PRINCIPAL CHARACTERS IN NEW BOOK ARE WORMS
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West Briton Newspaper
11th November 2004
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"THERE'S a bit of worm in all of us" is the message being spread by an imaginative author from the Roseland.
Chris Pollard has made a dramatic switch from penning history books to unearthing a world of worms with his self-published children's book, "Living With Dennis".
Mr Pollard has written six Cornish history books since 1992, but for the last two years has been working on his wriggly characters, Dennis and Rodney.
"A couple of years ago, I decided I would really like to try a children's book," he said. "I had the worm characters in my head for a while.
"I visualised them as two little boys, one extremely well behaved and a pillar of the worm community, and the other who comes to live with him is completely different."
Mr Pollard's characters are original, but he added: "I think probably there are parts of Dennis and Rodney I have taken from myself. But I think maybe there's a bit of worm in all of us."
He enlisted the help of Indonesian artist, Agustina Santoso Fandy, to illustrate Rodney, Dennis and friends, including Jean the glow-worm, a toad taxi-driver and a rescue group of mice.
"She was really interested in it because the characters are very close to the things she does herself," said Mr Pollard. "We just emailed her the manuscript - she's done a beautiful job."
He sent his book to several publishers but was unsuccessful in persuading them to publish "Living With Dennis." Instead, he registered himself as a publisher and now he is pushing to having his book on display in tourist attractions and gardens.
He hopes to continue writing his Dennis and Rodney stories and create a worm empire with more books and merchandise.
"I'm planning to carry on these characters with further books because they are quite strong. We are also considering very seriously doing a talking book. There are also plans to do T-shirts."
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LIVING WITH DENNIS
REVIEWS
From
Nancy H. Dale, Toronto Canada
Rodney and Dennis are introduced at the Toronto Cornish Association Meeting !
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Presented by Nancy Dale to the membership of the
Toronto Cornish Association meeting on May 14/05.
~ I'd like to share with you today the latest book of Cornish
author, Chris Pollard from Gerrans.
His previous works were about the local history of
the area he lives in but this one is a children's story called
"Living with Dennis".
It's the story of the relationship between siblings of different
temperaments and habits -- opposites who are suddenly faced with sharing
the same house. One brother has his house destroyed by progress and turns
to his older brother for a place to live. The question is do brothers
really help each other as expected. Does Rodney give Dennis a home ?
It's also a story about environmental destruction and its effect on the
property and lifestyles of individuals. Written from a worm's point of
view, it illustrates the powerlessness of the small against the big and the
resourcefulness needed to cope with such change.
The prospect of having his brother suddenly come to live with him comes as
a bit of a shock to Rodney because he knows Dennis' lifestyle of
junk-collecting is going to clash with his neat, orderly ways. A
recurring quote from Dennis throughout the book is: "Fancy throwing away
these. There's nothing wrong with them." But Rodney offers shelter
anyway and is encouraged when Dennis says that he will let him choose what
things he can bring with him.
The two embark on a very dangerous trip back to Dennis' home, now the scene
of massive land-clearing for the future airport. They make it but just
manage to salvage a small cartload of his possessions before the home is
filled in. Their little voices in protest are not heard at all. A few,
almost-disasters happen on the way back to Rodney's and we come to realize
that Rodney is a bit of a pessimist and Dennis is definitely an optomist.
There is a cart accident and the latter is thrown up in a tree, highly
pleased with himself that he " flew ".
We see that Rodney is the homebody and Dennis is the adventurer. The
house is too small so Rodney thinks they must move but the author gives us
some hope that this will all work out well when Dennis considerately offers
to extend the rooms and corridors so there will be room for both of them
without moving.
The story ends with Dennis bringing home an airplane from the rubbish tip,
eager to go on another adventure and Rodney sure that life won't be the
same ever again.
In his latest work, author Chris Pollard manages to weave into its story
many of life's little lessons. His imagination creates delightful props
for his tale, for example, the toad taxi and the cart made out of a
lollipop stick, toy car wheels and a pyjama cord pull. The whimsical
illustrations by Tin enhance the story.
I highly recommend this book for any age ! ~
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" Living with Dennis " by Chris Pollard, a Cornish author from Gerrans. His
previous works were about the local history of the area that he lives in
but this one is a children's story about the relationship between siblings
of different temperaments and habits -- opposites who are suddenly faced
with sharing the same house. It is also a story about environmental
destruction and its effect on the property and lifestyles of individuals.
Written from a worm's point of view, the book illustrates the
resourcefulness of the small against the big. The author's imagination
has created delightful props for his world of worms and he has woven into
his story many of life's little lessons.
Highly recommend this book for any age !
( Submition to the TCA Secretary by Nancy Dale, for the Toronto Cornish Association Minutes )
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Before getting our copy of Living with Dennis, I told my kids that we would read one chapter per night. When it arrived and we sat down to read the first chapter, we couldn't stop. The children and I loved this story. It is one that we will read over and over again.
We have very fertile soil and when we see worms in our garden
we call them Rodney and Dennis.
I recommend this wonderful kids book for all ages!!
It took but a few days to arrive from the UK to Canada.
Maria Urso
Canada
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Not only these beautiful creatures have a story to tell.
Mr. Chris Pollard is a wonderful talented author who is blessed with many other talents, he has brought us a little voice of the voiceless in his wonderful way !
I'm honored he has chosen me to decorated his book with my original illustrations.
This book is our fruit of friendships.
A must read book for 4 to 94!
Indonesia
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This is a wonderful book for children of all ages. It has a great story and you come to love the characters. You can read it to children a chapter at a time, or let the older ones read it on their own. But, in either case, they want more and can't get enough. It holds their interest and they want certain parts read again and again. The book is beautifully illustrated and the children love to point at the different pictures that they recognize. I think this book is a sweet story to read to your children or grandchildren over and over. I can't wait for the sequels.
Barbara Bradford, Canada
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A Chldrens book that warms the heart.
It is a long time since I have seen a chldrens book written in a style suitable for children of all ages. It mirrors real life in a way that children can understand and learn from and will serve all that read it in good stead as they grow up.
The illustrations are simply wonderful and illustrate the story to perfection.
I would recommend this book to all who want to buy their children a book that is not only a wonderfully written story and great entertainment, but a book that will help them understand life.
Mike Thompson
Honiton, Devon United Kingdom
*****
I have just recently purchased this wonderful childerns book and think it is amazing.
The Author Chris Pollard has a wonderful way with words
and keeps a intresting story for childern of all ages.
I recommend it for a lovely Christmas Present for those young readers.
The Art work was very sweet.
My purchase arrived in the USA less than 2 weeks after ordering -
also was very pleased.
Lauraye Townsend,
MO, USA
*****
A meaningful, enjoyable tale.
In the great tradition of stories for children that are entertaining and instructive, and equally so for adults, Chris Pollard has created a wonderful cast of characters and a worm's-eye view of the world. Any young child will appreciate this charming tale and it will make a wonderful gift.
Jim Willis, USA
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A rare and heartwarming glimpse into the secret lives of animals. The adventures of earthworm brothers Rodney and Dennis are relayed in charming fashion by author Chris Pollard. Living With Dennis is an engaging story sprinkled liberally with wit, and highly recommended for readers of all ages.
Laura Von Stetina. Author/Artist
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I've just finished reading "Living with Dennis" by Chris Pollard to my granddaughter. What a delightful adventure about two worms who face all kinds of adventure together! Rodney and Dennis are brothers but each is very different. Join them in their adventures as they travel to Dennis' house to collect Dennis' things after they learn that flower farm has been sold and an airport is going to replace flower farm. Together, the make the trip to and from flower farm and in the process, meet some of Dennis' friends. By working together, the brothers overcome many obstacles and find that they can live together, even tho they are different.
The characters are colorful and seem to come to life in this tale of two brothers
who learn that being brothers isn't half bad afterall.
"Living with Dennis" brought out the child in me and reminds us that we can all be different
yet live together and get along together peaceably.
E. Watson
Florida, USA
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As you are aware the havily musician attended benefit at Family Wash was not a great venue to sell children's books. Last night my internet service went down and being a voracious reader I realized I had read literally every book in the house. I then noticed Chris Pollard's childrens books he had donated and picked up a copy of his book, "Living With Dennis." I found myself giggling at the incredibly imaginative way this book was written and I am not embarrassed to say I thouroughly enjoyed it. I am giving my garnd children a copy and will donate the suggested retail to an animal org. and the other copy I will include as one of the prizes for the rescuer of the month contest. I cant wait to read about the future goings on on Dennis and Rodney the worms. What a friggin gem of a childrens book! I cant wait to read it to the kids. Since grand mum is from England the kids will love it all the more! If anyone has young kids about, BUY THIS BOOK !
Zeke Howard Loftin
March 27th., 2007
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Chris's two CD's Are Available for Purchase
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