Lenny’s book of everything, is quite indeed just about everything. The protagonist’s thirst for knowledge
drove this novel from the humble streets of 1970’s Ohio, into the depths of childhood and the realities
of growing up. It explores complex family dynamics challenged by the tragedy of a younger brother’s
mysterious disease.
drove this novel from the humble streets of 1970’s Ohio, into the depths of childhood and the realities
of growing up. It explores complex family dynamics challenged by the tragedy of a younger brother’s
mysterious disease.
It is Lenny’s mother, Cynthia Spink, that introduces her two children to the wonders of the world. It takes
Cynthia a chain of letters to a publishing company before winning a free encyclopedia set, her sturdy
persistence I can only liken to that of my own mother when she rings up Telstra’s NBN. It was this
exchange of letters that enlightened Mrs Spink’s character, her struggle for independence and pride as
a single mother, as she supports her growing family.
Cynthia a chain of letters to a publishing company before winning a free encyclopedia set, her sturdy
persistence I can only liken to that of my own mother when she rings up Telstra’s NBN. It was this
exchange of letters that enlightened Mrs Spink’s character, her struggle for independence and pride as
a single mother, as she supports her growing family.
But It is these encyclopedia copies which are greatly anticipated with curiosity and active imagination.
Lenny and Davey are drawn to the world which exists beyond their small flat. Their inquisitive mind
transports from the Great bear lake to the bombardier beetle, in a desperate attempt to escape the
bland normality of their own lives.
Lenny and Davey are drawn to the world which exists beyond their small flat. Their inquisitive mind
transports from the Great bear lake to the bombardier beetle, in a desperate attempt to escape the
bland normality of their own lives.
But Lenny insists on ordering the world through the alphabetised encyclopedia. She leaves no room
for unprecedented events and is constantly challenged when things are out of her control. Lenny’s
quest is to make sense of the things she cannot change and to appreciate the things within her reach.
To not be ungrateful for the love and consideration the people surround her give - even if there are only
a few.
for unprecedented events and is constantly challenged when things are out of her control. Lenny’s
quest is to make sense of the things she cannot change and to appreciate the things within her reach.
To not be ungrateful for the love and consideration the people surround her give - even if there are only
a few.
Although, it frustrated me to the very end, wishing for a future where the Spink family were happy.
Each tragedy shook the story and every character within, forcing my hope for a “happily ever after” to
seem fictional.
Foxlee brought to life a children's novel with mature themes, dealing with the intricacies of life beyond
the age of single digits. Give Lenny's book of everything a read, and I assure you, you'll be left praising,
"Holy Batman" before the end of the first chapter.
Each tragedy shook the story and every character within, forcing my hope for a “happily ever after” to
seem fictional.
Foxlee brought to life a children's novel with mature themes, dealing with the intricacies of life beyond
the age of single digits. Give Lenny's book of everything a read, and I assure you, you'll be left praising,
"Holy Batman" before the end of the first chapter.
Madeleine, year 9
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