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Mike Ormsby
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Angela Nicoara
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Spinner the Winner Kindle Edition

by Mike Ormsby (Author), Sorin Sorasan (Illustrator) Format: Kindle Edition
4.7 out of 5 stars 40 ratings
Spinner the Winner is an illustrated storybook for children aged 5 – 9. It helps parents to introduce ‘renewable energy’ in a fun way. Superb images, memorable characters.

STORY: A little wind turbine is separated from his family, develops a squeak and is vandalized. But when a nasty storm plunges the nearby town into blackout, his courage and hard work restore electricity, winning him lots of new friends.

Mother-of-3, Sarah Hoss, UK:
"Beautifully illustrated story of a little wind turbine dealing with the trials and tribulations of life along with the debate about wind energy. The characters develop quickly, some gentle leg-pulling of authority along the way, and all ends well. Perfect introduction to environmental concepts, with an emphasis on kindness and family.”

Reviewer LoopyLu says:
"A brilliant tale of a friendly wind turbine who saves the day! With lovable characters, lots of laughs, drama and fab illustrations; a page-turner even for adults. Great to see a children's story touch on an important environmental theme in a fun and digestible way. Should be read in every primary school."

Karen, USA:
“As a journalist who covers the environment, I'm thrilled to see Spinner the Winner. I grew up an avid reader, and I remember vividly the stories I memorized as a young child. But these are different times, and today's kids need different stories. It's a real trick to introduce youngsters to the pressing problems our planet faces without turning them (or their parents) off. Spinner the Winner effectively informs while keeping the story lively and entertaining... and with fantastic artwork. If more kids learned about real issues through books like this, we might not have such divisiveness in adulthood.”

Nicholas Anderson:
“This is an interesting, unique story with good illustrations. The overt message seems to be about accepting new technology, but the story also conveys a good message of accepting and being yourself even if you’re new and different. …I’d recommend it for teachers in elementary school or young readers.”
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  1. Reading age
    3 - 8 years
  2. Print length
    68 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Grade level
    Reception - 2
  5. Accessibility
    Learn more
  6. Publication date
    16 Oct. 2012
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Not Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
  10. ISBN-13
    978-1623468569
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Product description

About the Author

Mike Ormsby is a former BBC journalist and World Service trainer. 'Spinner the Winner' is his first book for younger readers. His popular collection of short stories, 'Never Mind the Balkans, Here's Romania' (2008), earned him the tag 'the British Caragiale'. His screenplay 'Hey Mr DJ' was filmed and released in Kigali in 2007 and topped the bill at Rwanda's first Hillywood Film Festival. His short script 'Enfants Dits Sorciers' was filmed in Kinshasa in 2002. Mike and his wife Angela Nicoara are based in Transylvania, where they have lived for 500 years.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B009SDLL62
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ 16 Oct. 2012
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3.8 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 68 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1623468569
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ Reception - 2
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 3 - 8 years
  • Customer reviews:
    4.7 out of 5 stars 40 ratings

About the authors

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  1. Mike Ormsby

    Mike Ormsby

    Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
    Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

    Best-selling British writer Mike Ormsby has lived in Transylvania for the last 500 years.

    His popular short story trilogy - ’Never Mind the Balkans, Here's Romania', ‘Never Mind the Vampires, Here’s Transylvania’, and ’Palincashire - Tales of Transylvania’ - prompted Bucharest’s literati to dub him ‘The British Caragiale', in a nod to Romania's beloved fin-de-siècle satirist.

    Mike’s two-volume tragicomic novel - ‘Child Witch Kinshasa' and 'Child Witch London' has received glowing reviews from the international development community.

    'Spinner the Winner' - his eco-themed children's book about a brave wind turbine - has been translated into French, German, Serbian, Spanish, Romanian, and used by international utility providers in CSR activities.

    His 2005 feature screenplay about HIV - 'Hey Mr DJ' - was filmed in Kigali and shown at Rwanda's first Hillywood Film Festival. His short script about Congolese street children - 'Enfants dits Sorciers' - was filmed in Kinshasa in 2002.

    A former BBC journalist/World Service trainer, Mike lives in a mountain village with his Romanian wife Angela Nicoara, five dogs, three cats, and the occasional bear.

    See more on the author's page
  2. Angela Nicoara

    Angela Nicoara

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    Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

    Angela Nicoara grew up in communist Romania, and has lived and worked in twenty countries around the world. A former broadcast journalist and media manager, she is based in the mountains of Transylvania with her favorite alien, five cats, two dogs, and the occasional bear.

    See more on the author's page
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Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
40 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this children's book engaging and well-illustrated, with one customer particularly appreciating the retro styling of the illustrations. Moreover, the story receives positive feedback, with one review noting how it adds a new dimension to storytelling. Additionally, customers enjoy the book's coloring features and find it entertaining, with one mentioning it made them laugh out loud.

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8 customers mention ‘Story quality’8 positive0 negative

Customers praise the story quality of the book, describing it as a jewel with a great narrative, and one customer notes how the questions to the reader enhance the reading experience.

"...If only the real world matched up to Spinner's... I liked the questions to the reader, involving them directly, and the illustrations are strong and..." Read more

"...He commented " I think this is a good story and has good pictures to go with it...." Read more

"...It's a lovely piece of work and as a parent who likes to see his kids enjoying good books, I'd totally recommend it." Read more

"...The illustrations were brilliant which gave the storyline a whole new dimension, especially the colouring section at the back of the book...." Read more

6 customers mention ‘Illustrations’6 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the illustrations in the book, with one customer particularly noting their retro styling.

"...the questions to the reader, involving them directly, and the illustrations are strong and engaging...." Read more

"...They both found so many things to talk about in the excellent illustrations and were delighted to find Spinner and his family spinning away on the..." Read more

"...The superb illustrations are wonderfully detailed and instructive in themselves, and were one of the key factors in my son's enjoyment of the book...." Read more

"...The illustrations were brilliant which gave the storyline a whole new dimension, especially the colouring section at the back of the book...." Read more

4 customers mention ‘Enthrallment’4 positive0 negative

Customers find this children's book engaging, with one mentioning it made them laugh out loud.

"...reader, involving them directly, and the illustrations are strong and engaging...." Read more

"...illustrated and full of the sort of fascinating detail that will keep children amused whilst listening to the narrative...." Read more

"...There are some brilliant names for characters which made me laugh out loud, such as Johnny Giblets the well-known chicken farmer...." Read more

"Great story told in an engaging styke that will enthrall children and parents alike. Love the retro styling of the illustrations...." Read more

4 customers mention ‘Name quality’4 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the names in the book, with one customer particularly praising the brilliant character names.

"...Through funny, intelligent writing and well developed characterisation, Mike Ormsby succeeds in creating a delightful story for our times without in..." Read more

"...I'm glad that I did! The book has some great characters, with even better names, such as Sergeant Slammer...." Read more

"...There are some brilliant names for characters which made me laugh out loud, such as Johnny Giblets the well-known chicken farmer...." Read more

"...Angus and Donnie here. We really enjoyed your book, especially the funny names like Betty Baker and Wottapong street...." Read more

3 customers mention ‘Colouring’3 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the coloring in the book.

"...Not to forget the excellent colouring book as Lucy said, " I enjoyed the storybook but I also liked the idea of of the colouring book."..." Read more

"...It also has a colouring section. This would work for children from 4 up to 44." Read more

"...We liked when Spinner got back to the beach and we enjoyed the colouring in. Mummy liked the Ormsby puns! Love from Angus and Donnie x" Read more

Top reviews from United Kingdom

  • Arabella MB
    5.0 out of 5 stars Energetic story
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 22 August 2013
    Verified Purchase
    Mike Ormsby plunges his reader straight into the drama - no messing about. Poor little Spinner has to go through a lot for a new-made turbine, but I was glad he had his animal friends and one good human to back him up. Good to let kids know that electricity for their MP3 players and the TV and the central heating doesn't just come out of the wall like magic, but has to be made and carried to their houses (and paid for!). I rather liked the shark in Bifflebottom Lake... but it was a bit harsh to dump the mayor in it, with the shark. Hang on. What am I saying? No, good idea, on reflection. Shame he didn't get eaten, but at least he was chucked out of the job and someone nice elected. If only the real world matched up to Spinner's... I liked the questions to the reader, involving them directly, and the illustrations are strong and engaging. Mike came to read the story to our local school, and the kids were entranced. My neighbour (aged 11) mentions Spinner at every available opportunity and is pestering her parents to get one. We live on a windy hill.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Jude Alsop
    5.0 out of 5 stars Spinner's a Winner!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 13 November 2012
    Verified Purchase
    I loved this book. I bought it for my neice who is 7. Whilst she found it a little difficult to read
    independently she loved cuddling down to listen. Her 12-year old brother read the story himself and the fact that he didn't speak or lift his head from beginning to end shows how good this book is.
    He commented
    " I think this is a good story and has good pictures to go with it. At the end it leaves you thinking about the moral of the story and it teaches children about electricity and turbines. This was a brilliant read and I think more children should read it."
    They both found so many things to talk about in the excellent illustrations and were delighted to find Spinner and his family spinning away on the dockside on a trip into Liverpool the next day.
    The story sparked lots of interest in wind turbines and would be an excellent resource for primary schools
    for topics on sustainability and renewable energy.
    Not to forget the excellent colouring book as Lucy said,
    " I enjoyed the storybook but I also liked the idea of of the colouring book."
    And of course she now has one.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Nick Supple
    5.0 out of 5 stars A jewel of a book! Thoroughly recommended...
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 10 October 2012
    Verified Purchase
    This is a beautifully written and illustrated book for children from (I would estimate) 5 years up to the age of 10/11...My son is nearly 11 years old and has a pretty advanced reading ability for his age. His normal literary diet consists of Percy Jackson and 'Potter' etc; but he loved Spinner, and, having eagerly read it himself, immediately asked me to read it to him again! Through funny, intelligent writing and well developed characterisation, Mike Ormsby succeeds in creating a delightful story for our times without in any way patronising or manipulating his readers. The superb illustrations are wonderfully detailed and instructive in themselves, and were one of the key factors in my son's enjoyment of the book. It's a lovely piece of work and as a parent who likes to see his kids enjoying good books, I'd totally recommend it.
    One person found this helpful
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  • CC
    5.0 out of 5 stars Spinner is a true winner!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 14 October 2012
    Verified Purchase
    This is an exceptional book, my mother bought it as a present for my cousin. I was immediately taken by the bright cover, which enticed me to read on. I'm glad that I did! The book has some great characters, with even better names, such as Sergeant Slammer. The illustrations were brilliant which gave the storyline a whole new dimension, especially the colouring section at the back of the book.

    I passed wind turbines on my travels which instantly reminded me of Spinner, I wish that the book had been availible when I was younger!
    One person found this helpful
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  • Ivor Gaber
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great children's book that adults will love as well
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 24 January 2013
    Verified Purchase
    This is a great children's book. It has a really novel theme - the lonely wind turbine, unloved even by other turbines. The story is intriguing and the writing style flows easily. Every page is richly illustrated and full of the sort of fascinating detail that will keep children amused whilst listening to the narrative. It also has a colouring section. This would work for children from 4 up to 44.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Mrs. Lesley S. Williams
    5.0 out of 5 stars Spinner is a winner
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 2 May 2014
    Verified Purchase
    Excellent story. So different from other children's stories out there.
    There are some brilliant names for characters which made me laugh out loud, such as Johnny Giblets the well-known chicken farmer.
    But one of my favourite lines is 'All the birds were singing happily and even a worm came out for a wiggle and didn't get pecked.'
    It is a feel good story about the modern age which every child should learn about in this fun and engaging book.
    Well done, Mike.
    I hope there will be a sequel.
    One person found this helpful
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  • RayO
    5.0 out of 5 stars Most original children's book I've read in ages
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 17 March 2013
    Verified Purchase
    Great story told in an engaging styke that will enthrall children and parents alike. Love the retro styling of the illustrations. There could be many spin offs of Spinner - the Thomas of tomorrow maybe? Defo recommend this to anyone wanting a refreshing change for the kids.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Lynn Brothers
    5.0 out of 5 stars Angus and Donnie's review
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 24 October 2012
    Verified Purchase
    Dear Mike. Angus and Donnie here. We really enjoyed your book, especially the funny names like Betty Baker and Wottapong street. We liked when Spinner got back to the beach and we enjoyed the colouring in. Mummy liked the Ormsby puns! Love from Angus and Donnie x
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Nicoleta Disch
    5.0 out of 5 stars saubere Energiequellen
    Reviewed in Germany on 5 October 2012
    Verified Purchase
    Entzückendes Buch für Kinder - Erwachsene einer Zukunft, wo die Energiequellen sauber und umweltschonend sind. Wunderschöne Zeichnungen und lustige Geschichte einer kleinen Windturbine. Spinner the Winner: 1
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  • Tall Arizonan
    5.0 out of 5 stars Memorable
    Reviewed in the United States on 10 February 2013
    Verified Purchase
    This is one of those kids' books likely to create memories for both the parent and the child. Every time you drive by a windmill, you might be inclined to think of Spinner the Winner.

    When my children were young, we had conversations about Thomas the Tank Engine every time we saw a train. Same thing.

    It has all of the elements of a great children's story: snappy writing, memorable characters, fine illustrations and tension. Children will be able to identify with Spinner's emotions. If you do voices for different characters, you'll be able to come up with some good ones for Joe, the Lord Mayor and others.

    Fun for everyone!
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  • Chris
    5.0 out of 5 stars Charming, entertaining, educative
    Reviewed in the United States on 5 November 2012
    Verified Purchase
    This is a charming book about a little boy-turbine's adventurous life among people. The author is trying to convey an emotional as well as an educative message. Kids will fall in love with the character, while learning valuable information about clean alternatives to producing energy, a very popular subject nowadays.

    The drawings are delicious and very animated. There are a couple of coloring pages at the end that make a very nice addition to the book. Any kid would love to have this book at home. They will read it with pleasure, again and again.

    We stayed up late to finish reading it and we went back to playing with it the next day. Spinner is a good friend to have around the house. Highly recommended!

    Looking forward to reading more stories about Spinner.
    Report
  • Kathy Rae
    4.0 out of 5 stars Education on Electrical Generation
    Reviewed in the United States on 25 April 2017
    Verified Purchase
    The story covers many of the reasons people object to wind generators, and makes it understandable for children. It has an interesting effect to make someone opposed to this form of electricity re-think their opinion.
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  • Mark
    5.0 out of 5 stars Spinner the Winner: Ecology Beginner
    Reviewed in the United States on 2 November 2012
    Verified Purchase
    Mike Ormsby departs from his insightful and witty observational writing as a Brit in Romania to launch his first assault on childrens fiction.

    The wit remains - it's truly pun-tastic (my favourite being the ghosts who for reasons I won't go into here have to 'give up the boos'). Clearly though, Ormsby is trying to be more serious, and he manages this, despite the light and easy writing and the colourful and cheery illustration by Sorin Sorasan. The writer has come down hard on the side of the wind turbine in the debate which vexes many of a progressive disposition - clean energy or unacceptable winged blob on the landscape?

    Ormsby's trying to get them onboard early, and I hope he succeeds. An excellent read for pun-dits of all ages.

    Spinner the Winner
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