Gervase Phinn

Tom is finding it hard to come to terms with the death of his father and life just gets worse as Mum meets a new man and a bully joins his class at school. Unkind people say that his firefighter father ought not to have risked his life in a blaze when he had a family to support, but Tom knows that his father was a true hero. Will he find the same courage within himself to stand up to the bully, and also accept his mother's new friend?

A Bit of a Hero

Life for the Yorkshire Dales school inspector is about to become not unlike the rambling hills of the Dales themselves-up and down and all over the place. After a routine school inspection culminates with a teacher being forced into early retirement, Gervase is left feeling his year hasn't begun on the right foot. Then come the news that his local school is closing down, the accidental demolition of a historical church, and a knee injury! And still Gervase gallantly retains his sense of humour throughout, making this a charming and thoroughly entertaining read.

Up and Down in the Dales

Gervase Phinn, school inspector, begins his third year with a spring in his step for in April he will marry Christine Bentley, head teacher of Winnery Nook School. But before then he has to suffer the wicked repartee of his fellow inspectors on the subjects of love and marriage. The well-named Mrs Savage still attempts to exert her power via incomprehensible memos, and Connie continues to rule the Staff Development Centre with a broom of iron and duster of disapproval at any dirty marks. In theschools themselves Gervase Phinn faces every challenge with humour that is rarely far from the surface.

Head Over Heels in the Dales

'[Gervase Phinn is] a worthy successor to James Herriott, and every bit as endearing.' - bestselling author Alan Titchmarsh Newly 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. Add 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. Full of colourful characters, and laugh-out-loud moments, The School at the Top of the Dale is a warm and humorous portrayal of life in a small Yorkshire village. Readers are loving TROUBLE AT THE LITTLE VILLAGE SCHOOL: 'Well written and highly entertaining - exactly what I hope for from this author. ' - 5 STARS 'Another good read.' - 5 STARS 'A well written story about a small community full of interesting characters.' - 5 STARS 'Another gem.' - 5 STARS 'Again, a most enjoyable story. I cannot put the book down.' - 5 STARS

Book 1 in bestselling author Gervase Phinn's beautiful new Top of The Dale series

The School at the Top of the Dale

'[Gervase Phinn is] a worthy successor to James Herriott, and every bit as endearing.' - Bestselling author Alan Titchmarsh Elisabeth 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 . . . For 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. But 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. Readers are loving TROUBLE AT THE LITTLE VILLAGE SCHOOL! 'I love this man's style and humour.' - 5 STARS 'A really lovely story' - 5 STARS 'One of these difficult-to-put-down books with its various twists and turns.' - 5 STARS 'Made me blub' - 5 STARS 'If you enjoyed the first book, then you will love this sequel.' - 5 STARS

Book 2 in the life-affirming Little Village School series

Trouble at the Little Village School

English can be such a beautiful language when used properly. However, sometimes what we say and write can lead to a great deal of misunderstanding and unintentional humour, as bestselling author and former school inspector Gervase Phinn shows in his book 'Gervase Phinn's Mangled English'. This humorous anthology of the English language includes book requests and book titles; people's names; proverbs; spoonerisms; classroom howlers; malapropisms and euphemisms; newspaper misprints; and epitaphs.

Mangled English

A collection of poems based around the familiar themes of school and family, ranging from such topics as embarrassing and annoying parents, choosing a pet and running away from home, to reading around the class, facing the school inspector, and surviving a school trip. Some are funny, some are poignant, all are thought-provoking.

It Takes One to Know One

This new edition of Old Food brings a fresh new look to this classic collection at a time when Jill Dupleix holds one of the world's most prestigious food-writing positions as The Times cook.

Don't Go Pet a Porcupine

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.

Dominic's Discovery

The third Little Village School novel Summer 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. Meetings 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. And 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 . . . There's plenty to gossip about this term.

The School Inspector Calls!

Gervase Phinn Double

A Wayne in a Manger is the hilarious compilation of nativity stories by Gervase Phinn. Discover 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. One 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'. Gervase Phinn's A Wayne in a Manger is the perfect gift this Christmas. 'Gervase Phinn's memoirs have made him a hero in school staff-rooms' Daily Telegraph Gervase 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 The Other Side of the Dale, Over Hill and Dale, Head Over Heels in the Dales,The Heart of the Dales, Up and Down in the Dales and Trouble at the Little Village School.

A Wayne in a Manger

Up and Down in the Dales is the fourth volume in Gervase Phinn's bestselling Dales Series What's your name? I asked the child. 'Tequila,' she replied. I'm named after a drink.' 'Tequila Sunrise,' I murmured. 'No,' pouted the child. 'Tequila Braithwaite.' Now 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. Some 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. Up and Down in the Dales is charming montage of Gervase Phinn's experiences will keep you amused and will win a place in your heart. 'Gervase Phinn's memoirs have made him a hero in school staff-rooms' Daily Telegraph Gervase 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 The Other Side of the Dale, Over Hill and Dale, Head Over Heels in the Dales, The Heart of the Dales, Up and Down in the Dales and Trouble at the Little Village School.

A unique look into the childhood experiences of Gervase Phinn in Road to the Dales. 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. 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. With a wicked ear for the comical, and a sharp eye for detail, Road to the Dales visits poignant moments, significant events and precious memories from a boy called Gervase Phinn. Gervase 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 The Other Side of the Dale, Over Hill and Dale, Head Over Heels in the Dales,The Heart of the Dales, Up and Down in the Dales and Trouble at the Little Village School.

The Story of a Yorkshire Lad

Road to the Dales

Children with craniosynostosis are born with congenital deformities of the face and skull. In severe cases associated problems are common. The child who is not properly cared for can end up blind, deaf and with severe learning difficulties. In addition, they may be left with unacceptable facial deformities. Outside specialized craniofacial units, there is at present nowhere for those involved in primary or secondary care to go for help with the many practical problems that these children present. In this book, a distinguished team of editors have assembled experts in the field to introduce the non-craniofacial specialist to what can be achieved and how they can contribute to the child's welfare. It will be essential reading for paediatricians seeking practical information about the management of these disorders, and for specialists in neurosurgery, ENT, ophthalmology, plastic surgery, maxillo-facial surgery, orthodontics, psychology, genetics, anaesthesia, audiology and speech therapy.

Poems about Journeys

Are We Nearly There Yet?

Royston Knapper is the wonder and despair of his teachers--especially the head teacher, Mr. Masterson--as he confronts a guest speaker, accompanies a friend to the emergency room, goes on a field trip, tries to be helpful, joins the soccer team, and actsi

Return of the Rogue

Royston Knapper

Three charming, funny and warm-hearted novels from the bestselling author of the Dales series. The Little Village School Elisabeth Devine causes quite a stir on her arrival in the village. No one can understand why the head of a big inner city school would want to come to sleepy little Barton-in-the-Dale, to a primary with more problems than school dinners. And that's not even counting the challenges the mysterious Elisabeth herself will face: a bitter former head teacher, a grumpy caretaker and a duplicitous chair of governors, to name but a few. Then there's the gossip. After all, a woman who would wear red shoes to an interview is obviously capable of anything . . . Trouble at the Little Village School Elisabeth 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 . . . The School Inspector Calls! Summer 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.

The Little Village School, Trouble at the Little Village School, The School Inspector Calls!

A Little Village School Collection

Gervase Phinn's Yorkshire

A collection of five short stories featuring Royston Knapper, a mischievous 11-year-old, loveable rogue who is forever in trouble with his parents, teachers and his arch enemy, Penelope Pringle!

What's the Matter, Royston Knapper?

A warm, funny, and romantic tale of life in a village primary school when a new headmistress arrives She was wearing red shoes! With silver heels! Elisabeth Devine causes quite a stir on her arrival in the village. No one can understand why the head of a big inner city school would want to come to sleepy little Barton-in-the-Dale, to a primary school with more problems than school dinners. And that's not even counting the challenges the mysterious Elisabeth herself will face: a bitter former head teacher, a grumpy caretaker, and a duplicitous chair of governors, to name but a few. Then there's the gossip?after all, a woman who would wear red shoes to an interview is obviously capable of anything. Warm, funny, and poignant, Gervase Phinn's first novel for adults creates a fictional world that's as real as can be, and will delight his fans while winning him many more.

Gervase Phinn

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