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.”
Derek Griffiths
“I have just finished reading your 7 simple stories, brilliant. Like all good things I wanted more. I was so moved by the cockroach story. You must MUST do another.”
Celia Imrie
“A most absorbing delight from beginning to end. Always witty – but surprisingly sad, too.”
Marion Nancarrow
“With beguiling simplicity, Foley seems to pull off that most difficult of achievements: stories which work at the level of fairytale, which are funny, wry, knowing and yet profound.”
Katie Scarfe
“An enchanting collection of stories, sparkling and brimming with warmth and wit, in which one encounters a pompous dress shirt, an overly-cautious mayfly and an inept tooth fairy. They are wonderfully silly and at the same time, like the best Roald Dahl stories, gentle reflections on life and the quirks and foibles of us humans. A really fun, engaging and charming read - thoroughly recommended for both children and adults and perfect for a grey January!”
Francis Hallawell
“John Foley’s amazing imagination opens a world in which tooth fairies lose jobs, ants bicker and laundry comes to life. Seven warm, witty and elegantly-told stories that leave you hungry for more.”
Breakaway Reviews
“The title of this book says it all really; what we have are seven modern fables, each with more than a hint of whimsy…. utterly charming, totally unique, and yes, more than a little silly. Having just finished a rather harrowing thriller, these stories wrapped me in a comforting blanket and made me smile!”
Pat Kies
“A delicious concoction of whimsical stories - pithy, poignant and yes, seriously silly at times. Children and adults will delight in these fanciful yet thought-provoking tales. The simple truths found in this collection will make you smile, laugh and perhaps shed a tear or two. And, after reading this book, you will look at doing your laundry in an entirely different light!”
