Customer Reviews

Stig of the Dump TV Tie (Puffin Modern Classics)

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is one of those children's books that is well known in one country but not another. In England it's a children's classic and in the US it's out of print! Stig of the Dump is the story of a little boy who discovers an Early Briton living in the chalk quarry on his grandmother's farm. They have lots of adventures together and each learns something from the other. Even the little boy's sister gets some time with his cro-magnon pal. In the end, they play an important role in Stig's Midsummer's Eve ceremony. Very sweet, lots of fun and terribly British.

I first read this book in school and really loved it. The story is about a small boy who goes to play in a chalk quarry near his grandmother's house and befriends a cave-man 'Stig' who lives there. They make a home for Stig about of sticks, stones and bottles and have various adventures. It really fascinated me then, and it's still interesting and funny today. I also loved the pen illustrations by Edward Ardizzone who was a gifted prize-winning illustrator of many childrens' books. Well worth reading.

I first read this book as a seven year old in 1960. Through 20 years of teaching primary age pupils (7-11 years of age) I have read this to my class every year. It never fails to please. Easily split up into 'bedtime' or 'classtime' chunks, Stig, and his friend Barney will hold reader, and 'read-to' spellbound. Although English in style, it is translatable into other cultures easily...and the last chapter is truly magical. I give it 10 out of 10.!!

In England, it was required of us to read Stig of the Dump at school. I am very glad of this because if it had not been required reading, I may not have had the pleasure of reading such a great story. Being a girl I always wanted to read typical girl books, and this book(at least from the title) would seem more for boys, but let me assure you it is a wonderful book for children of all ages. I am now reading it to my 6 year old daughter and she is loving it.

My 9 year old son is a good reader but doesn't usually choose books over sport. However, he loved Stig of the Dump and spent every possible minute reading. He finished it in a week. It's a classic from my childhood and I've now re-read it. We both recommend it to your children.

This abridged audio CD version of Clive King's classic is marvellously read by Tony Robinson (of 'Blackadder' fame). My only complaint is about the cheap incidental music which separates the episodes, but I imagine most children would not be concerned about this.

I first came across 'Stig' over 35 years ago, and it's still as magical to me. For me, Stig is defined by the Edward Ardizzone illustrations, one of which is retained for the cover of the CD.

For most of the story, Barney has a series of improbable experiences with his caveman friend, and is never pressed by his sister or grandparents to reveal the Stig he so openly discusses. In the final episode of the tale, Barney and his sister are somehow transported to prehistoric times, and although we come unexpectedly close to '2001 - a Space Odyssey' territory, Clive King's narrative makes this magical departure believable.

The very end of the story, with Stig returning to the 20th century and becoming a petrol pump attendant, is the weakest aspect, adn I'm not surprised that some TV adaptations have chosen other endings.

Tony Robinson really brings the story to life, creating a wonderful array of children's voices from all social classes. Thoroughly recommended.

I grew up in England, reading this book repeatedly. I absolutely loved it. I now have children, and I want to track it down so they can also enjoy it.

Stig of the Dump was my favorite book ever when I was a child, and it was a great joy recently to redicover it. According to my mother, I read it at least a dozen times and never tired of it. So on reaquaintance I was interested to try and find out what had given me such pleasure. Well, for a start it's beautifully composed, the text being quite languid in comparison with a lot of more recent stuff, but always well-defined and rhythmic. The writer weaves a very atmospheric tale too, and has a fundamentally excellent plot. But having said all that, I suppose what must have been such a draw to me (and many other young readers) was this idea of having a very special - well unique actually - friend, all of my own. Highly recommended to all!

Garbology is fun.

Stig of the Dump is a kid's book about a young boy, who basically meets a caveman, or cave youth if you like, at a tip.

Inventive young boys can find lots of stuff to do and make in such a situation.