The Turbulent Term of Tyke Tiler facts for kids
Front cover of first edition
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| Author | Gene Kemp |
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| Illustrator | Carolyn Dinan (1977) Kenny McKendry (1994) |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
| Series | Cricklepit |
| Genre | Children's adventure novel, gender bender, day school story, comedy |
| Publisher | Faber and Faber |
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Publication date
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7 February 1977 |
| Media type | Print (hardback and paperback) |
| Pages | 118 pp (first edition) |
| ISBN | 0571109667 |
| OCLC | 3224554 |
| LC Class | PZ7.K3055 Tu |
| Followed by | Gowie Corby Plays Chicken |
The Turbulent Term of Tyke Tiler is a fun adventure book for kids by Gene Kemp. It was first published in 1977. The story takes place at Cricklepit Combined School in southern England. This school is for kids aged 4 to 12. The book is the first in a series of seven books about the school.
Contents
What's the Story About?
The book tells the story of Tyke Tiler's last term at Cricklepit School. Tyke is a bold and athletic twelve-year-old. Tyke is known for being a bit of a troublemaker.
Tyke's best friend is Danny Price. Danny has trouble speaking clearly. Tyke often has to help translate what Danny says. Danny often seems helpless and relies on Tyke a lot.
Tyke's Big Plan
Tyke overhears teachers talking about Danny. They think Danny might have to go to a special school next year. To stop this, Tyke decides to help Danny cheat on a test. Of course, this plan does not go well!
The Missing Watch
Later, Tyke gets sick and misses school. While Tyke is away, Danny is accused of stealing a gold watch. Danny gets scared and runs away. It's up to Tyke to convince the headmaster that two other boys, Martin and Kevin, are the real thieves. Tyke also has to find Danny.
The Final Climb
On the very last day of school, Tyke decides to do something daring. Tyke wants to be like a relative, Thomas Tiler. Thomas once climbed the outside of the school and rang the school bell. The bell had been silent for thirty years! Tyke's climb ends in a big disaster. The headmaster says Tyke has finally succeeded in wrecking the school.
A Big Surprise
Throughout most of the book, you don't know if Tyke is a boy or a girl. Tyke's adventures often make readers think Tyke is a boy. But there are small clues that suggest otherwise. At the very end of the story, it's revealed that Tyke is a girl! Tyke's full name is Theodora Tiler.
Who Are the Characters?
Here are some of the people you'll meet in the book:
Students
- Theodora "Tyke" Tiler: The main character and narrator.
- Danny Price: Tyke's best friend.
- Ian Pitt: Nicknamed "Pitthead."
- Linda Stoatway
- Patsy Drew
- Martin Kneeshaw: Nicknamed "Kneebags," a bully.
- Kevin Simms: Nicknamed "Slime," Martin's friend.
- Sandra Hines
Staff
- Will Merchant: Tyke's teacher, called "Sir."
- The Headmaster: Called "Chief Sir."
- Miss Bonn: Another teacher, called "Bonfire."
- Mrs Somers: The Deputy Head, Tyke's "enemy."
- Jenny Honeywell: A student teacher.
- Mr Buggitt: The caretaker, called "Buggsy."
Family
- Mr Tiler: Tyke's dad, a local politician.
- Mrs Tiler: Tyke's mum, a nurse.
- Beryl Tiler: Tyke's older sister, called "Berry."
- Stanley Tiler: Tyke's older brother, called "Spud."
- Crumble: Tyke's dog.
Fun Facts and Themes
Each chapter in the book starts with a funny kid's joke. For example:
- Q: "Why do you forget a tooth once it's been pulled?"
- A: "It goes right out of your head!"
When Gene Kemp turned the book into a play, she added a character called Harlequin the Joker. This character tells the jokes.
Important Ideas
The book is not just about adventures. It also talks a lot about being brave and acting like a hero. The class reads a book about King Arthur and his knights. They even put on a play about it. They also act out a local battle from history.
Tyke and Danny both love these stories. Danny is especially happy when he is compared to Sir Galahad. Sir Galahad was a very pure and strong knight. Danny tries to be as good as Sir Galahad.
Why is This Book Special?
The Turbulent Term of Tyke Tiler is a very important book. It changed how school stories were told. It also showed that girls and boys can have similar adventures and dreams. The book proves that there aren't big differences in what boys and girls can do.
The story is told from Tyke's point of view. It includes funny playground rhymes and jokes. These make the story fast-paced and exciting.
The book became a "Puffin Modern Classic" in 1979. This means it's considered one of the best children's books of its time.
Awards and Adaptations
- Gene Kemp won the Carnegie Medal for this book. This is a very important award for children's books in Britain.
- The author also turned the novel into a play. This play was made to help students learn English in school.
- In 1988, the book was made into a TV show. It was shown on ITV as part of The Book Tower.
