Unfortunately

by Alan Durant, Simon Rickerty (Illustrator)

When you are walking through the jungle, almost anything can happen. Unfortunately, sometimes it's bad, but fortunately sometimes it's good . . . Young children will love this funny and original story full of different twists and turns with a fabulously unexpected ending!

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Alan Durant is the author of books for a wide age-range, from picture books such as Burger Boy to top-end teenage thrillers (Blood, Flesh and Bones). Having worked as a copywriter at Walker Books, he is now a full-time author.

He's married, with three children and lives just outside London. He does a lot of school visits throughout the UK and abroad and also runs writing workshops.

Reviews

[Bidisha Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

hahahah.
unfortunately, this book ended. fortunately, I shall read it over and over again.

[Juliette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I came across this book one afternoon in the library, after it had just been returned. The bright cover and blurb’s promise of ‘one the most thrilling, twisty-turny, fun-filled stories EVER’ was enough to hook me, and I’m really glad it did!

A preposterously unbelievable tale, Unfortunately is a hilariously silly adventure story, in which a boy (and later on a girl as well) encounter all sorts of outrageous situations! I really enjoyed this story, with its beautiful and bright illustrations creating striking imagery for the reader. Unfortunately follows this young boy as he ‘unfortunately’ gets himself into sticky situations, only for fate to ‘fortunately’ provide an escape.

More than just a silly, escapist story Unfortunately explores the use of connectives in a way that children can find thoroughly engaging. The building of a story by imagining what fate could possibly bring next would be a great base for a creatively writing lesson as children see that imaginative writings do not have to be restricted to the plausible. I would recommend this book to both KS1 and KS2 for exploring and expanding on creative writings skills, as the ways connectives are used, alongside the vibrant vocabulary delivers a really entertaining and amusing read.

[Jack Farnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book and teaches children about how to use the words 'unfortunately' and 'fortunately'.

[Philippa Rae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Books that play on a few or single word can be very effective. And this funny book by Alan Durant does just that. As it's title the word unfortunately is used to great effect (and tempered alternately by it's opposite word - fortunately). A nice fun ending with the dinosaur eating the children!

[Dee-Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually really liked this book, but somehow the adults seemed to enjoy it more than the kids of my son's special needs class. I wonder if my other sons will like it more. Love the ending.

[Carrie Gelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can see this as great inspiration for writing mini-stories with story boards - using the whole unfortunately but fortunately style. Fun!

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great library activity. I read the story to the group; then we did a story altogether; then we broke into groups of two and created stories. The kids really enjoyed it. Grade 3-5