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'n Goeie dag vir boomklim
Marnus is moeg daarvoor om in sy twee broers se skadu te leef. Maar toe ’n meisie genaamd Leila hom een oggend vra om ’n petisie teken, is dit die begin van ’n onverwagse avontuur. Marnus beland saam met Leila bo in ’n boom in ’n desperate poging om te keer dat dit afgekap word. En uiteindelik kry Marnus ’n kans om raakgesien te word …
87 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 3, 2015
About the author
Jaco Jacobs
284 books98 followersJaco Jacobs grew up in a small Karoo town in South Africa, where he fell in love with books at a very young age. His writing career started at school, with his participation in numerous competitions for aspiring writers, and the publication of his first short stories in magazines.
At 18 he wrote his first youth novel, Pretpark, which was later published by Human & Rousseau.
Jaco has published more than 180 books for children and young people, including picture books, collections of children’s verse, and non-fiction. More than a million copies of his books have been sold and for the past few years, he has been one of the bestselling authors in the South African market.
In addition to this, he has translated more than 300 children’s books into Afrikaans, among them four Tintin titles as well as books by Michael Rosen, Chris Riddell, Charles Fuge, Julia Donaldson and Jessica Townsend. He believes humour is one of the key ingredients in an enjoyable children’s book, and his books, such as My ouma is ’n rock-ster and Wurms met tamatiesous, and his translations are characterized by a strong element of fun.
Jaco was awarded the Alba Bouwer Prize (twice), the MML Literature Award, the Elsabé Steenberg Prize for Children’s Book Translation, the South African Translator’s Institute Award for Children’s Book Translation, the Tienie Holloway Medal, the Scheepers Prize, the Rapport/kykNET Prize and the C.P. Hoogenhout Medal, and has won twenty-nine ATKV Children’s Book Awards (the only book award in Afrikaans where children get tot vote for their favourite books). In 2008, his youth novel Suurlemoen! was named an international IBBY Honour Book. Two of his novels for teenagers, Suurlemoen! and Oor ’n motorfiets, ’n zombiefliek en lang getalle wat deur elf gedeel kan word, have been adapted into full-length feature films.
In 2018, translations of ’n Goeie dag vir boomklim (A Good Day for Climbing Trees) and Oor ’n motorfiets, ’n zombiefliek en lang getalle wat deur elf gedeel kan word (A Good Night for Shooting Zombies) were published internationally by acclaimed British publisher Oneworld, and the Italian edition of A Good Day for Climbing Trees was released in 2019. A Good Day for Climbing Trees and A Good Night for Shooting Zombies were both longlisted for the prestigious Carnegie Award.
Jaco is also a freelance journalist, columnist and long-distance runner who has completed the Comrades Marathon twice. He lives in Bloemfontein with his wife, Elize, two daughters, Mia and Emma, as well as two-and-a-half dogs, a cat and a pet python.
At 18 he wrote his first youth novel, Pretpark, which was later published by Human & Rousseau.
Jaco has published more than 180 books for children and young people, including picture books, collections of children’s verse, and non-fiction. More than a million copies of his books have been sold and for the past few years, he has been one of the bestselling authors in the South African market.
In addition to this, he has translated more than 300 children’s books into Afrikaans, among them four Tintin titles as well as books by Michael Rosen, Chris Riddell, Charles Fuge, Julia Donaldson and Jessica Townsend. He believes humour is one of the key ingredients in an enjoyable children’s book, and his books, such as My ouma is ’n rock-ster and Wurms met tamatiesous, and his translations are characterized by a strong element of fun.
Jaco was awarded the Alba Bouwer Prize (twice), the MML Literature Award, the Elsabé Steenberg Prize for Children’s Book Translation, the South African Translator’s Institute Award for Children’s Book Translation, the Tienie Holloway Medal, the Scheepers Prize, the Rapport/kykNET Prize and the C.P. Hoogenhout Medal, and has won twenty-nine ATKV Children’s Book Awards (the only book award in Afrikaans where children get tot vote for their favourite books). In 2008, his youth novel Suurlemoen! was named an international IBBY Honour Book. Two of his novels for teenagers, Suurlemoen! and Oor ’n motorfiets, ’n zombiefliek en lang getalle wat deur elf gedeel kan word, have been adapted into full-length feature films.
In 2018, translations of ’n Goeie dag vir boomklim (A Good Day for Climbing Trees) and Oor ’n motorfiets, ’n zombiefliek en lang getalle wat deur elf gedeel kan word (A Good Night for Shooting Zombies) were published internationally by acclaimed British publisher Oneworld, and the Italian edition of A Good Day for Climbing Trees was released in 2019. A Good Day for Climbing Trees and A Good Night for Shooting Zombies were both longlisted for the prestigious Carnegie Award.
Jaco is also a freelance journalist, columnist and long-distance runner who has completed the Comrades Marathon twice. He lives in Bloemfontein with his wife, Elize, two daughters, Mia and Emma, as well as two-and-a-half dogs, a cat and a pet python.
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December 23, 2023Een bondig en helder verhaal over een jongen die niet gezien wordt, maar zijn onzichtbaarheid opheft door aan een spontane protestactie mee te doen. Luister nu naar onze bespreking van dit boek in de 39ste aflevering van De Grote Vriendelijke Podcast via Spotify, je podcast-app of http://www.degrotevriendelijkepodcast...
October 14, 2018
*Disclaimer: I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
In my quest to get through more of my NetGalley books, and because I needed to read something light after Missing Pieces, I decided to pick up Jaco Jacobs' A Good Day for Climbing Trees. This is a middle grade novel about friendship, family, and resistance, in a story that is, though not entirely original, an endearing look at protest and the environment.
I found that although the characters were all quite stereotypical, I felt that they were accessible and people that a younger reader might be able to relate to. The writing was quite simple but I think it suits the target age range for the book.
Overall this story wasn't very original but I enjoyed reading something that is relevant to the world today that still kept a positive tone. I found that the conclusion to the story detracted from the characters' noble reasoning that they started off with, though I don't want to explain further as I don't want to get into spoiler territory! I would recommend this book to younger readers or people with children as it is a fun story and may spark conversations about deforestation and environmental issues.
In my quest to get through more of my NetGalley books, and because I needed to read something light after Missing Pieces, I decided to pick up Jaco Jacobs' A Good Day for Climbing Trees. This is a middle grade novel about friendship, family, and resistance, in a story that is, though not entirely original, an endearing look at protest and the environment.
I found that although the characters were all quite stereotypical, I felt that they were accessible and people that a younger reader might be able to relate to. The writing was quite simple but I think it suits the target age range for the book.
Overall this story wasn't very original but I enjoyed reading something that is relevant to the world today that still kept a positive tone. I found that the conclusion to the story detracted from the characters' noble reasoning that they started off with, though I don't want to explain further as I don't want to get into spoiler territory! I would recommend this book to younger readers or people with children as it is a fun story and may spark conversations about deforestation and environmental issues.
December 1, 2019
2.5
Carino.. ma avrei preferito che i problemi familiari dei due protagonisti venissero approfonditi di più
Carino.. ma avrei preferito che i problemi familiari dei due protagonisti venissero approfonditi di più
June 21, 2021
Ik vond het een beetje meh, maar ik vond waar het heen werkte uiteindelijk wel tof en niet voorspelbaar/realistisch. Daardoor toch zeker drie sterren. Favoriete quote:
'Het is goed om ergens voor te vechten, maar je moet ook weten wanneer je moet ophouden. Anders kan het gevecht groter worden dan datgene waartegen je vecht.'
'Het is goed om ergens voor te vechten, maar je moet ook weten wanneer je moet ophouden. Anders kan het gevecht groter worden dan datgene waartegen je vecht.'
November 6, 2022
Een paar maanden geleden las ik van Jaco Jacobs, een Zuid Afrikaanse schrijver het geweldige boek ‘Dingen die ik niet over schapen wist’ - een ontdekking die naar meer smaakte. Daarom las ik vanavond ‘Een mooie dag om in een boom te klimmen’; net zo mooi en fijn en ook nog eens helemaal in het gigagroene thema van de Kinderboekenweek!
Over Leila en Marnus die een boom in het park proberen te redden, over vriendschappen uit onverwachte hoek, maar vooral over je gezien voelen! 10+
Over Leila en Marnus die een boom in het park proberen te redden, over vriendschappen uit onverwachte hoek, maar vooral over je gezien voelen! 10+
January 17, 2021
It was a pretty easy and fast read.
The story plot was fine but nothing special.
The story plot was fine but nothing special.
January 18, 2019
Perhaps because it’s in translation, but this felt a little obvious at times. That aside, it’s a quick read that gets people thinking about loss and what makes someone tick.
Marnus is fed up of being ignored. The middle child, he’s never noticed for himself, so one summer day he makes a decision that changes him.
When a girl knocks on his door Marnus thinks she’s there as part of his younger brother’s scam. She’s not. She wants him to sign a petition to save a tree in the local park.
Without thinking too much, Marnus finds himself in the park with Leila and they begin a sit-in.
Everything happens quite quickly here, and nobody looks in too much detail at the reasons for these actions. However, we’re introduced to quite a cast of characters - all of whom help Marnus realise some important life lessons.
Marnus is fed up of being ignored. The middle child, he’s never noticed for himself, so one summer day he makes a decision that changes him.
When a girl knocks on his door Marnus thinks she’s there as part of his younger brother’s scam. She’s not. She wants him to sign a petition to save a tree in the local park.
Without thinking too much, Marnus finds himself in the park with Leila and they begin a sit-in.
Everything happens quite quickly here, and nobody looks in too much detail at the reasons for these actions. However, we’re introduced to quite a cast of characters - all of whom help Marnus realise some important life lessons.
April 14, 2022
Mooi, origineel, vlot geschreven verhaal dat zich afspeelt in Zuid-Afrika. Past goed bij deze tijdsgeest en bij thema van de Kinderboekenweek 2022. Gelukkig is het boek gedrukt op papier met FSC keurmerk bij een CO2 neutrale drukkerij.
February 16, 2021
Zo’n boek dat je helpt om uit je leesdip te geraken. Fijne ontdekking!
April 16, 2018
I read the English version but that doesn't seem to be available on here yet.
I had no preconceptions going into this; I didn't know the author, the genre, etc.
It was a quick and fun read. Not something I would have picked up on my own, but I'm glad I did.
I do feel that there were some instances that were really cliched and lazy, the brothers' characterisation is heavy-handed and in fact, most of the character (except Marnus and Leila) are flat and cliched.
The way the caretaker suddenly becomes "Uncle John" is a bit too quick and his stories come out of the blue so I can see the author trying to make the parallel, rather than feeling like it is a natural progression.
The story about Leila's dad is well done and feels natural, except for when she runs out of the park because Marnus was offered a sponsorship. That felt like a short-cut.
And that is my main gripe with this story, it is too short, it feels rushed. I think the author could have smoothed out the plot and the characterisation with just a little more time.
I had no preconceptions going into this; I didn't know the author, the genre, etc.
It was a quick and fun read. Not something I would have picked up on my own, but I'm glad I did.
I do feel that there were some instances that were really cliched and lazy, the brothers' characterisation is heavy-handed and in fact, most of the character (except Marnus and Leila) are flat and cliched.
The way the caretaker suddenly becomes "Uncle John" is a bit too quick and his stories come out of the blue so I can see the author trying to make the parallel, rather than feeling like it is a natural progression.
The story about Leila's dad is well done and feels natural, except for when she runs out of the park because Marnus was offered a sponsorship. That felt like a short-cut.
And that is my main gripe with this story, it is too short, it feels rushed. I think the author could have smoothed out the plot and the characterisation with just a little more time.
June 21, 2018
Marnus is stuck. He's not the oldest. That would be his brother Donovan, the swimming star who offers kissing lessons to neighborhood girls when his parents are at work. He's not the youngest. That would be Adrian, who has been scheming to make money since he was out of diapers. Then there's Marnus, in the middle. He answers the front door to the pretty girls who all ask for Donovan. And he washes all the dishes, every day, to try to pay back the money he borrowed from Adrian to get a new game system. This is how he spends his Christmas vacation.
That is, that's how he was spending his Christmas vacation until Leila rang the doorbell. Marnus figured it was another one of the girls who wanted kissing lessons from Donovan, but Leila didn't know what he was talking about. She had a petition she wanted him to sign, a petition to save the Tree at the Centre of the Universe. When Marnus asked her what she was talking about, she took him right to the park and showed him the tree. It's a white karee, and it's a beautiful full-grown tree in the middle of the park that the city plans to chop down.
Leila won't allow it and climbs the tree, planting herself right in its branches so that the men from the city can't cut it down. Marnus climbs up too, still holding his dishcloth.
He's not entirely sure why he decided to climb the tree. It doesn't mean that much to him. But he does know what it's like to feel invisible and unheard, and this seems as good a chance as any to finally take a stand. To take a stand against Donovan and his girlfriends. To take a stand against Adrian and his blackmail. To take a stand against doing the dishes. This is Marnus's chance to be heard at last.
As time goes by, Leila and Marnus find that they're not alone in their fight. Locals who also believe in the dignity of the tree come by to check on them, to bring them food and make sure they have what they need. Leila's mother spends the night on a blanket at the foot of the tree, and the next day, a journalist comes to write an article about them for the newspaper. As the news spreads about Leila and Marnus in the tree, he comes to realize that maybe he doesn't have to be as invisible as he thought.
Jaco Jacobs has written a fresh, honest, lovely tale of finding your voice and standing up for what you believe in. A Good Day for Climbing Trees is a beautiful coming-of-age story of a boy learning what it will take to be a teenager, of finding his sense of self in a difficult situation and putting himself out there for what he believes in. The characters are interesting and relatable, and the story being set in Africa allows readers a chance to get a glimpse of another culture in a fascinating, fun way. This is a great story and a perfect lesson for middle school readers with a sense of adventure.
Galleys for A Good Day for Climbing Trees were provided by Oneworld Publications through NetGalley, with many thanks.
That is, that's how he was spending his Christmas vacation until Leila rang the doorbell. Marnus figured it was another one of the girls who wanted kissing lessons from Donovan, but Leila didn't know what he was talking about. She had a petition she wanted him to sign, a petition to save the Tree at the Centre of the Universe. When Marnus asked her what she was talking about, she took him right to the park and showed him the tree. It's a white karee, and it's a beautiful full-grown tree in the middle of the park that the city plans to chop down.
Leila won't allow it and climbs the tree, planting herself right in its branches so that the men from the city can't cut it down. Marnus climbs up too, still holding his dishcloth.
He's not entirely sure why he decided to climb the tree. It doesn't mean that much to him. But he does know what it's like to feel invisible and unheard, and this seems as good a chance as any to finally take a stand. To take a stand against Donovan and his girlfriends. To take a stand against Adrian and his blackmail. To take a stand against doing the dishes. This is Marnus's chance to be heard at last.
As time goes by, Leila and Marnus find that they're not alone in their fight. Locals who also believe in the dignity of the tree come by to check on them, to bring them food and make sure they have what they need. Leila's mother spends the night on a blanket at the foot of the tree, and the next day, a journalist comes to write an article about them for the newspaper. As the news spreads about Leila and Marnus in the tree, he comes to realize that maybe he doesn't have to be as invisible as he thought.
Jaco Jacobs has written a fresh, honest, lovely tale of finding your voice and standing up for what you believe in. A Good Day for Climbing Trees is a beautiful coming-of-age story of a boy learning what it will take to be a teenager, of finding his sense of self in a difficult situation and putting himself out there for what he believes in. The characters are interesting and relatable, and the story being set in Africa allows readers a chance to get a glimpse of another culture in a fascinating, fun way. This is a great story and a perfect lesson for middle school readers with a sense of adventure.
Galleys for A Good Day for Climbing Trees were provided by Oneworld Publications through NetGalley, with many thanks.
December 8, 2021
Als je een boek een jaar terug las maar ontdekt dat je er niet over hebt geschreven en nog steeds de strekking van het verhaal weet, is het goed.
Centraal in het verhaal staat de boom van het omslag, een witkaree. De 13-jarige Marnus is de middelste van drie broers. Hij verdwijnt in het niets tussen hen. Hij voelt zich niet gezien. Als dan de onbekende Leila aan de deur komt met een petitie tegen de kap van een boom besluit hij ineens mee te gaan. Het is heet en bijna Kerstmis. Er komen kleurrijke mensen langs zoals de in roze geklede mevrouw Merriman met haar hondjes. Of een journalist waardoor ze in de krant komen en een groep studenten die op hun manier komen actievoeren. Intussen worden ze door 'oom John' van de rolbaan in de gaten gehouden. De mannen van de gemeente weten ze drie dagen weg te houden van de te kappen boom. In het kort is dit het verhaal.
Het met humor geschreven verhaal lijkt daarmee eenvoudig. Lijkt want het verhaal vertelt veel. Over in jezelf geloven, ergens voor staan, vriendschap en zichtbaar worden. Zowel Marnus als Leila worden nu gezien en groeien in hun zelfvertrouwen. Op het eind van de actie durft Marnus te vragen naar de werkelijke beweegreden aan Leila. Intussen krijg je gedurende het verhaal een beeld van het land over gebruiken, taal en geschiedenis. Vooral het laatste wordt bijna subtiel gedaan als het over apartheid gaat. Door een verhaal van oom John over zijn broer komt dit ter sprake. Waarbij hij een les meegeeft: 'Het is goed om ergens voor te vechten, maar je moet ook weten wanneer je moet ophouden. Anders kan het gevecht groter worden dan datgene waartegen je vecht.'
Je wilt geen 'killjoy' zijn, een pretbederver, maar het gaat ook nog over de klimaatcrisis. Maar helaas 'niets op deze aarde is voor eeuwig', belangrijker is het om gezíén te worden, al is het maar omdat je goed opstellen kunt schrijven zoals Marnus.
Jacobs is een bekende schrijver in Zuid-Afrika en heeft vele titels op zijn naam staan. Dit is de eerst vertaalde in het Nederlands, goed werk van Tjalling Bos. Naar een volgend mooi groots klein verhaal kijk je uit als ze op het eind elkaar 'vrolijk kerstfeest' wensen.
Centraal in het verhaal staat de boom van het omslag, een witkaree. De 13-jarige Marnus is de middelste van drie broers. Hij verdwijnt in het niets tussen hen. Hij voelt zich niet gezien. Als dan de onbekende Leila aan de deur komt met een petitie tegen de kap van een boom besluit hij ineens mee te gaan. Het is heet en bijna Kerstmis. Er komen kleurrijke mensen langs zoals de in roze geklede mevrouw Merriman met haar hondjes. Of een journalist waardoor ze in de krant komen en een groep studenten die op hun manier komen actievoeren. Intussen worden ze door 'oom John' van de rolbaan in de gaten gehouden. De mannen van de gemeente weten ze drie dagen weg te houden van de te kappen boom. In het kort is dit het verhaal.
Het met humor geschreven verhaal lijkt daarmee eenvoudig. Lijkt want het verhaal vertelt veel. Over in jezelf geloven, ergens voor staan, vriendschap en zichtbaar worden. Zowel Marnus als Leila worden nu gezien en groeien in hun zelfvertrouwen. Op het eind van de actie durft Marnus te vragen naar de werkelijke beweegreden aan Leila. Intussen krijg je gedurende het verhaal een beeld van het land over gebruiken, taal en geschiedenis. Vooral het laatste wordt bijna subtiel gedaan als het over apartheid gaat. Door een verhaal van oom John over zijn broer komt dit ter sprake. Waarbij hij een les meegeeft: 'Het is goed om ergens voor te vechten, maar je moet ook weten wanneer je moet ophouden. Anders kan het gevecht groter worden dan datgene waartegen je vecht.'
Je wilt geen 'killjoy' zijn, een pretbederver, maar het gaat ook nog over de klimaatcrisis. Maar helaas 'niets op deze aarde is voor eeuwig', belangrijker is het om gezíén te worden, al is het maar omdat je goed opstellen kunt schrijven zoals Marnus.
Jacobs is een bekende schrijver in Zuid-Afrika en heeft vele titels op zijn naam staan. Dit is de eerst vertaalde in het Nederlands, goed werk van Tjalling Bos. Naar een volgend mooi groots klein verhaal kijk je uit als ze op het eind elkaar 'vrolijk kerstfeest' wensen.
February 26, 2019
This was a cute story. Very short and including illustrations. It's your typical boy meets girl story but in a quirky setting. Manus is overshadowed by everyone in his family until he meets Leila who climbs up a tree to stop it from being cut down. Manus then climbs the tree with her and the two become a sensation overnight. Everyone wants to know why these two teens are sat in the tree.
It's fair to say the situation gets out of hand as the book goes on. Throughout it, we meet some very interesting adults. Including a woman with pink and dogs and a caretaker who's seen his house be bulldozed in Africa. Despite, all these interesting characters Leila seems paper thin. She's the one who sets the whole story in motion and Manus spends a lot of time with her. Yet, we know little about her. She's always unhappy with Manus over strange things and in the end, you realise her vendetta about the tree isn't about the tree at all but about her dad. It kind of annoyed me. but that's maybe because I believe the tree deserved to be saved. It cast what we know about Leila in shadow. She just seemed a bit spoilt in the end, treating her mum like rubbish so she could see her clearly useless father again. It annoyed me.
In the end, Manus made himself visible in his family and Leila got over the daddy issues. It was a nice short and sweet book. Great for 8-12-year-olds. I think any older and the book becomes too young.
It's fair to say the situation gets out of hand as the book goes on. Throughout it, we meet some very interesting adults. Including a woman with pink and dogs and a caretaker who's seen his house be bulldozed in Africa. Despite, all these interesting characters Leila seems paper thin. She's the one who sets the whole story in motion and Manus spends a lot of time with her. Yet, we know little about her. She's always unhappy with Manus over strange things and in the end, you realise her vendetta about the tree isn't about the tree at all but about her dad. It kind of annoyed me. but that's maybe because I believe the tree deserved to be saved. It cast what we know about Leila in shadow. She just seemed a bit spoilt in the end, treating her mum like rubbish so she could see her clearly useless father again. It annoyed me.
In the end, Manus made himself visible in his family and Leila got over the daddy issues. It was a nice short and sweet book. Great for 8-12-year-olds. I think any older and the book becomes too young.
January 24, 2023
My Quick Thoughts: I read this book a while ago. Thanks to unfinished review drafts, here is what I thought about the book: a great book to read and explore and discuss family, friendships, and community, as well as environmental issues, activism, and other places in the world (this is set in South Africa).
I recall how it made me feel – all warm and wonderful inside as I read about the young activists and their hodge-podge team of helpers! And that it brought back nostalgic memories of childhood summers spent climbing trees (whether it was playing hide-and-seek, or just finding out that perfect spot to read a book! Yes I did read books in trees – not always the coziest of spots for long periods of time but I improvised…)
In the end, I do think that any day, including today, is a good day for reading this gentle, uplifting middle-grade book with characters you will love and a story that will tug at your heartstrings.
Extra: You can check out the teacher’s sheet, a reading guide and tree identification guide from the publishers to use with this book
Source: Review copy from Netgalley
I recall how it made me feel – all warm and wonderful inside as I read about the young activists and their hodge-podge team of helpers! And that it brought back nostalgic memories of childhood summers spent climbing trees (whether it was playing hide-and-seek, or just finding out that perfect spot to read a book! Yes I did read books in trees – not always the coziest of spots for long periods of time but I improvised…)
In the end, I do think that any day, including today, is a good day for reading this gentle, uplifting middle-grade book with characters you will love and a story that will tug at your heartstrings.
Extra: You can check out the teacher’s sheet, a reading guide and tree identification guide from the publishers to use with this book
Source: Review copy from Netgalley
January 13, 2019
This is a charming Afrikaans story written by Jaco Jacobs and translated into English by Kobus Geldenhuys, and the illustrations by Jim Tierney skilfully accent the plot's main themes.
The Christmas holidays do not begin well for Marnus. He has to juggle the demands of his older brother Donovan (girl magnet and swimming champion) and his younger brother Adrian (clever entrepreneur) while his Mum is distracted by a Very Important Court Case and his Dad is worried about the future of the Sports Shop he owns.
However, everything changes when a girl called Leila arrives at the door and invites him to sign a petition. Marnus is plucked from obscurity, still with a dishcloth over his shoulder, and plunged into an increasingly public campaign to save a local tree.
I would recommend this book. It humorously explores a young teenage boy's growing confidence in himself with a light touch, through his relationship with Leila and other colourful characters in his community as well as a growing understanding of the environment and his place in it.
The Christmas holidays do not begin well for Marnus. He has to juggle the demands of his older brother Donovan (girl magnet and swimming champion) and his younger brother Adrian (clever entrepreneur) while his Mum is distracted by a Very Important Court Case and his Dad is worried about the future of the Sports Shop he owns.
However, everything changes when a girl called Leila arrives at the door and invites him to sign a petition. Marnus is plucked from obscurity, still with a dishcloth over his shoulder, and plunged into an increasingly public campaign to save a local tree.
I would recommend this book. It humorously explores a young teenage boy's growing confidence in himself with a light touch, through his relationship with Leila and other colourful characters in his community as well as a growing understanding of the environment and his place in it.
December 1, 2021
Lots of potential, but underdeveloped, even given that it's for inexperienced tween readers. Nice to read something from a country I'm almost completely unfamiliar with, but I didn't feel as if I learned anything (except, maybe that segregation and class are still very important, as it seems the only black character was an Uncle Remus type, a caretaker who went by "Uncle John").
I do appreciate the note on the translator. Too often their role is overlooked, and yet it's critical. Of course, this book was surely easier to translate than many. Still, it seems he did a good job.
There is one thing to discuss. After several days, Mr. (I can't bear to call him Uncle) John advises the kids that "you also have to know when to stop - otherwise the fight can become bigger than the thing you're fighting against." What do you think he means by that, and do you think he's right?
(I honestly don't know. To me it kinda sounds like he doesn't believe in protests for the principles. But I don't know and I welcome your ideas. You don't need to read the book to have a guess.)
I do appreciate the note on the translator. Too often their role is overlooked, and yet it's critical. Of course, this book was surely easier to translate than many. Still, it seems he did a good job.
There is one thing to discuss. After several days, Mr. (I can't bear to call him Uncle) John advises the kids that "you also have to know when to stop - otherwise the fight can become bigger than the thing you're fighting against." What do you think he means by that, and do you think he's right?
(I honestly don't know. To me it kinda sounds like he doesn't believe in protests for the principles. But I don't know and I welcome your ideas. You don't need to read the book to have a guess.)
April 11, 2019
A quick read, with some quirky characters and an engaging idea. Marnus is a typical middle child, pushed around by all his family. When Leila rings on his door and suggests he join her in a quest to save a tree, he's easily persuaded.
But in the end, the tree isn't saved. I wasn't quite sure what to make of that. One character - Uncle John - makes the point that when you're protesting, sometimes you have to know when to stop. Maybe that's the message? Hard to say.
Having mostly grown up in South Africa, I was keen to read this - there aren't many children's books by South African authors available here. This was translated from the Afrikaans, and I think I would probably have preferred to read it in Afrikaans. Some phrases - eg characters addressing grown-ups as 'Ma'am' - just didn't ring true; while I could guess what the original probably was, I couldn't think of any other translations that would work.
A pleasant read which I enjoyed.
But in the end, the tree isn't saved. I wasn't quite sure what to make of that. One character - Uncle John - makes the point that when you're protesting, sometimes you have to know when to stop. Maybe that's the message? Hard to say.
Having mostly grown up in South Africa, I was keen to read this - there aren't many children's books by South African authors available here. This was translated from the Afrikaans, and I think I would probably have preferred to read it in Afrikaans. Some phrases - eg characters addressing grown-ups as 'Ma'am' - just didn't ring true; while I could guess what the original probably was, I couldn't think of any other translations that would work.
A pleasant read which I enjoyed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 5, 2020
I really enjoyed this book - it's the second I've read by Jaco Jacobs (the first was A Good Night for Shooting Zombies) and has his signature light style while touching on issues that get many of us involved. In this case, it's the council-planned cutting down of a beautiful old tree.
I love the way Marnus accidentally becomes an activist, and I love the various characters - Mrs Merriman with her pink clothing and hair, Uncle John the caretaker at the bowling green, Killer the protesting student ...
I also really like the way Jacobs slips in a little history lesson - just a snippet which could well intrigue a young reader and cause him or her to look up some of the struggles that South Africa has endured. Nicely done.
I love the way Marnus accidentally becomes an activist, and I love the various characters - Mrs Merriman with her pink clothing and hair, Uncle John the caretaker at the bowling green, Killer the protesting student ...
I also really like the way Jacobs slips in a little history lesson - just a snippet which could well intrigue a young reader and cause him or her to look up some of the struggles that South Africa has endured. Nicely done.
August 13, 2018
Thirteen year old Marnus expects the holiday season to be uneventful with his month involved in An Important Case and his dad making ends meet at his business. but a girl called Leila appears on his doorstep and everything changes.
This was really a heart warming adventure. I absolutely adored Marnus and identified with his being a middle child. His uncertainty about saving the tree with Leila made sense for his character. How he made friends with those older than him along the way was a lot of fun.
The story is the perfect example of finding adventure in small things. The plot moves at a quick pace, but leaves enough time for the emotional moments to make an impact.
For younger readers looking for an everyday adventure, I would absolutely recommend this.
I received a free copy from the publisher and author for reviewing purposes.
This was really a heart warming adventure. I absolutely adored Marnus and identified with his being a middle child. His uncertainty about saving the tree with Leila made sense for his character. How he made friends with those older than him along the way was a lot of fun.
The story is the perfect example of finding adventure in small things. The plot moves at a quick pace, but leaves enough time for the emotional moments to make an impact.
For younger readers looking for an everyday adventure, I would absolutely recommend this.
I received a free copy from the publisher and author for reviewing purposes.
February 20, 2019
13 year old boy, middle child, originally written in Afrikaans. Feels like it would be good for middle schoolers -- just getting into boy-girl romance, hitting the awkward pretty hard. Some environmental awareness (tree sitting protest), some humor, and in general a nice snapshot of contemporary life for tweens in Africa as opposed to an American perspective. There's a lot of jerk behavior from Marnus' brothers, and kindness from the community. On the whole, an enjoyable read, if not a fast paced one.
December 12, 2020
I picked this book up with a spare 30 minutes, and got 20% of the way through. I finished it the next day.
This was a sweet story. A simple story, but one worth telling.
There were a thousand messages to take from it, and I loved all of them. I think it's probably something I'll read again.
If you're looking for a comfort book with unfathomable amounts of kindness and characters spun in more seconds, then give it a go. It's a quick read, but a beautiful one.
This was a sweet story. A simple story, but one worth telling.
There were a thousand messages to take from it, and I loved all of them. I think it's probably something I'll read again.
If you're looking for a comfort book with unfathomable amounts of kindness and characters spun in more seconds, then give it a go. It's a quick read, but a beautiful one.
April 16, 2021
I picked this up from the school library, thinking I’d give it a read and then add it to my classroom collection for the students - but now I’m leaving in two weeks and figured I really should make a start on the pile I’d brought home!
I didn’t expect the books to be so quick to read, and when I saw how large the text was I was a little disheartened - it’s useful for me to read books for less able readers but they aren’t always enjoyable for me. However, this was really engaging and light hearted. Even though it dealt with some serious issues, the narrative and descriptions were really vivid and the characters were so well rounded that you genuinely felt like got were there with them. A genuinely enjoyable read!
I didn’t expect the books to be so quick to read, and when I saw how large the text was I was a little disheartened - it’s useful for me to read books for less able readers but they aren’t always enjoyable for me. However, this was really engaging and light hearted. Even though it dealt with some serious issues, the narrative and descriptions were really vivid and the characters were so well rounded that you genuinely felt like got were there with them. A genuinely enjoyable read!
October 28, 2023
‘Niets op deze aarde is voor eeuwig.’
Marnus voelt zich onzichtbaar tussen zijn grote broer, die meisjes zoenles geeft, en zijn kleine broertje, een zakelijk genie. Als hij op een dag een meisje ontmoet dat in een boom klimt om te voorkomen dat die gekapt wordt, besluit hij in een opwelling om achter deze Leila aan te klimmen. Meer en meer mensen horen van hun protest, en voor het eerst in zijn leven voelt Marnus zich belangrijk, al begrijpt hij niet precies waarom dan. Want wat is eigenlijk de werkelijke reden dat Leila de boom wil redden?
Het klimmen in de boom zorgt voor een hoop commotie. In de wereld van vandaag is dat harder nodig dan je denkt, aandacht krijgen. Dat is wat Marnus ook wel heeft gevoeld. De afgelopen dagen heeft hij zich gezien gevoeld.
Marnus voelt zich onzichtbaar tussen zijn grote broer, die meisjes zoenles geeft, en zijn kleine broertje, een zakelijk genie. Als hij op een dag een meisje ontmoet dat in een boom klimt om te voorkomen dat die gekapt wordt, besluit hij in een opwelling om achter deze Leila aan te klimmen. Meer en meer mensen horen van hun protest, en voor het eerst in zijn leven voelt Marnus zich belangrijk, al begrijpt hij niet precies waarom dan. Want wat is eigenlijk de werkelijke reden dat Leila de boom wil redden?
Het klimmen in de boom zorgt voor een hoop commotie. In de wereld van vandaag is dat harder nodig dan je denkt, aandacht krijgen. Dat is wat Marnus ook wel heeft gevoeld. De afgelopen dagen heeft hij zich gezien gevoeld.
February 22, 2024
Solo voy a decir que termine llorando de lo hermoso que es , te hace sentir como en casa , los personajes son tan cálidos , tan humanos , te hace ver qué quizás aveces las cosas no salen cómo esperas por más que sean las correctas pero sin embargo te quedas con el hecho de intentarlo , hacer lo que los demás no harían , luchar por más que aveces este todo perdido o este todo ya pactado como va a terminar .
May 17, 2024
Sinceramente no sabía qué esperar cuando empecé a leer este libro, pero al final he salido de sus páginas con el corazón calentito.
Una historia que apenas sucede en 4 días, pero que vista desde los ojos de un niño, son toda una aventura.
Me gusta mucho como se tratan temas adultos a lo largo de la novela, aunque pasan un poco desapercibidos gracias a nuestro joven prota.
Y para no destripar nada más, Tú, ¿por qué te subirías a un árbol?
Una historia que apenas sucede en 4 días, pero que vista desde los ojos de un niño, son toda una aventura.
Me gusta mucho como se tratan temas adultos a lo largo de la novela, aunque pasan un poco desapercibidos gracias a nuestro joven prota.
Y para no destripar nada más, Tú, ¿por qué te subirías a un árbol?
February 21, 2019
Teenage strangers Marnus and Leila bond over protecting the environment - something that Marnus could never see himself doing!
A Good Day For Climbing Trees would make for a brilliant class reader; it was funny and quite short and well as creating a believable and kind relationship between the two protagonists.
A Good Day For Climbing Trees would make for a brilliant class reader; it was funny and quite short and well as creating a believable and kind relationship between the two protagonists.
June 27, 2021
Mooi boekje, waarin twee kinderen opkomen voor een met omkappen bedreigde boom. Wat beweegt mensen om te doen wat ze doen? En hoe komt het dat ze het doen op de manier waarop ze het doen? Bruikbaar voor verschillende doeleinden, bijv. gesprek over stemloosheid van dieren en bomen/planten.
Protestacties, broers, bomen, Zuid-Afrika, B-boek, 2020.
Protestacties, broers, bomen, Zuid-Afrika, B-boek, 2020.
September 6, 2023
Graag meer vertalingen van Jaco Jacobs graag. Heerlijk boek, humor, mooi onderwerp, want willen we niet allemaal van tijd tot tijd een boom redden? Of erin klimmen? Fijne volwassenen zijn er in dit boek ook! En dat is belangrijk. Want de boom niet valt te redden, maar op een andere manier, de twee hoofdpersonen Marnus en Leila wél.
February 18, 2020
This book was okay. I liked the concept and the friendship which develops between Marnus and Leila but as the story unfolds, some bits seem random and rushed. It wasn't the worst book I have read this year, it was fairly pleasant to read but only 3 ⭐ overall.
December 23, 2020
This was a cute story, and while I don’t think I ever would’ve picked it up on my own, I enjoyed it. The main characters were quirky and fun. It was a quick read but made for an interesting and sweet story.
(Book 2 of 4 from my mystery bag of upper elementary books from my library.)
(Book 2 of 4 from my mystery bag of upper elementary books from my library.)
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