Author:Eve Garnett
The story of everyday life in the big, happy Ruggles family who live in the small town of Otwell. Father is a dustman and Mother a washerwoman. Then there's all the children - practical Lily Rose, clever Kate, mischievous twins James and John, followed by Jo, who loves films, little Peg and finally baby William.
A truly classic book awarded the Carnegie Medal as the best children's book of 1937.
Grimble is one of funniest books I've ever read, and Grimble himself, who is a small boy, is a fabulous character. I'd love to see a Grimble film. As far as I know, these last two fine pieces of literature are out of print, so if any publishers ever read this, could you please dust them off and put them back in print so other people can read them?
—— J. K. RowlingI read it when I was about eight. It was the first book that made me laugh out loud, a lot. For some strange reason it is now out of print - I think it's a sin that it's not readily available
—— Mark Mills, author of The Savage GardenDelightful
—— The TimesThis beautiful small-format hardback with appropriately zany Quentin Blake illustrations could be popped into the stocking of anyone with a Dahlesque sense of humour
—— Glasgow HeraldWith Quentin Blake's wonderful drawings throughout, this is a splendid holiday title and it conveys, in a deliciously amusing way, an important message about Christmas and family ties
—— Through The Looking GlassFluent readers from 8-11 yrs who enjoy flights of imagination and earthy humour will like both the story and accompanying line drawings
—— Sybil Hannavy , School Library Association