Gloria the Summer Fun Bus

Gloria was once a real Playbus which would provide safe play opportunities for children especillay over the long summer holidays. The original bus was an AEC Regent, which was later replaced by a Leyland Atlantean. A bus which worked alongside the play services in Sussex, it led to other mobile projects. The story of the project and its adventures has led to fictional stories for children. A bus that is different , a bus that stands out, a bus that can bring the adventure direct to where there is need. Play for children of all ages as well a support for families too.

About the Author :
Sue Wickstead is a teacher and an author and writes children's picture books with a bus theme. She has also written a photographic history book about the real bus, which is where her story writing began. Sue once worked with a playbus charity based in Crawley. This led her to write the photographic history book about the project. The 'Bewbush Playbus' book was published in 2012. the books are written in response to questions from children Sue has met on her teaching journey. Sue then began to write a fictional tale about the bus. 'Jay-Jay the Supersonic Bus', his number plate JJK261 gave him his name and has now been followed by six more picture books which all indeed have a bus connection as well as links to her teaching journey. Award winning author

Review :
Reviewed By Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers’ Favorite ;Max thinks he’s too old to play with the younger children. Gloria, the once bright red London bus, now painted with vividly colored pictures to attract children, provides a fun, safe place for children to play during the holidays. Gloria is a Playbus. But Max thinks it’s only for little children. He’s angry that his mother wants him to play on the Playbus. At first he kicks the soccer ball against Gloria. Then he splatters paint all over the inside of the bus and pulls out the costumes from the chest. In spite of himself, though, and in spite of his anger, Max starts to have fun with the other children. Gloria the Playbus has worked her magic on this angry little boy. ;Sue Wickstead has woven a charming tale around a converted London city bus. Gloria the Summer Fun Bus tells her story of providing fun times for children during their holidays. It’s a clever idea, one that re-purposes old buses for a positive use. The story begins with Gloria’s re-creation, but the plot really starts developing when Max enters the story along with his festering anger. The young reader will enjoy the journey Max takes to discover all that Gloria has to offer: crafts, dress-up, and so much more. While the key to this story (based on a real Playbus) is safe fun for everyone, it opens young minds to creative possibilities and how one’s imagination can be nurtured in such an environment as the Playbus. What a wonderful idea and what a great story! Love the pictures!