The Ugly Teapot

Book One: Hannah

Children - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
251 Pages
Reviewed on 10/12/2016
Buy on Amazon

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Author Biography

THE UGLY TEAPOT is Fred Holmes’s first fiction novel, having previously ghost written a nonfiction book, LETTERS FROM DAD, published by Thomas Nelson. He is known primarily as a writer and director of films and television, working primarily in family films and children’s television. His work can be seen on Mary Lou Retton’s FLIP FLOP SHOP, BARNEY & FRIENDS, WISHBONE, HORSELAND, IN SEARCH OF THE HEROES, and many, many other shows. He has won two Emmys and three CINE Golden Eagles, among numerous other awards. He has also directed three feature films: DAKOTA, starring Lou Diamond Phillips, distributed by Miramax, HARLEY, starring Lou Diamond Phillips, distributed by Lionsgate, and HEART LAND, a Bollywood feature film shot on location in India, and starring Divya Dutta and Prem Chopra. He lives with his wife and son in the southwest United States, and can be found online at http://www.flholmes.com

    Book Review

Reviewed by Patricia Reding for Readers' Favorite

Hannah Bradbury is the heroine in The Ugly Teapot: Book One: Hannah by Fred Holmes. Fourteen years old, Hannah has just lost her world-traveling, danger-provoking, death-defying, genius-inspired photographer father. She is devastated, as he was her hero. As compared to her terribly ordinary waitress mother, Hannah loved her father's lively spirit, his sense of adventure, and his unrivaled gift for storytelling. Unable to face her grief, she is moved when her telepathic-talking dog, Griffer, suggests she take matters into her own hands. Specifically, Griffer reminds her of one of the many treasures Hannah's father had left her: an ugly old teapot that he claimed was Aladdin's lamp. When Griffer convinces her that there is no harm in giving it a try, she does, calling up Metathusalah the Magnificent. And so begins an adventure that takes Hannah and Griffer, with Hannah's brought-back-to-life father and his quirky, but loyal, assistant, Gus, to the Middle East. In hot pursuit is "The Magician" and his merry band of gun-toting thugs, all intent on acquiring the lamp/teapot from Hannah. In a rush into and then through a cave, while seeking to escape, Hannah discovers the power of her words, their specific meanings (as translated by the quite literal interpretations of Genie), and the consequences that may come of seeking to change the past.

Fred Holmes offers middle-grade readers an adventure they won't soon forget in The Ugly Teapot. Even better, he drops bits of wisdom along the way: the importance of valuing a parent who sacrifices a life of excitement in exchange for being there for you on a daily basis, the value of faithful friends, the power that comes from reaching deep inside for the strength to take necessary risks you thought you could never take, and more. The text reads rather like a film would play out, and although some violence is met along the way, the details are not overdone. If you are looking for an adventure for young readers, you'll not regret picking up a copy of The Ugly Teapot.

Kelly St. Clare

"An exotic tale of loss and hope great for readers aged eight years and over!"
Kelly St. Clare, Staff Reviewer
YA and Kids Books Central

Mukul Khattar

"A fast paced book which keeps you gripped till the very last. If you are a reader who enjoys guessing the plot after every few pages - you will be in for a surprise for the message it carries in the end. It is one of the best fictional books I have read on parental love and sacrifice, on attachment towards a parent, on hope and overcoming sorrow. The opening of the book reminded me of the writings of Neil Gaiman or at least it reminded me of a scene of American Gods- which warned me something dark was coming on. But soon it dissolves into something Magical - something that takes you back to your childhood. This is an excellent story about loss, mindsets, toil, hope, overcoming difficulties and the power of imagination. A must read for parents and children."

Mukul Khattar
Nutspace

Marte at Elysian Readers

For a while now I have been wanting to read some light, easy-read fantasy. I was asked to review this book and it turned out to be exactly what I needed. Fantasy books are thrilling because they take you out of this world and into a new one. I was looking for an escape and I found it in this book.

Lauren Stoolfire

I'm so glad I took a chance on Fred Holmes's debut novel, The Ugly Teapot, Book One: Hannah. It's a fantastically adventurous and heartwarming story of what a girl will do to save her father.

Never-Anyone-Else Blogspot

Poulami at Daydreaming Bo

I don't usually read Middle Grade books, I don't know why but I haven't give it much a try. But something about this book called to me and I wanted to give it a try! I am sooo glad I said yes to read this book because this was such magical experience that I am never going to forget!

LitPick Student Book Revi

I liked how this story was filled with action but still dealt with heavy subjects, including death and grief. I think the author did a nice job in finding the balance between happy and sad; some scenes were fun and adventurous while others provoked deep thinking. The plot was well-developed and executed, and the story kept me guessing until the very end.

Cheryl at Cheryl's Book N

First off let me start off by saying "OMG". This book is a must read and must purchase. I literally could not stop reading it. Mr. Holmes is a very talented writer. Reading about Mr. Holmes' background working on television shows, it helped him in this case with his first fiction novel. I have read many children and young adult books and this one will really appeal to both the younger and older audience.

Aira at Aira Reads Blogsp

This book is full of touching scenes, and it made me shed tears. I’m extremely close with my parents, so I could really relate to Hannah. I’ll be here for Hannah’s next adventure!

Danielle at Pixiescanread

I don't want to get too much into the story, because it would give away the whole book. The idea behind it though is a great one and it will keep you reading. The fasted paced, exciting turns will keep you wanting to know what will happen with Hannah next.