Jim Broadbent
"Delightful and moving with a wonderfully sharp wit, and never again will I be dismissive of the poor old mayfly."
Maxine Peake
“This is a delightful book… full of silliness and joy, with a sprinkling of morality to boot. An ideal gift to lift the spirits or to curl up on your own for some self-indulgent mirth!”
Ken Stott
“I loved these stories. Slightly silly? Maybe, but wisdom and compassion lurks within these pages too! I'm looking forward to the next collection.”
Alison Steadman
“Wish I'd had this lovely book in my stocking as a youngster. Such fun. Every story brings out different feelings. I just loved the washing machine. Loved the fun conversations about class and space. Brilliant. I'll be laughing as I load my machine next time. I now want more please.”
Dame Siân Phillips
‘Neither simple nor silly but wise and witty, John Foley’s stories take us back (or is it forward?) into fabulous territory, and Grant Cathro’s illustrations light the way. A great read in a venerable tradition.’
Tim Faulkner
‘I love the stories. Foley has the genius of de Maupassant, Chekhov and Saki; he is their dark-humoured brother.’
Matthew Horne
‘These are not only seven simple and slightly silly stories but stupendous, sumptuous and scintillating stories. I hope there’s seven or seventy more!’
Dominic West
'I'm reading John's gently beguiling stories to my children and we think they are fun and thought-provoking. Little gems like "The Mayfly", a joyful call to "seize the day!", seem like an instant classic. I hope more children will enjoy these wonderfully wise tales.'
Derek Fowlds
"Every night for the past week I have been reading this extraordinary book and loved every story in it. Who could imagine stories about ants, cockroaches, mayflies, and clothes lost in a washing machine would be so funny and entertaining? Foley has the most glorious imagination and incredibly fertile mind.”
Niamh Cusack
“Delightful, funny, thought provoking. Perfect to be read aloud and enjoyed for different reasons by oldies and young uns alike. Stories about the ups and downs of living and dying whether you are human, a sock, a cat or a cockroach. Witty and moving. I particularly loved The Tooth Fairy. And all for such worthwhile causes. A delightful stocking filler.”
