The Bucket


Children - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Kindle Edition
Reviewed on 11/22/2016
Buy on Amazon

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Author Biography

Biog D J Cattrell (known as Jason) was born in Dovercourt, England in 1962. He trained as a Psychiatric Nurse in Colchester but after 15 years left the profession to act as main carer for his terminally ill mother until her death in 1999. Whilst looking after his mother, he completed a BA Hons in Performing Arts at Suffolk College then helped set up and run The New Route Theatre Company. The NRTC gave aspiring actors the opportunity to be seen onstage outside of London and in unusual venues. His drama and theatre background saw him rise to senior trainer for Frontline Training Solutions teaching International negotiation skills at the central banks of Europe. He now runs his own cooking oil distribution company which allows him to be able to finish at 3 o'clock, pick up the kids from school take them to the squillions of after school clubs they have racked up, cook them tea, pick up their mother from the station, feed the cats, check the gold fish, go feed and muck out the horse, get home in time to say goodnight to the kids, cook something unusual for his wife and then sit down to actually write something!

    Book Review

Reviewed by Melissa Tanaka for Readers' Favorite

The Bucket by DJ Cattrell is the story of a ten-year-old girl named Rachel who has a magical metal bucket with glass jewels that, when pressed, can call forth miniature versions of whatever animal she is thinking of, whether it is ordinary like an elephant or fantastical like a unicorn, as well as teach her about whatever subject she desires. Rachel befriends a boy named Robin, who lives next door to her, and tells him about her bucket. The two of them press the jewels at the same time, only to find that it transports them to a magical world with danger, adventure, and many a mythical creature.

With fantasy, adventure, and a whole host of mythical creatures, The Bucket is a must-have for any avid young reader! Cattrell truly shines when it comes to world building, working an expansive universe of creatures and characters, each with their own distinct personality and quirks. Although it can be somewhat difficult to keep everything straight, due to the influx of information, Cattrell’s rich descriptions of people and places prevent readers from getting lost. Girls and boys alike will admire the tenacity of Rachel, who refuses to let anyone or anything stop her from reaching her goals. While she can be harsh towards Robin at times, throughout the course of the story the two of them come together and both characters grow, with Rachel becoming more understanding and Robin ceasing his whining and instead beginning to take on the challenges that they face.

Mrs. Pauline M. Midwinter

I really enjoyed this book. Rachel is a great character and you want to know what will happen next all the way through. At first she seems very down on boys, in general, but throughout the book her male companion shows her that she was wrong at the beginning. A vast myriad of mythical characters pepper the storyline and keep the imagination firing on all barrels. May Li's illustrations are handy signposts but the words paint a fantastic picture. The plot moves at a cracking pace which will really suit reading aloud to younger readers, you'll be able to break it up into smaller sections easily. I read this in the sunshine - with a lolly, in the shade - with a cuppa, on the sofa - with a gin. I did not want to put it down. Nice ending but of course I won't spoil that here!

Mrs Elizabeth Napier

Ten year old reading this....'draws you into the plot and expands the imagination'.
Just had to know what was going to happen next.....

imeldahodgkinson

A truly wonderful story which captures and captivates the imagination. Both of my children have read this book and thoroughly enjoyed it. Roll on the sequel.

Miss L.

I brought this book for my 11 year old god daughter for Christmas. On Christmas day she texted me to say 'I have started my book u gave me for Xmas and it is AMAZING!!!!!!!' I think that says it all!

Victoria L Crowther

Just a fun read from start to finish; thoroughly recommend!