Jay-Jay the Supersonic Bus

A children's fictional story book. Based on a real bus JJK 261 an AEC Regent which was the first Playbus set up to work in West Sussex, England. The Bewbush Playbus has a photographic information book of its own. A much loved bus. As a school teacher the tale was shared with many children until written down as a fictional tale. With many more bus related tales to follow.

About the Author :
I am a primary school teacher When my two children were young they attended a playgroup on a bus and as a volunteer I became involved with the committee running the project. The bus really got into my blood and became very much a work of the heart. I ended up painting the bus, as well as working in the groups and raising the profile of the project and its work. As part of the committee and later as play-worker, I was involved in raising necessary funds to replace the old bus with a newer project. It really was a fun journey to be involved in. I taught in the local school for over 20 years but even then I remained involved with all aspects of the play project in my spare time assisting in fund-raising and events, as well as working voluntarily in after school play clubs and holiday play schemes. I left teaching in order to write the history book about the original bus. I now work as a supply cover teacher across many schools the South-East of England, I have been able to tell many children, I meet and teach, about the bus as well as show them the photographs in the original Bewbush Playbus photographic book. The children were always curious and asked lots of questions about the playbus. This led to me telling a story which I eventually wrote down. Jay-Jay is the fictional story to go with the factual project. I am now turning my attention to the next part of my bus journey!

Review :
Review - goodreads Saved from a distressing situation, Jay-Jay overhears that the deal is complete. No, he won't be broken up into pieces. He's happy to know he'll no longer be lonely in the scrap yard again. He has felt in-significant for quite sometime now staying in a place where old buses go. Things are different now because he has been taken to an airport where exciting changes are magically beginning to transform Jay-Jay into a Playbus. The two things close to Jay-Jay's heart, children and the love of playing, give him renewed purpose. Come along for the journey and read about tea sets and dress up clothes. Plus, there's toys and games and a train track inside. The illustrations are warm and charming. You'll discover the newly painted bus with bright colors has a new name, Jay-Jay The Supersonic Bus and he proudly receives an award from the Queen. New imaginative adventures begin with a play group for the younger children on the famous playbus. Such a nice story. My grandchildren love it! Review by Jennifer Gilmour - Goodreads I was delighted to read this book after connecting with the author. My nickname for many years and I still get called it was JJ, it was my initials for my maiden name. We laughed at the connection. I read Jay-Jay with my 7 year old daughter who was interested in the storyline, when we got to the end she was fascinated with the real Jay-Jay Supersonic. It made the story more valuable and most likely more memorable for her. Now she is excited to read the next one. My daughter found it easy to read which is what I expected although there were some trickle bigger words which I am delighted Sue has kept. I do think it is important that children have a large vocabulary because it will equip them even more for their future. The storyline, without giving too much away was a lovely tale. I can understand why Sue has written this book and I can see her passionate throughout. The illustrations are colourful and of a professional quality. We cannot waif to read the next one now. Reviewed by Michelle Robertson for Readers' Favorite Jay-Jay was an old double decker bus (a bus with a downstairs and an upstairs), who was sent to the scrap yard because he was no longer used. In the scrap yard, children would play on him occasionally before the yardmaster began to scold them and say, "It's too dangerous." Jay-Jay was feeling very lonely and began to worry that he would never leave the scrap yard, and would be dismantled and used for parts for other vehicles. Then one day that all changed and he was soon taken away and ended up in the airport hangar. What could he be doing in the airport hanger? He then heard talk about children and playing. Interesting! What do you think Jay-Jay will be used for that involves children? Come find out what fun children will have with Jay-Jay. Jay-Jay The Supersonic Bus by Sue Wickstead is an exciting children's pictorial book which introduces children to the concept of repurposing or recycling. Sue Wickstead has created a lovely story with a very intriguing main character, and a heartfelt and happy story plot. The illustrations are perfectly designed to help create the vivid mental pictures that will entice a young reader's imagination as they listen to the story being read to them or read for themselves. The book is a great tool and resource for parents and teachers to help children understand the concepts of recycling and repurposing something that is old. In other words, bringing back to life something old but with a new idea. Jay-Jay The Supersonic Bus will be enjoyed by readers of all ages.