Ugo and Jack book 1 and 2 have received a five star award
Haiddee Bailey recommends Ugo and Jack.
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.
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
Linda Buckley recommends Ugo and Jack.
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
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
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.
Scarlett Ellis’s Reviews > Ugo and Jack
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Geoff Parton(Goodreads Author)
Scarlett Ellis‘s review
Mar 29, 2022
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. I highly recommend Ugo and Jack by Geoff Parton to all middle-graders, families, teachers and libraries.
Sign into Goodreads to see if any of your friends have read Ugo and Jack.
Jewel Hart’s Reviews > Ugo and Jack
Rate this book
1 of 5 stars2 of 5 stars3 of 5 stars4 of 5 stars5 of 5 stars
Geoff Parton(Goodreads Author)
Jewel Hart‘s review
Mar 29, 2022
it was amazing
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.
This is a fascinating story, well-written and conceived. It’s so adventurous for children and a simply magical tale.
Sign into Goodreads to see if any of your friends have read Ugo and Jack.
Pauline Ross’s Reviews > Ugo and Jack
Rate this book
1 of 5 stars2 of 5 stars3 of 5 stars4 of 5 stars5 of 5 stars
Geoff Parton(Goodreads Author)
Pauline Ross‘s review
Mar 29, 2022
An adventurous, enchanting and thought-provoking middle grade read. This book is great for children in all situations in life. It is exciting, full of adventure, engaging and so entertaining. I would love to see this book in the class room and on the book shelf of every child and every family.
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 of young readers of about 9 or 10 & up. 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 and even fascinating concepts and see the main character, Jack – who has a complicated life and must deal with some terrible real life situations – as a positive and inspiring role model and gain a greater and clearer sense of their own personal power. Perfectly wonderful thought-provoking and astounding story and theme.
Sign into Goodreads to see if any of your friends have read Ugo and Jack.
Joey Susan
May 10, 2022
Joey Susan rated it really liked it
Shelves: reviewed-books, 4-star-books, ebooks, fantasy-books, middle-grade-books, mental-health, read-in-2022, were-sent-to-me-books
Thank you to Author Geoff Parton for the ebook to read and review
When young farm boy Jack hits his head and becomes unconscious he is drifted into a world adjacent to his own and sees beings he’s never seen before including a Ugo who he befriends. Then a year later he and his brother Billy go camping and find themselves entered into this other world for good.
This was such a unique, deep and magical story. It explores so many things and really looks into them deeply, making you think and consider them. The perspective of death and the in between of death and life, how we are spirits and nothing more than was so fascinating. Then to consider what a dream really is and how one thing can change it. And then lastly to change one bad thing in life and have everything altered is so deep and interesting.
Though these topics are within this book and are very deep, the story is written in such a beautiful way it is filled with imagination and magic, Jack is in this adjacent world learning everything he never knew or dreamt existed before. He is with the Ugo a spirit being that shapes itself in an unusual form to appear to them kindly, he is caring and loving towards Jack and is a great guide. Everything is just a shimmering, glimmering world in Fire Fly Valley but below Jack can see everything as it moves on without him.
I really enjoyed this book it was just so different to anything I have ever read, I really love the way the story unfolded and how creative it all was. It was sweet, it was sad, it was magical and it was deep. I recommend this book, it’s so different, so creative and so magical, it will take you on a different journey than any other. You will be thinking so much and considering everything as you read, you will be in this magic adjacent world and be transported right to it.
Ugo and Jack review by AnastasiaStarnight
by Geoff Parton
Age Range – 8 – 12
Genre – Series
LitPick Review
Age at time of review – 24
Reviewer’s Location – Zhytomyr, Zhytomyr Oblast , Україна
View AnastasiaStarnight’s profile
The book Ugo and Jack, authored by Geoff Parton, tells us about an unusual friendship between a boy named Jack and a friendly spirit creature named Ugo. Jack is an ordinary country boy who lives on a farm in the middle of nowhere in a dysfunctional family. The truth is that he didn’t guess that something, however, made him different from the others: the ability to see things that are closed to the eyes of most people.
Jack was hiding from all his problems in a very picturesque valley with all sorts of natural treasures. Even though getting there was no easy task, Jack most liked to rest there from the endless errands on the farm, from problems at school, or just looking for peace and mental balance. This is the so-called place of power and connection for the boy where he met Ugo.
Right there, his journey into the transit dimension to the spiritual world begins where his superpowers are revealed.
The first part of the book focuses on Jack’s acquaintance with the world of spirits and the comprehension of unknown things that Ugo will tell him.
The second part of the book focuses on the Ugo and Jack’s teamwork, and their attempt to change people’s lives for the better.
You have to find out whether Jack can save his family from an unfortunate fate, whether Jack will cope with his new role, and whether he will understand the true nature of things. After all, the world can show us much more than we can see and comprehend.
Opinion:
Ugo and Jack is a wonderful book in which the material and spiritual dimensions are intertwined, but in fact they always go hand in hand. I was able to completely move into the world of the book, and it made me feel as special as Jack.
The descriptions of the environment were eloquent, so it was not difficult at all to imagine as if I was there myself. The events described in the book take place in the 1950s, so children will be able to compare times and draw useful conclusions for themselves.
As for Ugo, despite his unusual appearance, I find him a wise and patient mentor who was always ready to help Jack. And Jack, in turn, had a kind heart and a calm nature; furthermore, gaining the ability to see more, he used it only for good. Although Jack’s family was dysfunctional, it was emotional wounds and problems in life that prevented them from showing love and care.
The book left me with pleasant feelings from the fact that the author explained important things in a simple way and answered questions that I asked myself many times. I have always believed that there is a light force next to us that always protects us from trouble, helps us to believe in ourselves, and tells us not to give up. If I had read this book as a child, I would not have been afraid to think and talk about another dimension (death), and I would have known that each person is special and important to the world. A quote from a book that can take away such fear if you remember it: “You are the spirit; the body is only the vehicle”.
Unfortunately, unlike children, it’s harder for adults to grasp the connection to the spiritual dimension. Most of them do not believe in miracles that the world can give us, but you just have to open up and allow the world to do so. An important lesson for the reader will be that everything in the world has a reason that rarely lies on the surface. In order to understand the actions of people, you need to look at the root of it, which is never easy, but the main thing is to have the desire to do it.
The book is suitable for middle school children and adults alike because everyone has something to absorb from it. I especially recommend reading it to people who are going through hard times, feel different from everyone else, or want to better understand how our world works.
Rating:
5 star
Jun 05, 2022 Joey Susan rated it really liked it
Shelves: reviewed-books, 4-star-books, ebooks, historical-books, mental-health, middle-grade-books, paranormal-books, read-in-2022, were-sent-to-me-books
Thank you so much to author Geoff Parton for the ebook to read and review.
The story continues as we are once again with Jack who in his new path of life he created at the end of book one. He is still remembering Ugo the shimmering spirit he has been friends with over and over again through time. Soon Jack is summoned by Ugo to come and help him with problems throughout time that Jack is able to solve and put right.
Jack has two cases to assist on, one that inter-laps with his old life that he had previously. Two boys Wilbur and Frederick are up to trouble and Ugo and Jack have to sort it out, but things get a little dangerous. It was a little confusing in some of the section here, due to it being his new timeline and old time line interconnecting. It was really fascinating how everything unfolds, but I did get a little confused by the two two timelines merged together.
The second case was going back to the 1800’s to a mining farm and having to guide a boy called Bruce to help prevent a tragedy in the mines from happening. I really enjoyed this it was really unique as it’s the first time Jack did a mission and had almost been in his Ugo sort of phase. I really like the characters created in this section and it was a great glimpse into his life.
I really enjoyed this book, it literally was a perfect continuation from the first one with the magic of fire fly valley and the shimmering door, the expansion in Jack and Ugo. I loved that Jack picked up on what was going on quickly again, I loved seeing more of what Jack is and was through the Ugo timeline. He with Ugo were the perfect guides to help the three children that needed him, to put their lives back on the tracks they were supposed to be on.
This was another really great book in the series, it was deep again only this time we were getting deep into time and having a really unique perception of what time really is. In Ugos dimension time doesn’t exist everything is just the same, it’s really fascinating topic and gets pretty deep again within the story. I really loved going back to this adjacent world and seeing more of what they can do. (less)
Ugo and Jack: Book 2 review by AnastasiaStarnight
by Geoff Parton
Age Range – 8 – 12
Genre – Adventure
LitPick Review
Age at time of review – 24
Reviewer’s Location – Zhytomyr, Zhytomyr Oblast , Україна
View AnastasiaStarnight’s profile
The book, Ugo and Jack 2 authored by Geoff Parton, is a smooth continuation of the first book but with new characters, events, and circumstances.
Ugo, the spiritual guide, reappears in Jack’s life so that the boy can continue his mission to help people on earth. However, Jack didn’t remember anything about the events he experienced with Ugo. But that did not prevent them from feeling a strong connection with each other because Ugo was always around to watch after Jack.
In the first part of the book, Ugo helps Jack remember everything that happened to him after the boy fell and hit his head on a rock. Along with that, Ugo explains even more important things than Jack knew before.
In the second part of the book, Jack travels between different dimensions with Ugo and carries out vital missions. After all, at stake is the freedom of Jack’s nephews, who live in a parallel dimension and try to tie their lives to crime. Also, Jack will be transported into the 1840s of his previous life and try to save the residents of the mining town from unpleasant incidents.
In this book, Jack will have to courageously follow Ugo’s guidelines and listen to the voice of his heart because the well-being of many people depends on it.
Opinion:
As expected, the second book in the Ugo and Jack series is as wonderful as the first in its beauty, uniqueness, fascinating plot, and profound meaning. An undeniable advantage of the book is that its plot will be clear to those who have not read the first book.
It should be noted that the descriptions of the nature, events, and emotions of the characters were vivid, and my imagination easily drew me a picture of what was happening on the pages.
It is interesting that the author, in both the first and the second books, uses dream as a tool to influence the human subconscious. This is a great idea because it is through dreams that our subconscious can communicate with us without any blocks.
In this book, Ugo begins to appear and interact more with the external material world. At the beginning of the book, he appears as an invisible friend of Jack, which gave me one thought. Since children have a better connection with the spirit world, it is quite possible that their imaginary friends may be their spiritual mentors and guardians.
And Jack was more active in expressing thoughts and influencing the plot, which indicates his growth as a character. The boy is ready to do everything in his power to make others feel good, which shows his big and brave heart.
There are also side characters in the book, whose actions were no less interesting to watch.
With the quote “…everything has to be balanced”, the author has perfectly highlighted the moral and several other important lessons of the book.
First, if you don’t realize, in time, that you are on the wrong path of life and think that you will go unpunished for your bad deeds, this can lead to severe consequences.
Second, people’s greed and excessive thirst for money often leads to the loss of humanity.
Third, you don’t have to be afraid to do the right; the main thing is to believe in yourself and courageously go toward your goal.
It would be wonderful if everyone could meet their spiritual guide and feel a connection with them at least once. Then, we would see a completely different world that is full and bright.
I definitely recommend this book to those who have read the first book and have become sympathetic to it. The book is full of unpredictable events, wisdom, and valuable knowledge that will help the reader to better understand how to interact with the world and how to stay in harmony with oneself and other people.
Rating:
5 star
Naomi Hayman recommends Ugo and Jack.
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Book 1 – What a wonderful story!! Introducing children to the possibility of their own spirit guides. A story that gives an understanding that one’s current circumstances are just moments in time and things will & can change. The story provides a belief that we are not alone, we are guided & looked out for by other energies. Lovely concept to read about.
Book 2 – A story of compassion & understanding while being intertwined with the spirit world. A great follow up in Jacks continuing journey with Ugo, his guide. Thoroughly enjoyed the era of the setting & the story that effortlessly conveyed our connection to the spirit realm & that everything happens for a reason.
My children are now reading the series.
Ugo and Jack 