hall, as well as the children themselves, who find ways of embarrassing the school inspectors with innocent ease.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn \u003ci\u003eThe Heart of the Dales\u003c\/i\u003e, we reconvene with Christine Bentley, head teacher of Winnery Nook School and now Gervase's wife and mother of their son, the well-named Mrs Savage and not forgetting the Queen of Clean - Connie.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eGervase Phinn has an extraordinary talent to entertain, and the latest instalment to the Dale Series is heart-warming, wry and will make you laugh out loud.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56224242172277,"sku":"9780141027678","price":12.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9780141027678_db04f6e8-da05-463a-b3c3-becae99e4a65.jpg?v=1786011538"},{"product_id":"9780141026725","title":"Road to the Dales","description":"\u003cp\u003eA unique look into the childhood experiences of Gervase Phinn in \u003ci\u003eRoad to the Dales.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Gervase tells of a life full of happiness, conversation, music and books shared with his three siblings, mother and father. This book is a snapshot of growing up in Yorkshire in the 1950s - reminisce with Gervase, and share in his personal journey - of school days and holidays as well as his tentative steps into the adult world. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Devour numerous uproarious stories including the incident involving a broken greenhouse, crashing his brother's newly restored bike as well as secrets about his first dates, adventures at summer camp, family trips to Blackpool and many other captivating tales.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e With a wicked ear for the comical, and a sharp eye for detail, \u003ci\u003eRoad to the Dales \u003c\/i\u003evisits poignant moments, significant events and precious memories from a boy called Gervase Phinn.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGervase Phinn is an author and educator from Rotherham who, after teaching for fourteen years in a variety of schools, moved to North Yorkshire to be a school inspector. He has written autobiographies, novels, plays, collections of poetry and stories, as well as a number of books about education. He holds five fellowships, honorary doctorates from Hull, Leicester and Sheffield Hallam universities, and is a patron of a number of children's charities and organizations. He is married with four adult children. His books include \u003ci\u003eThe Other Side of the Dale, Over Hill and Dale, Head Over Heels in the Dales\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eThe Heart of the Dales, Up and Down in the Dales\u003c\/i\u003e and\u003ci\u003e Trouble at the Little Village School\u003c\/i\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56224262881653,"sku":"9780141026725","price":12.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9780141026725_3a0b81b7-4784-4cc4-a0bb-7a010014fb4e.jpg?v=1786011520"},{"product_id":"9780141314457","title":"The Day Our Teacher Went Batty","description":"A second collection of poems based on familiar themes.....","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56224393331061,"sku":"9780141314457","price":11.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9780141314457_2dab0d93-bcf2-4be0-aa26-309713c7db9e.jpg?v=1786011118"},{"product_id":"9780141011318","title":"Up and Down in the Dales","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eEscape to the country with Gervase Phinn's heartwarming tales of life as a school inspector in Yorkshire\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cbr\u003e'Gervase Phinn's memoirs have made him a hero in school staff-rooms' \u003c\/b\u003e\u003ci\u003eDaily Telegraph\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eWhat's your name? I asked the child.\u003cbr\u003e'Tequila,' she replied. I'm named after a drink.'\u003cbr\u003e'Tequila Sunrise,' I murmured.\u003cbr\u003e'No,' pouted the child. 'Tequila Braithwaite.'\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNow in his fourth year as an Inspector for English in the Yorkshire Dales, Gervase Phinn still relishes visiting the schools - whether an inner-city comprehensive fraught with difficulties or a small Dales Primary school where the main danger is one of closure. With endless good humour, he copes with the little surprises that occur round every corner.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSome things never change: Mrs Savage roars, Connie rants, and Gervase's colleague in the office play verbal ping-pong. But all this can be put behind him each day when he returns home to his lovely wife, Christine, who is expecting their first baby.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eUp and Down in the Dales \u003c\/i\u003eis charming montage of Gervase Phinn's experiences will keep you amused and will win a place in your heart.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eGervase Phinn has an extraordinary talent to entertain, and the latest instalment to the Dale Series is heart-warming, wry and will make you laugh out loud.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56224443728245,"sku":"9780141011318","price":12.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9780141011318_b014369a-166a-4631-a03b-dde4285cf20f.jpg?v=1786011268"},{"product_id":"9780141316550","title":"Dominic's Discovery","description":"Dominic's middle name is trouble, but not because he's got a troublesome nature, but quite simply because he's ALWAYS in the wrong place at the wrong time. So it's not surprising that he's only allowed on the school trip to Thundercliff Bay - home to pirate legend, chilling ghost stories and lost treasure - by the skin of his teeth. Or that strict Mr Risley-Newsome, who has his beady eye on him, makes him stay at the youth hostel for forgetting his walking boots. What is surprising is that a very special discovery made by Dominic saves the day when the whole class is in serious danger, and proves to everyone that sometimes he can be in the right place at the right time.","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56224483180917,"sku":"9780141316550","price":5.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9780141316550_c29606ae-1e65-4049-8e19-8df8da5613df.jpg?v=1786011135"},{"product_id":"9780141318080","title":"Bad Becky in Trouble","description":"\u003cp\u003eBad Becky is cheeky (but charming), opinionated and always in some kind of trouble. But you can't help loving her! I mean wouldn't you rather hear a story about a princess who gets gobbled up by the dragon rather than another soppy one wher the prince saves the princess? And if a magician at a party was rubbish wouldn't you point it out? And who wants their horrible Great Aunt Mildred visiting? So really, Becky is just doing everyone a favour...\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA wickedly funny new series for readers gaining confidence. Bad Becky's got attitude!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56224486621557,"sku":"9780141318080","price":9.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9780141318080_ebbf7710-6e53-4117-b88c-29d27c656a5b.jpg?v=1786011147"},{"product_id":"9780141036434","title":"Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Stars","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eTwinkle, Twinkle Little Stars\u003c\/i\u003e is the second delightful collection of stories and poems from Gervase Phinn.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFollowing on from the terrific success of \u003ci\u003eA Wayne in a Manger\u003c\/i\u003e, Gervase Phinn has collected together from his bestselling Dales books his favourite stories about children, and included some poems from his popular Puffin poetry books. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn this humorously illustrated book, the stories have one thing in common - the wonderfully funny (and usually innocent) things that children say. What makes Naomi's granny wobble? What's the secret ingredient in Richard's jam tarts? What is Billy's unconventional method for making babies?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhether they are stories about children who cannot read very well but know the names of many breeds of sheep or children who are more privileged (coming to school in a Wolls-Woyce), they are simply delightful. \u003ci\u003eTwinkle, Twinkle Little Stars \u003c\/i\u003eis a heart-warming book will enchant you, as Gervase Phinn helps you look at life through a child's eyes - and that's quite a special thing.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e'Gervase Phinn's memoirs have made him a hero in school staff-rooms' \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eDaily Telegraph\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGervase Phinn is an author and educator from Rotherham who, after teaching for fourteen years in a variety of schools, moved to North Yorkshire to be a school inspector. He has written autobiographies, novels, plays, collections of poetry and stories, as well as a number of books about education. He holds five fellowships, honorary doctorates from Hull, Leicester and Sheffield Hallam universities, and is a patron of a number of children's charities and organizations. He is married with four adult children. His books include \u003ci\u003eThe Other Side of the Dale, Over Hill and Dale, Head Over Heels in the Dales\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eThe Heart of the Dales, Up and Down in the Dales\u003c\/i\u003e and\u003ci\u003e Trouble at the Little Village School\u003c\/i\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56224558580085,"sku":"9780141036434","price":8.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9780141036434_528946bb-21e1-4763-85a7-df083c998b3b.jpg?v=1786011749"},{"product_id":"9780859538640","title":"Our Cat Cuddles","description":"Rich in language, humour and rhyme, this hilarious tale is perfectly complemented by Amanda Montgomery-Higham's witty illustrations. Lizzie and Dominic desperately want a kitten but they get much more than they bargain for!","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56295085932917,"sku":"9780859538640","price":7.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9780859538640_c98c2903-18fd-497e-aacd-198e2543c24f.jpg?v=1786015861"},{"product_id":"9781444779370","title":"A Lesson in Love","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e'[Gervase Phinn is] a worthy successor to James Herriott, and every bit as endearing.' - bestselling author Alan Titchmarsh   \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLove is in the air in the little village of Barton-in-the-Dale.  Anyone can see that Ashley Underwood and Emmet O'Malley are made for each other. They've just got to admit it to themselves . . . But as the saying goes, the course of true love never did run smooth.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhile romance blossoms on one side of the village, an angry young boy struggles to believe in love. But when tragedy strikes, he learns that comfort and care can come from the most unexpected of places.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMeanwhile, head teacher Elisabeth Stirling faces a new challenge for the start of the school year. An eccentric teacher joins the staff, and there's also a worrying case of potential negligence to answer. In the village too, a puritanical new vicar stirs up trouble. But as always, mixed in with the drama there's plenty of gossip, laughter, friendship - and love - in Barton-in-the-Dale.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eReaders are loving A LESSON IN LOVE!\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e'When you pick up one of his books you don't want to put it down.' - \u003cb\u003e5 STARS\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e'A beautiful book.' - \u003cb\u003e5 STARS\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e'The best book ever.' - \u003cb\u003e5 STARS\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e'A charming, lovely book' - \u003cb\u003e5 STARS\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e'A great, colourful, packed-with-character read.' - \u003cb\u003e5 STARS\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56299213652341,"sku":"9781444779370","price":10.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781444779370_a181b547-83e9-4ae5-9f57-3c7776d2a180.jpg?v=1786021139"},{"product_id":"9781444705409","title":"Out of the Woods But Not Over the Hill","description":"\u003cp\u003eFor Gervase Phinn growing old is not about a leisurely walk to the pub for a game of dominoes or snoozing in his favourite armchair.   As this sparkling collection of his very best humorous writing shows, he may be 'out of the woods' but he is certainly not 'over the hill'.\u003cbr\u003eLooking back over more than sixty years of family life, teaching, inspecting schools, writing and public speaking, Gervase never fails to unearth humour, character, warmth and wisdom from the most diverse of experiences, whether they be growing up in Rotherham with the most un-Yorkshirelike of names or describing why loud mobile phone users get his goat.\u003cbr\u003eBrimming with nostalgia, gently mocking life's absurdities, never shy of an opinion, this is Gervase Phinn at his wittiest, twinkly-eyed best.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56299720802677,"sku":"9781444705409","price":12.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781444705409_afbb0d14-a211-4fe2-83d4-0891dd80ad66.jpg?v=1786020484"},{"product_id":"9781444705607","title":"Trouble at the Little Village School","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e'[Gervase Phinn is] a worthy successor to James Herriott, and every bit as endearing.' - Bestselling author Alan Titchmarsh  \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eElisabeth Devine certainly rocked the boat when she arrived in Barton-in-the-Dale to take over as head teacher of the little primary school. Now it's a new term, and after winning over the wary locals, she can finally settle in to her role. Or so she thinks . . .  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFor the school is hit by a brand-new bombshell: it's to be merged with its arch rival, and Elisabeth has to fight for the headship with Urebank's ruthless and calculating headmaster. She has her work cut out for her.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBut add in some gossip and a helping of scandal, not to mention various newcomers bringing good things and bad to Barton, and that's not the only trouble that's brewing in the village.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eReaders are loving TROUBLE AT THE LITTLE VILLAGE SCHOOL!\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e'I love this man's style and humour.' - \u003cb\u003e5 STARS\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e'A really lovely story' - \u003cb\u003e5 STARS\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e'One of these difficult-to-put-down books with its various twists and turns.' - \u003cb\u003e5 STARS\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e'Made me blub' - \u003cb\u003e5 STARS\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e'If you enjoyed the first book, then you will love this sequel.' - \u003cb\u003e5 STARS\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56299848401269,"sku":"9781444705607","price":10.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781444705607_4f27d763-cd25-4bbc-a5f5-cf3f4c2eee57.jpg?v=1786020487"},{"product_id":"9781473650596","title":"The School at the Top of the Dale","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e'[Gervase Phinn is] a worthy successor to James Herriott, and every bit as endearing.' - bestselling author Alan Titchmarsh\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNewly qualified teacher Tom Dwyer has been given his first post in Risingdale, a sleepy little village at the very top of the Yorkshire Dales. Unsure if he'll ever fit into this close-knit community, Tom joins a motley staff at the village school. With pupils who know more about sheep than they do arithmetic, Tom has his work cut out for him. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAdd to that an altercation with the beautiful but stand-offish Miss Janette Fairborn and an argument with the local squire's son, and Tom's first term proves a baptism of fire. But Tom soon finds himself growing fond of Risingdale, and with a class of lively and demanding pupils, an end-of-term show to put on, and a jewellery thief at large, he will find himself at the centre of drama, secrets revealed, and plenty of love, laughter and new friendships. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eFull of colourful characters, and laugh-out-loud moments, \u003ci\u003eThe School at the Top of the Dale\u003c\/i\u003e is a warm and humorous portrayal of life in a small Yorkshire village.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eReaders are loving TROUBLE AT THE LITTLE VILLAGE SCHOOL:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e'Well written and highly entertaining - exactly what I hope for from this author. ' - \u003cb\u003e5 STARS\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e'Another good read.' - \u003cb\u003e5 STARS\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e'A well written story about a small community full of interesting characters.' - \u003cb\u003e5 STARS\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e'Another gem.' - \u003cb\u003e5 STARS\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e'Again, a most enjoyable story. I cannot put the book down.' - \u003cb\u003e5 STARS\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56301409599861,"sku":"9781473650596","price":8.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781473650596_881cab5a-06f6-4d0e-8eab-7ee910b58dba.jpg?v=1786020565"},{"product_id":"9781855682443","title":"Little Treasures","description":"\u003cbr\u003eBinding: Hardback","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56308512588149,"sku":"9781855682443","price":6.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781855682443_1adf0c9c-b7f9-4340-a2cd-7e529f2af728.jpg?v=1786029880"},{"product_id":"9781855682368","title":"Little Angels","description":"\u003cbr\u003eBinding: Paperback \/ softback","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56308806517109,"sku":"9781855682368","price":6.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781855682368_718eab03-e176-4d5e-9f66-1096c1f79974.jpg?v=1786029879"},{"product_id":"9780140281293","title":"Over Hill and Dale","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eOver Hill and Dale\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e is the second volume in Gervase Phinn's bestselling Dales series.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003e'Miss, who's that funny man at the back of the classroom?\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSo begins school-inspector Gervase Phinn's second year among the frankly spoken pupils and teachers of North Yorkshire - the sight of Gervase with his notebook and pen provokes unexpected reactions from the children and adults alike.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBut Gervase is far from daunted - he is ready to brave the steely glare of the officious Mrs Savage, and even feels up to helping Dr Gore organize a gathering of the Feofees - just as soon as someone tells him what they are! He is still in pursuit of the lovely headteacher Christine Bentley, but will she feel the same?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis is a delectable second helping of hilarious tales from the man who has been dubbed 'the James Herriot of schools'. In \u003ci\u003eOver Hill and Dale, \u003c\/i\u003eGervase Phinn will have you laughing out loud.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e'Gervase Phinn's memoirs have made him a hero in school staff-rooms' \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eDaily Telegraph\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGervase Phinn is an author and educator from Rotherham who, after teaching for fourteen years in a variety of schools, moved to North Yorkshire to be a school inspector. He has written autobiographies, novels, plays, collections of poetry and stories, as well as a number of books about education. He holds five fellowships, honorary doctorates from Hull, Leicester and Sheffield Hallam universities, and is a patron of a number of children's charities and organizations. He is married with four adult children. His books include \u003ci\u003eThe Other Side of the Dale, Over Hill and Dale, Head Over Heels in the Dales\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eThe Heart of the Dales, Up and Down in the Dales\u003c\/i\u003e and\u003ci\u003e Trouble at the Little Village School\u003c\/i\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56311563485557,"sku":"9780140281293","price":12.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9780140281293_48da77dd-936e-4faf-aee2-7258b364f529.jpg?v=1786011190"},{"product_id":"9780141320748","title":"Don't Tell the Teacher","description":"\u003cp\u003eBrilliantly observed as always, family, teachers, pupils and the dreaded school inspector all leap to life in this wonderfully warm and witty, brand new, poetry collection from bestseller Gervase Phinn. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNew kids, disobedient deputy heads, school reports and fireworks, daydreamers and embarrassing mums all make an appearance. And if read on you might even just discover the whereabouts of Colin's confiscated conkers...just don't tell the teacher!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56311571480949,"sku":"9780141320748","price":6.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9780141320748_b00f4bea-545e-4525-a349-c0aa5ff3579f.jpg?v=1786011165"},{"product_id":"9781444779417","title":"Secrets at the Little Village School","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e'[Gervase Phinn is] a worthy successor to James Herriott, and every bit as endearing.' - bestselling author Alan Titchmarsh\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003e'It's a small village is Barton-in-the-Dale, Mrs Stirling,' said the shopkeeper.  'You ought to know that by now. Nothing can be kept secret for too long. News travels fast.'\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn the little village of Barton-in-the-Dale, long-hidden secrets are bubbling to the surface.  Ashley Underwood and Emmet O'Malley are set to tie the knot, when a revelation from the handsome Irishman's past returns to haunt him. The town's resident nosey-parker discovers some juicy gossip about the primary school's dishy new staff-member, and head teacher Elisabeth Stirling has a very special secret of her own.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAs the wedding day draws closer, brewing secrets threaten to boil over. But along with the skeletons tumbling out of the closet comes plenty of laughter, drama, friendship and love. One thing's for sure: for some, life in Barton-in-the-Dale will never be the same again.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eReaders are loving SECRETS AT THE LITTLE VILLAGE SCHOOL:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e'Wonderful' - \u003cb\u003e5 STARS\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e'Perfect light summer reading' - \u003cb\u003e5 STARS\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e'Just as good as his previous book in the series.' - \u003cb\u003e5 STARS\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e'I so enjoy the trials and tribulations of this Yorkshire school. Gervase is a fine writer.' - \u003cb\u003e5 STARS\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e'It's like having a gossip with a good friend - a beautiful series of books.' - \u003cb\u003e5 STARS\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56312382030197,"sku":"9781444779417","price":10.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781444779417_a7b83d06-db17-4290-9611-eed10e67b6f1.jpg?v=1786021139"},{"product_id":"the-school-inspector-calls","title":"The School Inspector Calls!","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e'[Gervase Phinn is] a worthy successor to James Herriott, and every bit as endearing.' - Bestselling author Alan Titchmarsh\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSummer has arrived in Barton-in-the-Dale and as a new term begins at the little primary school, it's not just the warm weather that's getting people hot under the collar.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMeetings with the teachers from Urebank School to discuss the merger are producing more than a few fireworks, a disruptive new pupil arrives, set to cause trouble, and a surprising staff love affair is exposed. There's also a big school production of The Wizard of Oz to organise as well as an impending visit from the Minister of Education. Headteacher Elisabeth Devine certainly has her work cut out for her.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAnd that's just some of the drama set to shake-up the village. Throw in a sprinkling of secrets, shocking revelations, old flames, new liaisons, psychics, weddings and misfortune . . .\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThere's plenty to gossip about this term.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eReaders are loving THE SCHOOL INSPECTOR CALLS!:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e'Any Gervase Phinn book should give you hours of pleasure.' - \u003cb\u003e5 STARS\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e'Compulsive reading as ever.' - \u003cb\u003e5 STARS\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e'I can't wait to read more.' - \u003cb\u003e5 STARS\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e'I would recommend this book.' - \u003cb\u003e5 STARS\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e'Wonderful descriptions of village and school life' - \u003cb\u003e5 STARS\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57484377817461,"sku":"9781444706079","price":10.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781444706079.jpg?v=1786266450"}],"url":"https:\/\/backstory.london\/collections\/author-gervase-phinn.oembed","provider":"Backstory","version":"1.0","type":"link"}