What I've Been Reading # 8

Hal Junior - The Secret Signal
By
Simon Haynes
Bowman Press 2011
ISBN978-1-877034-07-7

Hal Junior – The Secret Signal is the first children's book from WA author Simon Haynes. The book is a prequel to the humorous adult Sci-fi, Hal Spacejock series. Older Hal is good natured, confident in his abilities but an utterly clueless trouble magnet. It was interesting to glean a little insight into Hal’s formative years.

Hal Junior is good natured, confident in his own abilities, an utterly clueless trouble magnet, but he is a well meaning and likable dreamer. The story opens with Hal dangling upside down in a garbage chute by his elastic shoelaces trying to retrieve the only homework he has actually bothered to do. The antics continue from when his mother, the head of station research, gives him a secret signal for help, right to the climax where his earlier misadventures give an idea that might just save the day – or destroy the entire station…

This is a brilliant easy to read but exciting and funny story, perfect for reluctant boy readers. The humour is not as sophisticated and obscure as Simon’s adult series but I still caught myself chuckling out loud while reading the book. I can’t wait for the next book in the series.

JED's Author Insights # 1 Simon Haynes

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As a relatively new blog, Words and Pictures has initially been a little random but I am slowly working out the kinks and details. Teaser Tuesday was a good start, now I have come up with a new, hopefully regular segment for the blog.

JED’s (That’s me) Author Insights.

Luckily, I have become acquainted with a number of published authors since my decision to become more professional with my writing and try to make a serious career as a children’s author. Part of this process is asking questions, learning to avoid the pitfalls established writers have already stumbled on. I have learned a lot thanks to the generosity these busy people have shown me.

Simon Haynes
Western Australian based author of the SF/Humour 'Hal Spacejock' novels, published by Fremantle Press and distributed by Penguin Australia.

I interviewed Simon some time ago and posted the full interview HERE.

Please take the time to look at the interview and I urge you to read Simon’s books. It is amazing how many strange looks you get after bursting out in spontaneous laughter from the antics of the hapless Hal Spacejock – probably the most clueless freighter pilot in the known universe – and Clunk, his battered but brilliant android sidekick.

Simon and Freemantle Arts Centre Press have graciously offered the first book in the Hal Spacejock series as a FREE downloadable E-Book

Simon's books:

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