Reviews

Haiddee Bailey recommends Ugo and Jack.

uJ1Su9naegl 13,e 62dl021  ·

read Ugo and Jack last week. great read to encourage children to think out of the box. highly recommended , look forward to reading book 2 in the series. five star

Virginia Wynhoven recommends Ugo and Jack.

uM1Sc9ayog 8, re26du021  ·

Wow….Really impressed.

so many books out there for kids that are just silly.

This book has a great story line, adventure, fun, and yet has a thread throughout that makes kids think , and helps them deal with some of life’s difficulties

Great read

uJ1Su9naegl 9, e268ul021 

Linda Buckley recommends Ugo and Jack.

uJ1Su9naegl 9, e268ul021  ·

Ugo and Jack by Geoff Parton is a real page turner for adolescents.

Young Jack takes you on an adventure of pure escapism. His experience with Ugo is thought provoking, full of hope and positivity.

This lovely little book leaves you curious to know how Jack and his family navigate life from here on in.

Great little read!

Reedsy,

Loved it! 😍 four ****

A beautiful book for children that could help them cope with hardships, death, and open their minds to the possibilities of second chances.

Synopsis

The series of Ugo and Jack books are full of exciting adventures – they are uplifting and give purpose to life, when sometimes there seems there isn’t any.


Ugo and Jack book one was released 25th Feb 2021 by Olympia Publishing London. Book two will be out in June

Jack lives on a farm in rural Australia in the 1950s, like many children Jack lives in an unhappy dysfunctional family.

Jack’s only refuge is his escape to a hidden valley nearby the farm, where he often goes camping and swimming.


On one occasion in the valley he slips and falls on a mossy rock by his favorite swimming hole, he is knocked unconscious.

Whilst unconscious, he’s transported to a spiritual dimension, there he enters a world filled with wonderful friendly characters and a host of unexpected possibilities.


While there, he meets Ugo,

Ugo shows Jack how to make changes to his physical life back on the farm.

When Jack recovers and returns to his life on the farm, he thinks that Ugo and everything else that happened while he was unconscious, was just a dream or in his imagination.

He soon realizes that everything that happened was and is real.


The story follows the adventures of a young boy – Jack – after he falls and hits his head, entering the spiritual world where he meets Ugo who teaches him about his important role in the world – both the physical and the spiritual.

The story holds some dark elements, but – unfortunately – there is no denying that many kids have to suffer through this darkness in the real world and could find this book relatable and inspiring.

Not only does the book portray bad people as they are, it also teaches children to be more understanding as they learn that nobody starts out bad, that we all – children and adults – have problems that cause us to be the way that we are and act the way that we do, and that we all need love and kindness. The plot also offers several second chances and demonstrates how simple acts can go a long way in changing someone’s life.

Seeing how the book also deals with death in a calm manner, offering a whole world that children will find too fun to fear, I would recommend it to any kids who have lost loved ones so they could imagine them there and hopefully move on with less pain.

Reviewed by

Fatima Aladdin

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I have a master’s degree in English Language and Literature and I’m a writer/editor myself. Honest reviews only. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fatima.aladdin/

Ugo and Jack

Written by Geoff Parton

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Geoff Parton

The series Ugo and Jack, show the reader that there is much more than our physical world. Ugo points out that there is no end to life, just a transition of sorts. I hope the kids enjoy the Ugo and Jack book series, I am sure they will take with them a more positive view of life. view profile

Published on February 25, 2021

Published by Olympia Publishers

20000 words

Genre: Children’s

Reviewed by

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Reedsy

Ugo and Jack

Published by Geoff Parton  · tSAusorgu9st 97,tc 1020241  ·

Its been an interesting time for UGO and JACK.

The Huon Primary school has been reading UGO and JACK Book 1 and loving it. I have copied some of the students comments for you to read. I was privileged to visit the class Friday and we went through some Q and A’s, of the book series, I don’t know who was the most nervous, the students or me.

Ugo and Jack Adventure book series.. recommendations from Huon Primary School

Clare…

It’s really good if you like adventure.

Laura…

I recommend this book to others because it’s a really nice book that just gets you hooked.

Brynee…

It has twists and is really interesting.

Georgia…

its good, I do recommend it because it is interesting but they should have had different names.

Lochie…

I recommend this to people who like Adventure and a story the makes dramatic changes.

Hannah…

It is funny and great for imagination.

Millie…

I recommend any kids that like adventure genre books, to read this book.

Archer…

I recommend this book to readers that love adventure and a nice story line to follow.

Erin…

Its so good I recommend this book because its interesting and entertaining.

Maddie…

I recommend this book to others because I think it is a great way to just escape reality and I believe others will love this book.

William…

Its adventurous lovely and it has a really good story line.

Gracie…

I recommend this book, I like the part when they ate the mushrooms because they went to UGO.

Ugo and Jack review by weeksti

Ugo and Jack

by Geoff Parton

Age Range – 8 – 12

Genre – Series

LitPick Review

weeksti

Age at time of review – 50

Reviewer’s Location – Naples, Florida, United States

View weeksti’s profile

Jack is a boy who lives with his two brothers and parents on a rural farm in Australia. His home life is abusive and dysfunctional. Jack and his brothers are very unhappy and downright scared of their alcoholic father. One day, Jack seeks the peace and tranquility of a valley a good distance from home.

While in the valley, Jack has an accident that knocks him unconscious. While unconscious, Jack is transported to a serene land where he meets a magical creature named Ugo. Ugo becomes like a mentor for Jack. He teaches him about the physical and spiritual worlds, and how they are connected.

During his time with Ugo, Jack learns that the physical world is not always what it seems and that life experiences shape human behavior. Upon learning this, Jack decides to unearth why his father was so unhappy and what happened to cause him to start drinking in the first place. Will Jack discover what happened to start the chain of events that created his miserable life? Can it be changed?

Opinion:

The author, Geoff Parton, does an amazing job explaining a difficult and abstract concept. Through the eyes of Jack and the teachings of Ugo, the reader learns that there is a world beyond our physical realm: a spiritual realm. The author did a wonderful job of developing Ugo’s character as a loving and carefree guardian angel.

This existential concept is handled expertly and at a level that middle age children can understand. Even older readers can appreciate the thought that there are worlds beyond our physical world, ones we cannot see but can sense. This thought gives the reader, of any age, a sense of calm and happiness and makes them root for Jack and his family to have the happy ending that all children deserve.

This book could be an excellent tool in getting children to realize they are not alone in their struggles and that there is hope.

Rating:

4 star

See Google review

Ugo and Jack

Published by Geoff Parton  · Jhu1tl0tplo9y 718ns,fg r20e271  ·

Ugo and Jack review by weeksti

Ugo and Jack

by Geoff Parton

Age Range – 8 – 12

Genre – Series

LitPick Review

weeksti

Age at time of review – 50

Reviewer’s Location – Naples, Florida, United States

View weeksti’s profile

Jack is a boy who lives with his two brothers and parents on a rural farm in Australia. His home life is abusive and dysfunctional. Jack and his brothers are very unhappy and downright scared of their alcoholic father. One day, Jack seeks the peace and tranquility of a valley a good distance from home.

While in the valley, Jack has an accident that knocks him unconscious. While unconscious, Jack is transported to a serene land where he meets a magical creature named Ugo. Ugo becomes like a mentor for Jack. He teaches him about the physical and spiritual worlds, and how they are connected.

During his time with Ugo, Jack learns that the physical world is not always what it seems and that life experiences shape human behavior. Upon learning this, Jack decides to unearth why his father was so unhappy and what happened to cause him to start drinking in the first place. Will Jack discover what happened to start the chain of events that created his miserable life? Can it be changed?

Opinion:

The author, Geoff Parton, does an amazing job explaining a difficult and abstract concept. Through the eyes of Jack and the teachings of Ugo, the reader learns that there is a world beyond our physical realm: a spiritual realm. The author did a wonderful job of developing Ugo’s character as a loving and carefree guardian angel.

This existential concept is handled expertly and at a level that middle age children can understand. Even older readers can appreciate the thought that there are worlds beyond our physical world, ones we cannot see but can sense. This thought gives the reader, of any age, a sense of calm and happiness and makes them root for Jack and his family to have the happy ending that all children deserve.

This book could be an excellent tool in getting children to realize they are not alone in their struggles and that there is hope.

Rating:

4 star

See Google review

Kids Lit Book Café

Ugo and Jack by Geoff Parton

Ugo and Jack by Geoff Parton is a fascinating middle-grade fantasy story that is absolutely wonderful! The main character goes from an unhappy and dysfunctional life to one of power and joy. The author skillfully and courageously tackles the uncomfortable topic of domestic violence and offers an interesting, realistic and clever resolution.

In the beginning, we meet Jack who lives with his two brothers and parents in rural Tasmania, Australia. He is subjected to violent attacks by his father, who is an alcoholic, and his oldest brother who is a bully and is walking in the footsteps of their father.

Unhappy at school and scared to be at home, Jack escapes to the beautiful wilderness near the farm. He hits his head in an accident and is left unconscious. During this time, he is secretly transported to a fascinating, wonderful and safe place called Fire Fly Valley. It is there in the magical and beautiful Fire Fly Valley where Jack meets a strange but alluring creature named, Ugo.

This amazing fantasy world has a strong spiritual dynamic that is directly linked to the real world. Jack learns to use it to create a much better world for him and his entire family. He learns why his father is so abusive and discovers ways to create a happier and safer world for all.

It is this aspect of the story that has its strongest appeal. The author develops an enchanting fantasy world that at first seems like a wonderful and pleasant place for an abused child to escape to. However, as the story develops, the reader soon discovers that even the worst human behavior can be explained, and perhaps forgiven.

It seems author Geoff Parton has taken a step back and looked more closely at some terrible, real life situations. In doing so he has written an extraordinary story and narrative that will provide encouragement and strength. His book offers and explores deeper, more complex themes than most other books in its genre. In doing that, he has provided young readers with essential developmental tools that could be employed and really empower them to make changes and create a better world.

The writing style is well suited to the book’s intended audience. It is an easy read that allows the reader to enjoy and comprehend the underlying themes of the book. Without the use of complicated words or terms, children will be able to grasp the remarkable concepts and see Jack as a positive and inspiring role model and gain a greater and clearer sense of their own personal power.

This is a great book for children of various ages and who live in a wide range of areas and places. It is thought-provoking and offers teachers and parents the opportunity to discuss difficult subjects and offer concrete resolutions to issues children may be facing. As well, the adventures of Jack and Ugo are entertaining, exciting and engaging. It is destined to become a favorite for all its readers. Kids Lit Book Café highly recommends Ugo and Jack by Geoff Parton to all middle-graders, families, teachers and libraries.

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