The thought that counts - J. J. Overell

These stories of everyday life are linked only by the common features of strong plot-line, dramatic interest, and unstressed moral points. They have already proved popular for reading aloud in school assemblies and Religious Education lessons, but the vocabulary will make the book accessible to every reader of upper junior level. Each story has quite separate characters including one child who is the centre of the story and with whom readers will quickly identify. As the child's situation becomes plain and the story unfolds, we are drawn more and more into the drama, looking for and finally relieved by its resolution. As the dramatic tension is released, we gain insight into some of the problems and lessons to be learned while growing up. There is no stressing of an obvious moral, but each story involves an important point which will be absorbed, whether consciously or not, by the readers. Themes include the values of truth and friendship, the dangers of fire and of jumping too readily to conclusions, and the non-material rewards of caring and consideration for others.