- Library Binding: 40 pages
- Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf; Reprint edition (8 July 2008)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0375952209
- ISBN-13: 978-0375952203
- Product Dimensions: 25.9 x 0.9 x 26.2 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 2,627,576 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Product Description
Product Description
Every day John Patrick Norman McHennessy sets off along the road to learn, and every day strange and improbable happenings make him late. To make things worse, his teacher, Sir, never believes his stories. One day, John Patrick Norman McHennessy is able to make it on time and finds that an improbable and strange thing has happened to Sir. Just how the tables are turned provides a twist every child will relish.
A Notable Children's Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies
An IRA Children's Choice
A Horn Book Fanfare Honor Book
From the Trade Paperback edition.
A Notable Children's Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies
An IRA Children's Choice
A Horn Book Fanfare Honor Book
From the Trade Paperback edition.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
Format:Paperback
John Patrick Norman McHennessy sets off along the road to learn but, as the reader is soon to discover, distractions lie along the way. In a somewhat unlikely turn of events, the boy is set upon by a crocodile, and must sacrifice a glove in order to distract the beast. All this makes him rather late for school but his teacher, a character redolent of Montgomery Burns from the Simpsons, becomes enraged at the boy's excuses. The next day, McHennessy meets a lion in the bushes, and is late again. On the third day, he is nearly swept away by a tidal wave, his teacher becoming ever more furious at his elaborate explanations. However, the tables are turned when the teacher finds himself in an impossible situation of his own, and McHennessy (and the reader) may have the last laugh.
As with many of John Burningham's books, the tale of John Patrick Norman McHennessy is eloquently told, and the illustrations are great. The central theme is timeless, although the depiction of a teacher in academical dress, and his threat to give his pupil a beating, are becoming a little dated by today's standards. Being a 'girl who is always late', though, I have a soft spot for this story. And the moral, presented as a Latin epigram at the start of the book ('Ut sementem feceris ita metes', or, 'As you sow, so shall you reap') will resonate for generations to come.
As with many of John Burningham's books, the tale of John Patrick Norman McHennessy is eloquently told, and the illustrations are great. The central theme is timeless, although the depiction of a teacher in academical dress, and his threat to give his pupil a beating, are becoming a little dated by today's standards. Being a 'girl who is always late', though, I have a soft spot for this story. And the moral, presented as a Latin epigram at the start of the book ('Ut sementem feceris ita metes', or, 'As you sow, so shall you reap') will resonate for generations to come.
Format:Paperback
I bought this, along with most of the John Burningham books, for my grandson. This is his absolute favourite at the moment. My two sons enjoyed all his books also and they don't seem to have dated at all. It's a favourite bedtime book and is, like all the other books, beautifully illustrated. Highly recommended.
Format:Paperback
This is such a beautiful, clever, insightful, witty book. Every child should own it. it is gentle and wry and I am amazed how even very young children understand the underlying messages in john Burningham books. No need to replace ANY of the words?! It is perfect. Check out also The Magic Bed and possibly the greatest picture book ever - Would you Rather. Buy it! :)
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Real learning takes place in real life
In John Patrick Norman McHennessy, the boy who was always late, the hero, John Patrick Norman McHennesy, is punished daily for being late. But hey, it isn't his fault. Read more
Published on 16 April 2009 by Michelle
The best book ever
This was my absolute favourite book when I was about 5, it's hilarious and I can't actually remeber the story but it was soo good i managed to memorise most of it because I had it... Read more
Published on 31 Dec 2003 by K. Fraser
a fun book for the preschoolers
an enjoyable book that sparks the kids imaginations. Some of the words can be changed to make it appropriate for younger/older children
Published on 26 Nov 2001
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