My Uncle is a Funcle - Book Review

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A children's picture book about a fun uncle is the latest offering from Perth author Chris Thomas. Designed for children aged three to six, My Uncle is a Funcle is his second children’s book after the success of Leonard The Lonely Duck last year.

A 'funcle 'is defined as "a source of unlimited fun, help, advice and encouragement” and “like a dad but way cooler”



"The book is very loosely based on myself as an uncle" Thomas said. "You get to be a kid again by joining your nieces and nephews to play with their toys, build Lego, muck about with games and be silly'.

"Funcles can be a bit mischievous while also introducing kids to your favourite books, movies and other things, teaching them in a fun way. Essentially, you get to enjoy all the great parts of being around kids without the full-time responsibilities that come with being a parent."

Thomas said he decided to write My Uncle is a Funcleafter Leonard The Lonely Duck proved popular enough to gain a second print run.

"I chose to write My Uncle is a Funcle in rhyme, based on a few other popular children’s picture books, "he said.

Aside from children’s books, Thomas has previously written the official Doctor Who spin-off novel Lethbridge-Stewart: Blue Blood and short story Vampires of the Night, as well as One Step Forward, Two Steps Back in the collection Doctor Who: Short Trips – Defining Patterns.



He is also the author of the comedy novel Journo’s Diary and SMS Mess and other plays, a compilation of eight scripts he has written for the stage. Illustrations for My Uncle is a Funcle are again by Terry Cooper, who brought Leonard The Lonely Duck to life.

"I was extremely happy that my publisher paired me with Terry the first time around because the pictures were even better than I imagined", Thomas said. "I asked if he could do the illustrations again but using a pencil-shading style I had seen him use in other children’s books."

He struck magic again and is fantastic at putting in little details and cues that are in the story.

Signed copies of My Uncle is a Funcle are available for $20 (plus $4.50 postage) via [email protected].

Photo of Chris Thomas with his book by Helen O’Brien.

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