Featured Book of the Month

About the Book:

Book 1 in the Uncle George Stories Series

Welcome to Kentucky in the Fall and enjoy a fun-filled day on Uncle George's farm. Uncle George Stories is a collection of nostalgic stories and letters written by the author's grandfather, Charles Rand, recounting his boyhood adventures in Vanceburg, Kentucky, around the early 20th century. The book is dedicated to the author's mother, Kathryn Rand Hoolihan, and her family. The stories are simple yet vivid, filled with charming tales of rural life, family, and the natural world, including memorable characters like Wooly Broom the bear, Uncle George, and Aunt Hett. The book captures the essence of a bygone era, offering readers a glimpse into a magical world of ice-skating bears, honey-loving dogs, and devious wolves, all set against the backdrop of the beautiful Kinniconick Creek. The glossary at the end provides context for terms and places mentioned in the stories, enhancing the reader's understanding of this historical and cultural setting.

The Review:

Genre: /Childrens/based on real events/animals/farm life/Historical

Series: Uncle George Stories

Volume: 1

5 Stars

B. William Hoolihan takes you back in time!

Uncle George Stories Book 1 is the debut children's book of B. William Hoolihan. The stories in each book, are wonderful stories that he shares, as his grandfather, Charlie, did with him. Charlie, when he was young, he had marvelous adventures at his Uncle George and Aunt Hett's farm in Kentucky. When Charlie grew up, he wrote letters to his daughter and her son. She read these wonderful stories to her son at bedtime, and now, fifty years later, the author is sharing them with readers of all ages. The adventures at the farm take place near Kinniconick Creek and Beaver Pond, which is a pool in the middle of Kinniconick Creek, in the early 1900s. Don't forget to read the author's introduction. Each story is told in the letters as they were written, with the adventures of spending time at his aunt and Uncle's farm, told by Charlie. At the end of each book, there is a glossary of terms that might have gone out of style or are unknown to persons living outside of Kentucky, didn't live in the early 1900s. This is book 1 in the Uncle George Stories Series. It's Kentucky in the fall, and you can almost smell the fresh air, leaves falling to the ground, and the groves of chestnuts, hickory nuts and walnuts, that were gathered for the upcoming winter. B. William Hoolihan shares his grandfather's stories directly from the letters that were written to him and have always been part of cherished memories. In the story, along with the watercolor illustrations, the story of Charlie and how he helped out on the farm, came to life. The reader is introduced to Charlie, Uncle George, and Aunt Hett. Even to Bulger, the loveable and very intelligent dog. The locals call the Kinniconick Creek aka the Kinney. The reader learns about farm life, back then, and the animals, and their part in Charlie's stories make it more real, even with Charlie's vivid imagination. The reader also learns about the bear cub, Wooly Broom, and his new friends. I recommend that readers of all ages read this book. Sometimes adults should sit back and remember what it was like to be a kid, and whatever their child may be going through.