The Golden Acorn: The Adventures of Jack Brenin, book 1

Catherine H. Cooper

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RRP: £6.99

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Why I wrote this book

STOP PRESS... 15 JULY 2010. The Golden Acorn is Winner of the Best Children's Story 2010 and Catherine Cooper was also overall winner of the whole BWA competition so she is officially the first Brit Writers' Unpublished Writer of the Year 2010!

I qualified as a Primary School teacher in 1978 and a year later graduated with an honours degree in History and Sociology. I taught in Shropshire until 2007, when sadly due to ill health, I had to take early retirement. However, every cloud has a silver lining and having time on my hands I began writing the books for children. Something I'd always promised myself I'd get round to eventually.

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Synopsis

A captivating magical fantasy adventure, aimed at the 8 to 12 year olds.

Jack Brenin’s life changes the moment he finds a golden acorn lying in the grass. He gets caught up in an extraordinary magical adventure and enters a world he only believed existed in legend. He’s sure he’s been mistaken for someone else. How could he possibly be ‘The One’ an ancient prophecy speaks about, he’s neither brave nor strong? He’s no idea why he’s expected to help, unsure if he wants to, or even if he can.

The book is illustrated by Ron Cooper and Catherine Cooper

Reviews

Review by Sally Bunn – Shropshire Star 14 Nov 2009

This is a work of pure fantasy, set in the village of Glasruhen, about a young boy called Jack.

One day Jack has to burrow into undergrowth to hide from bullies, and is badly scratched as a result. Quite unbidden, a woman appears who says she has ointment for nettle-rash and scratches, so Jack accompanies her to her house in the woods.

Anointed and bandaged, he leaves the amazing cottage, full of odd things and strange potions, and as he walks away, something hits him on the head... a golden acorn. Unknown to him, Jack has been chosen. Having ownership of this magic acorn gives Jack entry into a world he though existed only in myth and legend. Puzzled because he doesn't think he's special or brave or strong, and equally mystified because he doesn't know what's expected of him in the way of help, and not even sure that he wants to be involved, Jack gets caught up in an extraordinary magical adventure.

He is 'The One' - a figure mentioned in ancient prophecy, and what happens in this magical world is all, ultimately, down to Jack.

This is a charming story by an author from Wellington, with a local flavour as it is set in the Shropshire countryside, albeit with a few name changes. For example, The Wrekin becomes 'Glasruhen Hill'.

It is nicely divided into chapters, each of which would make a good bedtime read, either by children, or for children by a parent or grandparent. There are no unnecessarily frightening bits to scare younger children and the whole book has a dreamlike quality, which should appeal to the child in all of us.

A satisfyingly fat little book and well worth the modest price, this would make a super present for anyone still too young to hold a driving licence! RATING *****

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K. Arnold of The Villager Magazine

If you like magic and adventure you’ll love The Golden Acorn. This is the first book in the Jack Brenin series by Children’s Author, Catherine Cooper. It’s a captivating magical fantasy adventure, aimed at the 8 to 12 age range but also suitable for any independent reader, young or old. A well-plotted story full of memorable characters. It can be read on it’s own, or as part of a continuing adventure. The sequel, Glasruhen Gate, is due out next year.

About the Author

Catherine Cooper has taught in primary schools for 29 years. Her love of history, myths, legends and the Shropshire countryside gave her the ideal grounding to write an extraordinary magical fantasy adventure. Book 2 in the Jack Brenin series, Glasruhen Gate, is due out in the spring of 2010. Before that Catherine has two other books ready to be published, Hawke & Co. and Hanging Gate Hall. To find out more about The Golden Acorn visit www.pengridion.co.uk

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