What people say about Barlow and Skidmore
"The two Steves have an uncanny instinct for knowing
what their readers want and an enviable knack for always delivering in
gigabytes."
Eileen Armstrong School Librarian Winter 2002
"The 2 Steves have done more in the past five years
or so to get kids and teenagers reading than any number of “literary”
strategies."
Achuka Children's Books website
"The two Steves know what reluctant readers need
and deliver."
TES January 2003
"Mad Myths, the Lost Diary titles and now the Vernon
Bright series all hit the nerve of juvenile humour in a way that has turned
many a book-shy primary and lower secondary school pupil into a suddenly
avid reader. Unlike many jokey titles with a non-fiction hook, Barlow
& Skidmore's books are always well-written and uncondescending."
Achuka Children's Books website
Their performances and visits
"Brilliant...hilarious...inspiring...amazing...incredible...the
best..."
Hundreds of adults and children
"You inspired not only the children but staff and
parents too…"
Parkroyal Community School, Macclesfield
"The 2 Steves are the Festival’s fave double
act."
Northern Children’s Book Festival
"...have won the affections of young audiences
for their riotous re-enactments..."
Lindsey Fraser Edinburgh Festival Review, The Scotsman August 2000
" A fantastic interactive performance which had
all the children (and teachers) enthralled… you were the stars of
the festival!"
School’s Library Service, Calderdale Council
"Your talent and enthusiasm couldn’t fail
to inspire the teachers, parents and children of Hardwick Junior school."
Janet Lawrence, Family Learning Co-ordinator, Derby City Council
"The best day of INSET, ever!"
Primary school teacher, Leicestershire
"The whole session was such a valuable experience
which has informed and inspired future teaching."
B Ed student, Derby University
"They are so enthusiastic, they inspire and truly
make you feel that you, as a teacher, can do more to improve children’s
writing."
B Ed student, Derby University
"Their books are perfect for performance. To fully
appreciate these two, they have to be seen - and heard. No amount of adjectives
really do them justice. They are superb readers. Steve Barlow and Steve
Skidmore are one of the most entertaining acts you will ever see on the
author circuit."
Chris d’Lacey, author January 2003
…and their books in particular…
Paper Tigers Plays Series
"Unaffectedly humorous and lively, the plays deal
effortlessly with complex issues such as racism and equality in a way
which makes them accessible both to the classroom teacher and the would
be director. Excellent multi-racial casting, too."
David Hornbrook TES 20. 9 91
"...fast moving, lively adventures, which I can
see a range of lower school pupils really enjoying. Linked by the theme
of prejudice, the plays touch on lots of related issues: friendship, ownership,
competition, race and violence are just a few. Girls are strongly represented,
as are Asians, via the likeable, sensible, credible Mr Ali, owner of the
newspaper shop. Highly recommended."
Emma Henderson The English and Media Magazine Spring 1992
"Tigers on the Prowl- A great series to have in
the classroom or in the library. Great fun!"
Janette Perkins School Librarian May 1993
A Tale of Two Cities
"...an excellent way to introduce the Dickens classic.
It is compact, fast moving and imaginatively presented."
Speech and Drama Spring 1999
Mad Myths
Stone Me! Selected by Book Trust
for their publication, 100 Best Books 1997.
“A sparky retelling of The Medusa myth…”
The Guardian 15. 3. 05
"A variation on the Medusa myth from a pair of
authors who have their finger on the pulse of junior humour."
Michael Thorn TES 24-9-99
"Fractious eight or nine year olds cannot help
succumbing to the frightful story of the new teacher, Ms Dusa, who sports
a turban, jet-black sun glasses and turns children and teachers alike
to stone. Can Perce and Andy stop her hideous activities? Yes, you’ve
guessed it. We are talking about Medusa, Perseus and Andromeda, here in
a modern setting. Deeply enjoyable..."
Flora Fraser Daily Telegraph 11-5-96
"An amusing tale with likeable schoolbrats and
even some likeable teachers, with the notable exception of the new supply
teacher that is – Ms Dusa. I bet she came from one of those dodgy
agencies."
The Teacher April 1996
"Anything drawn by Tony Ross has a magnetic attraction
for kids, so it’s just as well that he usually elects to illustrate
good books. Steve Barlow and Steve Skidmore’s Stone Me! is no exception.
Perce and Andy’s boring old school livens up in scarifying fashion
when the new supply teacher arrives. Ms Dusa is a Cruella de-Vil style
villainess with a red and black stretch limo and a stony stare that would
make anyone who had ever studied Greek mythology run a mile."
Nicholas Tucker The Independent 2-12-95
Mind the Door!
"The Minotaur myth told as only the two Steves could tell it. complete with appalling (but very funny) jokes."
Carousel Magazine Christmas 2005
A Touch of Wind!
"...hilarious spoof on the Odysseus legend…the
two Steves make the reader laugh."
TES 3-7-98
Must Fly!
"Full of humour, this title manages to be both
educational and entertaining at the same time."
Moira Arthur (Peters Library Services) in The Bookseller 10-4-98
"...another 'must buy'...fast and furiously funny."
Achuka Children’s Books website
Books for teenagers
I Fell in Love with a Leather Jacket
"Adrian Mole meets the Teenage Health Freak in this clever and funny
novel…much of the humour lies in the readers’ knowledge of
the disasters into which Sammy innocently trips. The main character is
lively and enjoyable…The book is fast-moving and I found it difficult
to put down. Recommended!"
Children’s Books of the Year 1994
In Love With an Urban Gorilla
"Like other people’s diaries and podgy baby pictures, other
people’s letters are fascinating. Accounts of (Sammy’s) environmental
concerns, sadistic form teacher and goofy boyfriend make this stirring
girlie stuff."
Jane Laidlaw The Times 28-11-95
"...wickedly funny..."
Books for Keeps September 1994
" This book is un-put-downable – guaranteed
to make you laugh out loud!"
Nicola Ward Young Book Trust
Dream On!
" The irony of the non-parallel plots of play (Romeo and
Juliet) and real life, and the familiar behaviour of parents, brother
and best friends contribute to the realism of this very entertaining comedy
of errors novel."
The White Ravens:Internationale Jugendbibliothek, Munich (one of eight
UK books selected for recommendation by International Youth Literature
in 1999)
"This is a witty, warm, realistic story that will
appeal to teenagers of all types, both sexes, the avid and occasional
reader, the intellectual and the future Mills and Boon fan. This excellent,
very funny book should be a highly recommended addition to the teenage
fiction shelf of any library."
Valerie Caless School Library Association
" This is an immensely readable book: I devoured
it in one sitting. The narrative is pacy and well-written"
Books for Keeps **** November 1998
The Lost Diaries of...
King Henry VIII’s Executioner
(Ottaker’s Children’s Book of the Month – March
1997) "I unreservedly recommend The Lost Diary of King Henry
VIII’s Executioner. Watkyn “Chopper” Smith charts the
events of Henry’s reign in exuberant fashion. The narrative swings
along in engaging and menacing fashion."
Flora Fraser Daily Telegraph 10-5-97
" Watkyn “Chopper” Smith
may have been a right pain in the neck, but our 10 year old couldn’t
put this one down. Watch out for more bloody revelations from Erik Bloodaxe,
Viking Warrior, from the same team. Kids have so much fun reading this
stuff, they don’t realise they are learning."
Scotland on Sunday winter 1997
" By making his story a mix of entertainment and
facts, it gets even the most sceptical reader interested in Tudor history...I
really enjoyed reading it, and recommend it especially for children who
don’t like history!"
Dominic Llewellyn Kids In Books November 1997
Erik Bloodaxe, Viking Warrior
"Great for dipping into or snuggling down with
on a wet afternoon"
Scotland on Sunday 6-7-97
Erik Bloodaxe, Viking Warrior (Audiobook)
"This amusing programme…presents history in a lively format…Stephen
Tompkinson has the perfect voice for this work, full of character and
humour."
Talking Business ***** Vol 3 Iss 5 May 1997
Hercules' Personal Trainer
"A really enjoyable book filled with really funny
episodes and some real historical facts too. A book to enjoy!"
Irish Catholic 20-7-97
" Steve Barlow and Steve Skidmore's Lost Diary
series has won them plaudits galore, and their latest, The Lost Diary
of Hercules’ Personal Trainer, will satisfy their existing readers
and convert many more. The blend of the best of ancient myths and legends
and fairly laddish contemporary storytelling is highly entertaining and
accessible to the most wary of readers."
Lindsey Fraser The Scotsman 27-6-98
Shakespeare’s Ghostwriter
"If you prefer your history sunny side up, then
this mixture of fact and fiction may be for you. The authors weave a tale
that even the Bard would have been proud of…a light hearted approach,
which should help turn children on to 'Will Power'."
John Malam Manchester Evening News 12-6-99
"Zany posters and spoof news items add to the witty
diary entries to keep kids amused while they get a good introduction to
the Bard's life and times."
David Knights Keighley News 24-3-99
"Sometimes a children's book comes along which
perfectly combines wacky entertainment with hard fact. The wonderful journal
of Egbert Noah Bacon (the eponymous scribe) gives us a new perspective
on the Bard himself and on a fascinating period of British history from
the Spanish Armada through the Plague and the invention of the lavatory."
Hammicks Books Magazine Books Choice Spring 1999
Vernon Bright
Vernon Bright and the Magnetic Banana
"A young inventor's passion has inspired a hilarious tale... a real
treat for fluent readers." TES
" Makes science make sense for the most science
phobic person." Carousel
" If you thought that scientific principles were
boring, you'll get a change of heart by reading Vernon Bright & the
Magnetic Banana by Steve Barlow and Steve Skidmore" Powys County
Times
" If you like funny books you’ll
find this book great. Scientific genius and all round clever clogs Vernon
Bright is the main character…This book is fantastic, exciting and
funny…a hilarious read. This book…deserves a great big brilliant
10 out of 10." Adam Semaine, age 10 St Alban’s Catholic
Primary School, Hornchurch
" A very good book..." Kirsty
and Charlotte, ages 9 & 10 Aquilla Feb 2001.
Vernon Bright and Frankenstein's Hamster
"As ever, Barlow and Skidmore are on sparkling form - a hugely entertaining
read." Moira Arthur, Peters Library Service
"... wild, nutty and particularly boy-friendly."
Achuka Children’s Books website.
Vernon Bright and the Faster Than Light Show
"... the authors have an obvious affection for the landscape and
society of school, but their books are not only for laughs. Written with
particular appeal to boys, they are grounded in extensive research."
Lindsey Fraser The Guardian May 29th 2001
Vernon Bright and The End of The World
"... some great one-liners… This book is an entertaining romp
with an educational edge and bags of boy-appeal. This reader will certainly
go back to explore the earlier titles in the series."
Jonathan Emmett Achuka Children’s Books website
TALES OF THE DARK FOREST
Goodknyght!
“…stunning characters, great storyline,
amazing atmosphere… Grab this book if you like a fast and furious
read with all the makings of a classic.”
Ultimate Book Guide
Amazon rating: 5 stars "A good choice for the confident
reader. A good one to share with older children if parents want an excuse
to have a good laugh too!" Mrs Mad’s Book-a-Rama website
"An excellent adventure… This is so well
written." Sunday Express 9.12.2001
"I LOVE IT!… There is nothing about this
book that I didn't like. Star Rating: Excellent"
George North Yorks library review website 19-12-2002
" One of the best books I've read in ages…
this book has it all."
Amazon.co.uk A reader, England Amazon rating 5 stars
Whizzard!
Amazon rating 5 stars
" Very exciting. Five stars -a cool read."
Cool-reads.co.uk
" Brilliant stuff!" Mrs Mad’s Book-a-Rama
website
" The two Steves have again produced a great fun
read which is a mixture of comedy and action."
Amazon.co.uk A reader, Canterbury, UK
Trollogy!
" 10/10 Excellent work! Well done! This is an
absolutely stonking book. I couldn't stop laughing and when I did I just
started again. These two guys just keep hitting the right note every time.
These books are so easy to read and the stories so well thought out that
you just can't put them down... Thanks Guys I love Ya!!" Mrs
Mad’s Book-a-Rama website
" Vibrant and enjoyable. Four stars – a
really good read." Cool-reads.co.uk
Amazon rating 5 stars
“What a hoot! … Highly recommended for any child who likes
humorous stories with heroes, villains, and magic. And if your child prefers
you to read to them, then this will enliven the bedtime story hour no
end!
Amazon.co.uk A reader, UK
OUTERNET SERIES
"This sets a standard for other people to follow..."
This is Kids Stuff June 2002
"There are few sites with this level of user involvement…
and nothing at all that is quite like this incredible journey into the
Outernet. The site is intriguing and extremely funny... Children are going
to love it. I would love to see more authors following suit and creating
their next books and accompanying websites at the same time."
Sue Polchow Learning Resources ICT Advisor, Northants School Library
Service
Book 1: Friend or Foe? Amazon
rating: 5 stars
" I liked this book… I can’t wait
to read the next book." Michael Nwanegbu, age 9, Sunday Express
" Addictive… the pages pulsate with energy…
a whole new reading dimension… a perfect package… shows just
how ICT and literacy/reading can and should work together – and
it’s great fun too!"
Eileen Armstrong School Librarian Winter 2002
" This is a book that you won't be able to put
down until you're done (when you are done, you'll buy the next book in
the series). Amazon.com Tristan, Washington, US
" This book is amazingly compelling, and connecting
to the "outernet" makes reading it more fun. I love this book!"
Amazon.com 11-year old reader, US
Book 2: Control Amazon rating
5 stars
"...a tremendously funny book. Amazon.co.uk
James, Essex, UK
Book3: Odyssey Amazon rating:
5 Stars
" I love this book so much, I can't put it in
words!" Amazon.com Tristan, Washington, US
" Overall, an excellent book (like the
others)" Amazon.co.uk James, Essex, UK
Book4: Time Out Amazon
rating: 5 stars
" The best book I've EVER read. I mean all of
the Outernet books are SOOOOOO good but this, whoa! It's by far the best!
So on a scale of 1 to 10 I'd rate this book 1,000,000." Amazon.com
An 8-year old reader, US
" This book is very funny, I was laughing the
whole time." Amazon.com a reader, US
Book 5: The Hunt Amazon rating:
5 stars
" It has a good storyline, and would be appreciated by any child."
Amazon.com A reader, Oklahoma, USA |
