Today, LitNuts is pleased to shine a spotlight on The Jimmy Crikey Series of middle grade fantasy/adventure novels from author Wallace Briggs. Each of these books has received high praise from reviewers, not just the characters and storylines, but also for the lessons the books convey about self-confidence, empathy, respect, and other important values for young readers.
"A beautiful world that meshes fantasy and science fiction for young readers." ~Literary Titan
The Amazing Adventures of Jimmy Crikey: Worlds Beneath And Above The Stars
Book 1 in the series4.5 stars, 14 ratings
From $0.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)
Beneath the very ground on which you walk and beyond the stars above your head are more worlds than you could ever dream of. There are monsters. Magic wielded by witches and sorcerers. Epic adventures in worlds far across the ocean. And fearsome weapons that threaten to destroy everything.With a bright red mop of unruly hair, big blue eyes, a small snub nose, pointed ears, and enormous feet, poor Jimmy Crikey is ridiculed by the neighborhood children and runs away in search of a world where he fits in. Following a midnight flight through the forest, he stumbles into a lost, underground world called Roombelow where magic, adventure, danger, and excitement await.
"Conveys a message of self-love and acceptance which is significantly important at this age group level." ~Amazon Review
Jimmy Crikey's Adventures in the Sky Islands (and beyond)
Book 2 in the seriesFrom $0.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)
Jimmy Crikey is the orphan alien living on Earth. Because of his strange appearance, Jimmy was bullied beyond endurance.But he saved the underground world of Roombelow from the sleeping spell cast by Matilda, the witch who forgot how to laugh. And now Gemma, the little lady who lived at the bottom of the well, is Jimmy's greatest friend, and Jade (Gemma's tiny niece) is Jimmy’s greatest admirer.Once freed from the bullies, Jimmy blossomed and developed into a genuine hero. He uses his unique Attalian powers to defend Roombelow from many of the dangers that threaten. Meanwhile, far above Earth, the Sky Islands are invaded by the galactic race of Zylons. It takes the combined power of the four witches, the ancient Weatherman, Jade (an apprentice witch), and Jimmy to save the Sky Islands.
"One senses a bit of Harry Potter, Alice in Wonderland and the fairy tales of our youth... Full of relevant messages about bullying and how one can overcome and rise above the conflict through courage and self-confidence." ~Emily-Jane Hills Orford, Readers' Favorite
Jimmy Crikey's Adventures in Parallel Worlds
Book 3 in the seriesFrom $0.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)
When Earth is invaded by an alien species of omnivorous worm, the four guardian witches of Earth are powerless against them. So it falls to Jimmy to seek the help of his technologically advanced friends on Attalia, his home planet in a different dimension.Jimmy may be an orphan, but he has friends on both sides of the universe, including Jade, the apprentice witch who joins Jimmy on his quest. They escape the worms once and reach the safety of Attalia. But when Jade's life is threatened again, it's up to Jimmy to save the day.
"A highly creative, exciting story for kids that I'm sure plenty of adults will enjoy too." ~Liz Konkel, Readers' Favorite
The Adventures of Jimmy Crikey: The Emerald Lake
Book 4 in the series4.7 stars, 5 ratings
From $0.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)
Emerald Lake, the underground home of the Aquamites, is invaded by a flesh-eating, fire-breathing serpent that is impervious to the magic of the four guardian witches. The witches call on Jimmy for help.Jimmy accompanies Elwinn, witch guardian of everything associated with water, to visit the Emerald Lake. They capture the serpents, but Annison is seriously injured when a serpent takes a big bite out of her tail. All appears lost until Lord Oron reveals his true identity—and a plan that could save Annison's life.
"An inspiring tale about friends and allies coming together to help each other." ~Pikasho Deka, Readers' Favorite
The Adventures of Jimmy Crikey: Jade, the Youngest Ever Witch
Book 5 in the series4.6 stars, 14 ratings
From $0.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)
Jade is approaching the end of her apprenticeship with Witch Matilda, the leader of the Guardians. But there are several challenges to complete before Jade becomes a fully qualified member of the sister's Coven, and Jade cannot accept help from anybody, especially not from Jimmy. Things get complicated when the cave world of Lithnia, the Sky Islands, and Roombelow all fall under threat, requiring help from Jimmy and Jade. And things get even worse when an alien race from the Alpha Centauri system risks destroying Earth in order to save their own planet. Can Jimmy help the aliens resolve their plight without bloodshed? And when Witch Matilda is called to a higher realm, who will be appointed as her successor?
GOLD MEDAL, 2023 Global Book Awards
"With all the great elements of a traditional fairy tale brought into the 21st Century, this tale offers both fantasy and realism, setting youthful minds alight while keeping their feet firmly planted on the terra firma of responsible human behaviour, empathy and respect for others. Unreservedly recommended." ~The BookViral Review
The Adventures of Jimmy Crikey: Radioactive!
Book 6 in the series4.6 stars, 14 ratings
From $0.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)
Roombelow is suffering from the aftereffects of the rock-chewing Scarab beatles that undermined the town and the world of the Diamites, and even the water-world of the Aquamites is crumbling.Unexpectedly, a hole appeared in the centre of the Aquamites’ Emerald Lake. Not only does the lake begin to empty, but thirty Aquamites have been swept away in the flow and end up in the dangerous lake belonging to the Tritians.
Rescue cannot come soon enough because the Tritians live in a radioactive environment that poisons the young Aquamites, and Jimmy’s close friend Annison is in seriously trouble.
"If your child loves witchcraft, aliens, and futuristic tales, then this book will become their new favorite." ~Amy Louise Hill, Readers' Favorite
The Adventures of Jimmy Crikey: 6-Book Set
Each e-book is $0.99 or available free via Kindle Unlimited.
One of the best values we at LitNuts have seen in a long time: Get the entire collection of critically acclaimed Jimmy Crikey books for less than $6 (free via Kindle Unlimited)!About the Author
Wallace Briggs was born into an underprivileged family that consisted of four children, a sick father (who died when Wallace was seventeen), and a mother who worked hard to nurture and provide. Wallace first met Pat when they were eleven years old, only to be separated a year later when Wallace's family moved away. But the paths of Wallace and Pat crossed again, and when they reached adulthood, they married—and marriage that has lasted nearly 60 years.Jimmy Crikey was born one rainy day, many years ago, during a family holiday in Great Yarmouth, to entertain Wallace and Pat's son and his friends. The story expanded over the following damp afternoons in the cramped confines of a beach tent, as more and more adventures were required to keep the children entertained. Many years later, Wallace decided to commit to the written word, and now looks forward to sharing The Adventures of Jimmy Crikey with a wider audience.
Learn more at wallaceebriggs.com.