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Candyfloss
A brilliantly evocative portrait of modern life featuring an engaging heroine, Floos, from the mega bestselling Jacqueline Wilson.
Floss's parents are divorced, and she divides up her week, spending five days with her mum, her new stepdad and her baby half-brother. The other two days Floss spends with her dad, helping him to run his greasy spoon cafe. But their simple arrangement is thrown into disarray when Floss's mum decides to move to Australia.
Making the difficult decision to stay at home, Floss moves in permanently with her dad and they muddle along happily together, surviving on chip butties and enjoying visits to the local funfair. But disaster strikes--Dad's money troubles catch up with him and they have to move out of the cafe. They're homeless--but can their new fairground friends help out?
Floss's parents are divorced, and she divides up her week, spending five days with her mum, her new stepdad and her baby half-brother. The other two days Floss spends with her dad, helping him to run his greasy spoon cafe. But their simple arrangement is thrown into disarray when Floss's mum decides to move to Australia.
Making the difficult decision to stay at home, Floss moves in permanently with her dad and they muddle along happily together, surviving on chip butties and enjoying visits to the local funfair. But disaster strikes--Dad's money troubles catch up with him and they have to move out of the cafe. They're homeless--but can their new fairground friends help out?
368 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
253 people are currently reading
3449 people want to read
About the author
Jacqueline Wilson
408books5,425followersJacqueline Wilson was born in Bath in 1945, but spent most of her childhood in Kingston-on-Thames. She always wanted to be a writer and wrote her first ‘novel� when she was nine, filling in countless Woolworths� exercise books as she grew up. As a teenager she started work for a magazine publishing company and then went on to work as a journalist on Jackie magazine (which she was told was named after her!) before turning to writing novels full-time.
One of Jacqueline’s most successful and enduring creations has been the famous Tracy Beaker, who first appeared in 1991 in The Story of Tracy Beaker. This was also the first of her books to be illustrated by Nick Sharratt. Since then Jacqueline has been on countless awards shortlists and has gone on to win many awards. The Illustrated Mum won the Guardian Children’s Fiction Award, the 1999 Children’s Book of the Year at the British Book Awards and was also shortlisted for the 1999 Whitbread Children’s Book Award.
Double Act won the prestigious Smarties Medal and the Children’s Book Award as well as being highly commended for the Carnegie Medal. The Story of Tracy Beaker won the 2002 Blue Peter People’s Choice Award.
Jacqueline is one of the nation’s favourite authors, and her books are loved and cherished by young readers not only in the UK but all over the world. She has sold millions of books and in the UK alone the total now stands at over 35 million!
In 2002 Jacqueline was awarded the OBE for services to literacy in schools and from 2005 to 2007 she was the Children’s Laureate. In 2008 she became Dame Jacqueline Wilson.
One of Jacqueline’s most successful and enduring creations has been the famous Tracy Beaker, who first appeared in 1991 in The Story of Tracy Beaker. This was also the first of her books to be illustrated by Nick Sharratt. Since then Jacqueline has been on countless awards shortlists and has gone on to win many awards. The Illustrated Mum won the Guardian Children’s Fiction Award, the 1999 Children’s Book of the Year at the British Book Awards and was also shortlisted for the 1999 Whitbread Children’s Book Award.
Double Act won the prestigious Smarties Medal and the Children’s Book Award as well as being highly commended for the Carnegie Medal. The Story of Tracy Beaker won the 2002 Blue Peter People’s Choice Award.
Jacqueline is one of the nation’s favourite authors, and her books are loved and cherished by young readers not only in the UK but all over the world. She has sold millions of books and in the UK alone the total now stands at over 35 million!
In 2002 Jacqueline was awarded the OBE for services to literacy in schools and from 2005 to 2007 she was the Children’s Laureate. In 2008 she became Dame Jacqueline Wilson.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 549 reviews
August 25, 2019
I always enjoy a Jacqueline Wilson book and this one is no exception! Floss is such a lovely character. She chooses to stay in England with her dad, while her mum moves to Australia with her new partner Steve and their young son for six months.
It's a difficult situation in many ways and Jacqueline Wilson handles it as skillfully as ever.
My one gripe (which doesn't affect my rating) is that my copy of this was published in America, and they have changed MUM to MOM. My sister has a UK published one, so I know it is supposed to be Mum, and it just bothered me so much every time I saw it! Especially when Floss is annoyed by her classmates putting on faux American accents, followed almost immediately with her using 'Mom'. I feel like publishers are underestimating an American kid by making the change that serves no purpose -- especially since it's such a British story. I hope American kids do get to enjoy Jacqueline Wilson's work, but I honestly think that they could handle the word Mum.
Sorry for the little rant!😅
It's a difficult situation in many ways and Jacqueline Wilson handles it as skillfully as ever.
My one gripe (which doesn't affect my rating) is that my copy of this was published in America, and they have changed MUM to MOM. My sister has a UK published one, so I know it is supposed to be Mum, and it just bothered me so much every time I saw it! Especially when Floss is annoyed by her classmates putting on faux American accents, followed almost immediately with her using 'Mom'. I feel like publishers are underestimating an American kid by making the change that serves no purpose -- especially since it's such a British story. I hope American kids do get to enjoy Jacqueline Wilson's work, but I honestly think that they could handle the word Mum.
Sorry for the little rant!😅
November 18, 2010
Personally, I thought that this book was amazing. The best part of the book is when floss and her dad meet the fairground lady, Rose.
I strongly reccomend this book to anyone as it is full of inspiration and fun. That is what Jacqueline Wilson can do best with her books. I would especially reccomend this book to people the ages of 11-16.
I like the imagination that has been put into the characters, it sutis them because of the sort of situations that they are in.
When anyone comes to reading this book, i know for a fact that they will thoroughly enjoy it.
The summary of the book: Floss gets put through a very hard decision. She has to decide between her mother or her father. This is very tricky because both of them have good points and bad points between them. Floss does decide to stay with her dad in the end, but it's not how she thought it would be. Dad KEEPS feeding her chip butties as he works in a cafe. Chips are his specials.
Rhiannons mum insists on treating Floss like a superstar, and floss doesn not like it.
So breifly. Floss does NOT like being with her dad. Well it isn't her dad as such but the people that live in the same area!
I strongly reccomend this book to anyone as it is full of inspiration and fun. That is what Jacqueline Wilson can do best with her books. I would especially reccomend this book to people the ages of 11-16.
I like the imagination that has been put into the characters, it sutis them because of the sort of situations that they are in.
When anyone comes to reading this book, i know for a fact that they will thoroughly enjoy it.
The summary of the book: Floss gets put through a very hard decision. She has to decide between her mother or her father. This is very tricky because both of them have good points and bad points between them. Floss does decide to stay with her dad in the end, but it's not how she thought it would be. Dad KEEPS feeding her chip butties as he works in a cafe. Chips are his specials.
Rhiannons mum insists on treating Floss like a superstar, and floss doesn not like it.
So breifly. Floss does NOT like being with her dad. Well it isn't her dad as such but the people that live in the same area!
August 13, 2022
Flora starts of living with her mum and staying with her dad on the weekends but then Flora/Floss/Flossie has to make the decision of her life. I loved this book I thought she might leave in the end to go to Australia. Lovely novel written by the one and only Jacqueline Wilson I love all her books they are all soooo exciting. I would recommend everyone to read her books.
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September 24, 2017My all time favourite Jacqueline Wilson book from when I was a kid. I always loved the relationship between Floss and her dad. There was just so much love there! And Floss becoming friends with Susan is one of the sweetest story arcs ever.
September 3, 2020
Definitely. Going to my favorites shelf.
Floss is a girl, who is kind, playful, loving, caring, and she has soo many good qualities that I can't even name. Her age wasn't exactly mentioned, but I assume she's 10/11 y-o. She gives us no effort to fall in love with her! She also loves her parents, like anything. 🤩
But, the problem is, her parents split up. Her father owns a cafe, that used to be popular for its 'Chip Butties'. But now, there are only three regular customers. He is the sweetest fictional father!
Her father now doesn't earn well, which is why her mother divorced him and married Steve. Steve is handsome, and he earns well, too. Though he pretends that he does, he doesn't like Floss. Floss lives with her mother and Steve for 5 days in a week, then for 2 days, she lives with her dad. Tiger is mum's and Steve's baby. 😤
Now, for Floss's school life. Floss is Rhiannon's best friend, who is the most popular and the prettiest girl in the class. Rhiannon loves teasing people, especially the new girl, Susan Potts, as 'Swotty Potty' just because she is brainy. Floss likes to be Rhiannon's best friend, because of her popularity and she feels special because many people want to be Rhiannon's friend (including Margot), but she only hopes that Rhiannon wouldn't tease people. She really likes Susan and wants to be her friend.
This topic focuses on how it feels to be a "sidekick". Floss has to be on Rhiannon's side, otherwise, Rhiannon would start teasing her too. I really like how smoothly and swiftly Wilson has explored this topic.
Now, for the plot. Steve gets a 6-month transfer to Australia, and her mum breaks this news to her on her Birthday. She can't go without her father and will miss him, so she decides that she won't go and will stay with her father instead. Her mum is sad and angry but she can't do anything to change her mind.
Her dad is not perfect, and she has trouble waking up on time and going to school with proper attire. People in her school think that her mother walked out on her.
Now, believe me, even though I know that her mother didn't walk out on her, it was totally not considerate of her to go and marry Steve, without thinking of Floss. She may have asked her how she feels, but poor Floss would have said it's okay! Her mother should have tried to be in Floss's shoes, at least!😣
In between, Floss changes her life - and friends - on the way. The ending was really, really nice, though I want to know what happens to Floss and her mother. If I depend on my imaginations, it won't work out!! Wilson, tell me!!!
OVERALL, I LOVE THIS BOOK. IT'S THE BEST. LIKE, THE BEST!
Edition Review:
If you have read my reviews, I don't usually do edition reviews, but this time, I HAD TO. IT WAS SO GOOD!
So, there was a whole page full of little illustrations before the starting of each chapter. It gave glimpses of what is going to happen in the chapter, and made me anticipate it! It was a contributing factor to my rating! Loved it!!
Floss is a girl, who is kind, playful, loving, caring, and she has soo many good qualities that I can't even name. Her age wasn't exactly mentioned, but I assume she's 10/11 y-o. She gives us no effort to fall in love with her! She also loves her parents, like anything. 🤩
But, the problem is, her parents split up. Her father owns a cafe, that used to be popular for its 'Chip Butties'. But now, there are only three regular customers. He is the sweetest fictional father!
Her father now doesn't earn well, which is why her mother divorced him and married Steve. Steve is handsome, and he earns well, too. Though he pretends that he does, he doesn't like Floss. Floss lives with her mother and Steve for 5 days in a week, then for 2 days, she lives with her dad. Tiger is mum's and Steve's baby. 😤
Now, for Floss's school life. Floss is Rhiannon's best friend, who is the most popular and the prettiest girl in the class. Rhiannon loves teasing people, especially the new girl, Susan Potts, as 'Swotty Potty' just because she is brainy. Floss likes to be Rhiannon's best friend, because of her popularity and she feels special because many people want to be Rhiannon's friend (including Margot), but she only hopes that Rhiannon wouldn't tease people. She really likes Susan and wants to be her friend.
This topic focuses on how it feels to be a "sidekick". Floss has to be on Rhiannon's side, otherwise, Rhiannon would start teasing her too. I really like how smoothly and swiftly Wilson has explored this topic.
Now, for the plot. Steve gets a 6-month transfer to Australia, and her mum breaks this news to her on her Birthday. She can't go without her father and will miss him, so she decides that she won't go and will stay with her father instead. Her mum is sad and angry but she can't do anything to change her mind.
Her dad is not perfect, and she has trouble waking up on time and going to school with proper attire. People in her school think that her mother walked out on her.
Now, believe me, even though I know that her mother didn't walk out on her, it was totally not considerate of her to go and marry Steve, without thinking of Floss. She may have asked her how she feels, but poor Floss would have said it's okay! Her mother should have tried to be in Floss's shoes, at least!😣
In between, Floss changes her life - and friends - on the way. The ending was really, really nice, though I want to know what happens to Floss and her mother. If I depend on my imaginations, it won't work out!! Wilson, tell me!!!
OVERALL, I LOVE THIS BOOK. IT'S THE BEST. LIKE, THE BEST!
Edition Review:
If you have read my reviews, I don't usually do edition reviews, but this time, I HAD TO. IT WAS SO GOOD!
So, there was a whole page full of little illustrations before the starting of each chapter. It gave glimpses of what is going to happen in the chapter, and made me anticipate it! It was a contributing factor to my rating! Loved it!!
February 25, 2009
This is an outstanding book! Never been before so full of emotions. Like happy, sad and anger. This book consists all three of these. Jacqie has done it again!
July 29, 2021
Flora 'Floss' Barnes' mother and father split up when she was little and she wishes they'd get back together because she doesn't like her step-father, Steve, and her little half-brother Tiger.
The book opens on Floss's eleventh birthday, when her mother and Steve take her to TGI Friday's, and tell her that they are going to Australia for six months because of Steve's job. Floss wants to go with them, but she doesn't want to leave her father, cheerful and fun Charlie, who runs his own cafe (named Charlie's but the C came off so it is Harlie's) which is quickly going out of business. Floss convinces her mother that she can live with her father, while they are in Australia. Floss has a tough time getting used to life without her mother since her father is not used to taking care of Floss seven days a week and she is not used to his home seven days a week, either. Floss's school uniforms get dirtier and dirtier and disarrayed as her father is not used to washing and ironing them, but her teacher, Mrs Horsefield, helps her out, as Floss is one of her personal favourite students. The father and daughter learn to cope and meet Rose, a very caring woman who works at the fair. After she leaves, (travelling with the fair), they keep an eye out for her fair. Meanwhile, a regular customer at the cafe, (Billy the chip) puts money on a horse that Floss selects, and he wins money on the horse.
After losing the cafe and the flat, Billy the chip mentions he is to Australia to visit his son for one month and needs Floss and her father to live in his house while Charlie works in his chip van. However, one day, a group of 'yobbos' (as Charlie calls them) fight Rose's son Saul and when he attempts to stop the fistfight, the van catches fire with Floss trapped inside. Charlie fights his way through the fire and rescues her, while in the process burning his hands. Floss also has a best friend, Rhiannon, who isn't much of a friend - making fun of her and her father and starting cruel rumours about her. Floss finds a new friend, Susan, who is interested in all her favourite things. When the fair comes back in town, Rose and Charlie consider dating, and Floss finds out both are interested in each other and get along well, while Rose lets Floss help her in the candy floss stall. Later, Susan goes to stay in her house in France and says farewell to Floss at the beginning of summer. The book closes with Floss dying her hair pink (like candy floss).
The book opens on Floss's eleventh birthday, when her mother and Steve take her to TGI Friday's, and tell her that they are going to Australia for six months because of Steve's job. Floss wants to go with them, but she doesn't want to leave her father, cheerful and fun Charlie, who runs his own cafe (named Charlie's but the C came off so it is Harlie's) which is quickly going out of business. Floss convinces her mother that she can live with her father, while they are in Australia. Floss has a tough time getting used to life without her mother since her father is not used to taking care of Floss seven days a week and she is not used to his home seven days a week, either. Floss's school uniforms get dirtier and dirtier and disarrayed as her father is not used to washing and ironing them, but her teacher, Mrs Horsefield, helps her out, as Floss is one of her personal favourite students. The father and daughter learn to cope and meet Rose, a very caring woman who works at the fair. After she leaves, (travelling with the fair), they keep an eye out for her fair. Meanwhile, a regular customer at the cafe, (Billy the chip) puts money on a horse that Floss selects, and he wins money on the horse.
After losing the cafe and the flat, Billy the chip mentions he is to Australia to visit his son for one month and needs Floss and her father to live in his house while Charlie works in his chip van. However, one day, a group of 'yobbos' (as Charlie calls them) fight Rose's son Saul and when he attempts to stop the fistfight, the van catches fire with Floss trapped inside. Charlie fights his way through the fire and rescues her, while in the process burning his hands. Floss also has a best friend, Rhiannon, who isn't much of a friend - making fun of her and her father and starting cruel rumours about her. Floss finds a new friend, Susan, who is interested in all her favourite things. When the fair comes back in town, Rose and Charlie consider dating, and Floss finds out both are interested in each other and get along well, while Rose lets Floss help her in the candy floss stall. Later, Susan goes to stay in her house in France and says farewell to Floss at the beginning of summer. The book closes with Floss dying her hair pink (like candy floss).
October 24, 2007
I liked this book and when I had finished reading it I wanted the story to carry on. The book is so well written that I actually felt ( at some points of the story) that I was there or that i was having a convo 9 sation) with the characters
THE ONLY DOWN POINT THAT I CAN THINK OF IN THE BOOK IS THAT IT'S toooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo SHORT :0( :-(
THE ONLY DOWN POINT THAT I CAN THINK OF IN THE BOOK IS THAT IT'S toooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo SHORT :0( :-(
November 3, 2020
Khas karya Jacqueline Wilson, menampilkan anak-anak yang bertahan di tengah keluarga yang terpecah. Floss ikut ibunya selama enam hari, dan di akhir pekan menghabiskan waktu di rumah ayahnya, yang merangkap cafe. Masalah timbul ketika ibunya mau pindah ke Australia bersama suami barunya dan bayi mereka. Tentu Floss diajak, tapi ia menolak karena merasa ayahnya ngga punya siapa-siapa lagi kalau dia pindah sejauh itu. Anak-anak memang seperti itu ya, di satu sisi banyak yang mereka belum tahu dan belum paham, tapi di sisi lain banyak juga hal-hal yang mereka rasakan, yang kadang hilang dan terlupakan setelah dewasa. Orang dewasa akan memikirkan yang "praktis" dan yang "terbaik". Kurang baik apa kalau Floss ikut pindah. Bahkan ayahnya pun setuju. Floss bisa punya rumah dan keluarga komplit, si suami baru ibunya punya pekerjaan bagus dan sayang juga ke dia. Sementara cafe ayahnya terancam bangkrut dan si ayah terjerat utang. Kekeraskepalaan bocah ini sulit dimengerti oleh orang-orang di sekitarnya, dan momen paling 'menghancurkan' adalah ketika Dia memilih hidup bersama si ayah, hidup yang mendadak jadi kacau-balau, serba ngga pasti, dan terancam diusir karena cafe-nya dijadikan jaminan bank.
Dari sini, masih banyak pengalaman Floss, terutama dengan teman-teman sekolahnya, dan juga soal pekerjaan ayahnya. Tapi pikiranku mandek di bagian yang ta' spoiler itu... Ini buku anak-anak, apa perasaan anak yang hidupnya normal ketika membaca ini? Gimana perasaan anak yang terhubung dengan hal serupa ketika membacanya? Padahal sudah ada beberapa karya Ms. Wilson yang serupa yang ta' baca, tapi entah kenapa, adegan tadi terasa memukul kuat.
Aku gak bisa bilang ini-itu soal "perceraian" dan "keluarga seharusnya bla-bla-bla", karena ngga punya kompetensi di bidang ini. Cuma berharap, apapun badainya, semoga semua anak-anak mendapat kekuatan✧❤
Dari sini, masih banyak pengalaman Floss, terutama dengan teman-teman sekolahnya, dan juga soal pekerjaan ayahnya. Tapi pikiranku mandek di bagian yang ta' spoiler itu... Ini buku anak-anak, apa perasaan anak yang hidupnya normal ketika membaca ini? Gimana perasaan anak yang terhubung dengan hal serupa ketika membacanya? Padahal sudah ada beberapa karya Ms. Wilson yang serupa yang ta' baca, tapi entah kenapa, adegan tadi terasa memukul kuat.
Aku gak bisa bilang ini-itu soal "perceraian" dan "keluarga seharusnya bla-bla-bla", karena ngga punya kompetensi di bidang ini. Cuma berharap, apapun badainya, semoga semua anak-anak mendapat kekuatan✧❤
July 28, 2023
3.5 STARS
A pretty cute one, glad I picked it up again!
A pretty cute one, glad I picked it up again!
March 14, 2008
Floss, a young British girl, is torn between her divorced parents. She lives with her mother, stepdad, and baby half-brother, Tiger, and visits her dad who owns a greasy-spoon cafe on the weekends. When her mother tells her they are moving to Australia for 6 months, Floss is torn. She doesn't want to leave her dad all alone. Floss was a very sweet and sympathetic character. She was also very guileless as well as sensitive to everyone's feelings. She chooses to stay with her dad even though he is not the best at looking after himself much less his daughter. Her dad is very playful and gregarious despite his practical short-comings. Her mother doesn't understand why Floss would want to stay with her dad in his smelly money-losing cafe rather than go to Australia and live with them. Each chapter started out with a set of drawings (presumably made by Floss) that provided a bit of visual foreshadowing on the chapter to come.
On the negative side, I found it difficult to figure out what grade Floss was in and thus how old she is. She seemed to intelligent that it took me a while to figure out she probably was only in 2nd or at most 2rd grade. I also felt the ending was a bit too abrupt and not completely resolved. Still, kids will enjoy this book, especially those who have suffered through divorce. Floss's glossary of British terms at the end of the book was helpful. I couldn't otherwise figure out for the life of me what a "Chip Butty" was.
On the negative side, I found it difficult to figure out what grade Floss was in and thus how old she is. She seemed to intelligent that it took me a while to figure out she probably was only in 2nd or at most 2rd grade. I also felt the ending was a bit too abrupt and not completely resolved. Still, kids will enjoy this book, especially those who have suffered through divorce. Floss's glossary of British terms at the end of the book was helpful. I couldn't otherwise figure out for the life of me what a "Chip Butty" was.
March 10, 2017
I really, really liked this one. I think it's great for parents because it perfectly illustrates how kids' problems are just as big and serious and real as our adult-type problems. I completely fell in love with Floss and her dad. What great characters. I had this book on audio and the narrator did an amazing job, especially with Floss's father. One of Jacqueline Wilson's best. 5 stars.
March 26, 2025
Fluffy comfort. This is a truly special one regardless of what age you're reading it at. The illustrations just make it all the more cosy. Strongly recommended for the wholesome vibes (occasional or frequent tearing up is part of the package).
February 9, 2016
I recommend this book because it shows what it is like to be in floss's place
July 25, 2021
rereading this book made me so happy.
June 28, 2022
Jacqueline Wilson was one of my favourite authors growing up and I will continue reading her books as long as she keeps releasing them. One thing that helps me get to sleep at night is listening to some of her books I read as a child on audio.
Candyfloss was definitely in my top 5 Jacqueline Wilson books as a child and listening to it again brought back so many good memories. I loved the story then and I love the story now. Despite being a children's author, Jacqueline Wilson books explore incredibly important themes from friendships and family dynamics to mental health and sexuality. Children need this representation in literature aimed at them, I know I did. Candyfloss explores friendships, families, living below the poverty line, bullying and much more but it is still a light hearted book.
Candyfloss was definitely in my top 5 Jacqueline Wilson books as a child and listening to it again brought back so many good memories. I loved the story then and I love the story now. Despite being a children's author, Jacqueline Wilson books explore incredibly important themes from friendships and family dynamics to mental health and sexuality. Children need this representation in literature aimed at them, I know I did. Candyfloss explores friendships, families, living below the poverty line, bullying and much more but it is still a light hearted book.
July 22, 2022
iconic book from childhood
February 25, 2024
2.5 stars GOODREADS PLEASE GET ON WITH HALF RATINGS
Let me just preface this review by saying that at the ripe age of 74, Jacqueline Wilson came out as gay. As such, I've read the book through myrose rainbow coloured glasses as well as plainly seeing trauma where it was due.
Anyways, I know life can be tough and knock you down and living in England doesn't help, but man was the Dad useless. He was so bloodily self-unaware up until maybe 84% of the book and why was he always coming to his 11-year old daughter for assurance. Furthermore, he just let her stay with him at the smelly old fallen apart café, then when they had to move out and then she almost burned down and then maybe the most sensible decision of them all was joining the travelling fair bc at least someone would be reasonble and -spoiler alert- it still wouldn't be Dad. Mom was mental letting her daughter stay, knowing the sorry state of her ex's life... I mean I get that this is a children's book and they won't really delve super deep into mother-daughter relationship and parenting but still. I also can't for the love of god comprehend the fact that both the dieting culture and bodyshaming just about anyone were so casual, not just in this book but in many of author's books. How is a salad a normal meal for 11-year olds??
I'm sure there's heaps more of things that bothered me but let's move onto the positive things: bisexual-coded bracelets and Susan. Honestly Susan read pretty OCD from the very beginning but who would blame her? I think she was lovely and honestly the best part of the book by far.
Let me just preface this review by saying that at the ripe age of 74, Jacqueline Wilson came out as gay. As such, I've read the book through my
Anyways, I know life can be tough and knock you down and living in England doesn't help, but man was the Dad useless. He was so bloodily self-unaware up until maybe 84% of the book and why was he always coming to his 11-year old daughter for assurance. Furthermore, he just let her stay with him at the smelly old fallen apart café, then when they had to move out and then she almost burned down and then maybe the most sensible decision of them all was joining the travelling fair bc at least someone would be reasonble and -spoiler alert- it still wouldn't be Dad. Mom was mental letting her daughter stay, knowing the sorry state of her ex's life... I mean I get that this is a children's book and they won't really delve super deep into mother-daughter relationship and parenting but still. I also can't for the love of god comprehend the fact that both the dieting culture and bodyshaming just about anyone were so casual, not just in this book but in many of author's books. How is a salad a normal meal for 11-year olds??
I'm sure there's heaps more of things that bothered me but let's move onto the positive things: bisexual-coded bracelets and Susan. Honestly Susan read pretty OCD from the very beginning but who would blame her? I think she was lovely and honestly the best part of the book by far.
September 14, 2022
Jacqueline Wilson just had to add trauma to her books. But that’s the thing—kids need to read her books because she knows relatable and the true struggle of most preteen girls. And despite her overdose of frank and harsh reality, Jacqueline Wilson still knows how to add the right amount of personality.
It’s already a grim story to read about a young girl struggling between two parents whom she loves dearly. Floss� mom offers her comfort and stability and she truly acts like a responsible parent, while her dad although a kindred spirit, was an unlucky clumsy adult who can’t seem to catch a break. Floss struggles to fit in school and adjust to a new life. But although the plot and conflicts were strong, my main complaint is that the continuous fucked ups of Floss� dad was never discovered by her mom.
[read this while recovering from covid. was supposed to be studying for my final exams but couldn’t as im not in the right headspace. saw my sister picked up a tracy beaker book while she was also recovering from covid so might as well join her in the Jacqueline Wilson rediscovery]
It’s already a grim story to read about a young girl struggling between two parents whom she loves dearly. Floss� mom offers her comfort and stability and she truly acts like a responsible parent, while her dad although a kindred spirit, was an unlucky clumsy adult who can’t seem to catch a break. Floss struggles to fit in school and adjust to a new life. But although the plot and conflicts were strong, my main complaint is that the continuous fucked ups of Floss� dad was never discovered by her mom.
[read this while recovering from covid. was supposed to be studying for my final exams but couldn’t as im not in the right headspace. saw my sister picked up a tracy beaker book while she was also recovering from covid so might as well join her in the Jacqueline Wilson rediscovery]
August 11, 2024
I have noticed that Jaqueline Wilson's books are kind of not "my type..." and I sometimes feel like they're totally pointless... The first book I read by this author was "Hetty Feather," and I liked it. It was THAT book which made me want to try out other books by Jaqueline. My honest opinion, after reading quite a lot of her books, is that I "do not" really like them. Like I said before, I feel like ther're pointless. That's the problem with most of the contemporary books.
The general theme and storyline of this book was OKin my opinion, although I must say that I didn't enjoy some of the details in the story. That is because I don't usually read books set in the modern world, and I don't generally enjoy that type of setting.
CLASSIC BOOKS & AUTHORS FOREVER!!!
The general theme and storyline of this book was OKin my opinion, although I must say that I didn't enjoy some of the details in the story. That is because I don't usually read books set in the modern world, and I don't generally enjoy that type of setting.
CLASSIC BOOKS & AUTHORS FOREVER!!!
September 28, 2015
Wilson is great at making realistic characters that you can quickly come to term with, giving realistic reactions to events.
Her books are great at getting children to really think about actions and their consequences, really opening the eyes of children to the world. Some of her books are sensitive reads yet they are all great at sending life messages to children.
I feel as though Wilson books are a must in the lives of young children, a way of opening their eyes to the real world in the right way.
Her books are great at getting children to really think about actions and their consequences, really opening the eyes of children to the world. Some of her books are sensitive reads yet they are all great at sending life messages to children.
I feel as though Wilson books are a must in the lives of young children, a way of opening their eyes to the real world in the right way.
October 23, 2007
As im young myself i thought this book was amazing it had loads of little twists in it that you thought wouldnt happen. It surprises you and you cant wait to see what will happen next.I read this book in 2 weeks whilst on holiday it is great if you have nothing to do. Although it could of been a bit longer i still enjoyed it and would definatley recomend it.
June 26, 2017
I love it because Jacqueline Wilson is my favourite author
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 21, 2018
It is about a girl called floss she moves to Australia for six months she missed her dad
December 6, 2020
I didn't read this one when I was a teen and I devoured it as an adult. Jacqueline sure knows how to tell a story, it's just a shame the stories she tells are realities for so many kids.
I am lucky, my parents are still together but as an kid because everyone else's parents were getting divorced, I used to worry about it happening to our family. Hell! If it happened now, I'd be bloody devastated.
Floss's parents are separated, have been for a few years, her mum has remarried and had another baby. Floss gets to see her dad every week and things seem alright. But then her step-dad gets a promotion and her mum springs it on her that they are moving to Australia for 6 months. Floss asks the question 'But what about dad?'
Floss decides to stay with her dad as she doesn't want to leave him all alone. This causes upset for her mum but not enough for her to stay with Floss. Predictably off she goes with Steve.
I found myself being really angry with Floss's mum, no kid should be forced to chose and unless there is a good reason for it, kids should always have access to both parents.
I also felt really sad about what she was going through at school, been there. School seems endless at that age. Rhiannon was a nasty piece of work. I've known a few girls like that, think they have them at every school.
I also felt sorry for her dad as everything seemed to have gone wrong for him, though seemed to be picking up towards the end.
This was an amazing book and Wilson is a fantastic writer. I know her audience is supposed to younger but I'm still loving these books and I can't wait to read the rest I have on mount tbr.
I am lucky, my parents are still together but as an kid because everyone else's parents were getting divorced, I used to worry about it happening to our family. Hell! If it happened now, I'd be bloody devastated.
Floss's parents are separated, have been for a few years, her mum has remarried and had another baby. Floss gets to see her dad every week and things seem alright. But then her step-dad gets a promotion and her mum springs it on her that they are moving to Australia for 6 months. Floss asks the question 'But what about dad?'
Floss decides to stay with her dad as she doesn't want to leave him all alone. This causes upset for her mum but not enough for her to stay with Floss. Predictably off she goes with Steve.
I found myself being really angry with Floss's mum, no kid should be forced to chose and unless there is a good reason for it, kids should always have access to both parents.
I also felt really sad about what she was going through at school, been there. School seems endless at that age. Rhiannon was a nasty piece of work. I've known a few girls like that, think they have them at every school.
I also felt sorry for her dad as everything seemed to have gone wrong for him, though seemed to be picking up towards the end.
This was an amazing book and Wilson is a fantastic writer. I know her audience is supposed to younger but I'm still loving these books and I can't wait to read the rest I have on mount tbr.
June 24, 2020
Obviously 5/5 for Jacqueline Wilson 🤣
Too old to read this at 21 but just needed something light and nice.
A lovely story about a little girl and her dad and the things they go through. A nice happy ending
Too old to read this at 21 but just needed something light and nice.
A lovely story about a little girl and her dad and the things they go through. A nice happy ending
July 10, 2021
Candyfloss is one of my favourites of Jacqueline Wilson.
i loved Floss and her hair!!
i adored her relation with her father and i seriously don't remember much since its been like 5 years that i read it.
i loved Floss and her hair!!
i adored her relation with her father and i seriously don't remember much since its been like 5 years that i read it.
Read
May 23, 2019Leaving it unrated cause all the younger Zoe feelings are making it to hard to rate it properly.
November 12, 2020
Read this book so many times but never gets old.
Definately more of a young adult book, but makes a good light-hearted read.
Definately more of a young adult book, but makes a good light-hearted read.
April 3, 2024
The nostalgia!!!
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