About the Book
Something terrible is happening to the beautiful city of Picturia, as the dreaded Ig unleashes The HAZE upon its unsuspecting citizens, spreading apathy and indifference to every street corner. Ig wants to ruin Picturia while no one is paying attention.
When five girls move into Bad Manor, no one knows that they have special powers. But soon, mysterious shapes appear in the upstairs window of Bad Manor, and Picturians begin to see, hear, taste, smell, and feel many new and strange sensations. Will Ig’s evil plan unfold, or will the Bad Manor Girls save the city? With tongue-in-cheek humour reminiscent of classic Roald Dahl, The Bad Manor Girls Save Picturia is a delightfully engaging picture book, serving a much-needed reminder for all of us to wake up and admire the roses! |
About the Author
Diane Johnson has a BA Honours Psychology from the University of Victoria. While at UVic in the early 1970s, Diane lived in a six-bedroom character house in Oak Bay, on the outskirts of Victoria, British Columbia, with four other students. The experience of living in this shared home and idyllic municipality, combined with a growing awareness of Eastern spirituality and the emerging environmental movement, provided inspiration for the original version of The Bad Manor Girls Save Picturia.
Diane, also known as Amethyst, currently lives in a small town near a large lake in beautiful British Columbia, where she enjoys Scrabble, Sudoku, pickleball, and being outdoors, especially when she is by the water. |
Bookstore
Get Your Copy!
Paperback & Hardcover
eBook
Reviews
"It's an absolutely amazing book. It's about waking up and embracing the beauty of our earth. Noticing what is around you. Not taking everything for granted and walking around with your face down not looking. Also about making sure we keep our earth looking beautiful and pristine, otherwise it will disappear. "Wake up people and Smell the Daisies!" We don't want The Haze (smog) to envelop our valleys so we can't see the mountains, or sun or stars. It's a message!!! I think the illustrations are beautiful and she's captured the essence of Picturia and its residents. Such quaint names too. Mr. and Mrs. Pottlebug. Love it!!
As a former teacher it is an excellent classroom learning tool. It will promote discussion and get those young minds thinking!!"
—Anne Marie P
The Bad Manor Girls Save Picturia by Diane Johnson
" Just outside the old, old city of Picturia is an old, old house called Bad Manor. Those who live in the manor do not seem old, old, but their powers are still impressive. Each occupant has powers over a different sense, being able to alter that sense for those around them. One day, a dastardly villain, Ig, tries to spoil Picturia by introducing “The Haze.” The Haze caused the normally engaged citizens to not appreciate the world around them—they looked down, ignored lovely sounds, didn’t appreciate their food or the aromas on the wind, and were numb to comforting sensations.
The Bad Manor Girls knew they had to do something. Over several days, each girl uses her powers to enhance and even switch up everyone in Picturia’s senses. Not only do those in Picturia experience wonderful new sensations but they are forced to pay more attention to and connect with the world around them—driving back The Haze. But will there be any consequences for the mysterious goings on? Or will the Bad Manor Girls manage to keep their participation under wraps?
While author Diane Johnson has weaved a creative and whimsical tale, it is solidified by the real notion of grounding exercises. Yes, “The Bad Manor Girls Save Picturia” is a heroic tale of women saving the day, but it also encourages readers to use their senses to connect to the world around them and to remember to appreciate even small sensations. This is a real grounding technique that can help people connect to the present and even manage immense stress. It is quite impressive to find a creative way to communicate what can be a sophisticated idea to young readers.
With four illustrators; Catherine Anne Tower, Lauren Kate Johnson, and Patricia and Robin DeWitt, “The Bad Manor Girls Save Picturia” has an eclectic art style. However, this works well with the overall themes of the book. The differences in art will encourage readers to engage with the book even more, grounding them in the reading experience.
Diane Johnson’s “The Bad Manor Girls Save Picturia” is probably best enjoyed by readers transitioning from picture books to longer books given the balance of text and pictures. However, the message of centering oneself in the present moment and appreciating your senses can be enjoyed by readers of any age.
Johnson has crafted a whimsical tale that is bolstered by a sincere grounding message and technique. Although targeted at preschoolers and early readers, the eclectic art, exploration of senses, and heroically creative female characters will appeal to all."
--Reader Views Kids
As a former teacher it is an excellent classroom learning tool. It will promote discussion and get those young minds thinking!!"
—Anne Marie P
The Bad Manor Girls Save Picturia by Diane Johnson
" Just outside the old, old city of Picturia is an old, old house called Bad Manor. Those who live in the manor do not seem old, old, but their powers are still impressive. Each occupant has powers over a different sense, being able to alter that sense for those around them. One day, a dastardly villain, Ig, tries to spoil Picturia by introducing “The Haze.” The Haze caused the normally engaged citizens to not appreciate the world around them—they looked down, ignored lovely sounds, didn’t appreciate their food or the aromas on the wind, and were numb to comforting sensations.
The Bad Manor Girls knew they had to do something. Over several days, each girl uses her powers to enhance and even switch up everyone in Picturia’s senses. Not only do those in Picturia experience wonderful new sensations but they are forced to pay more attention to and connect with the world around them—driving back The Haze. But will there be any consequences for the mysterious goings on? Or will the Bad Manor Girls manage to keep their participation under wraps?
While author Diane Johnson has weaved a creative and whimsical tale, it is solidified by the real notion of grounding exercises. Yes, “The Bad Manor Girls Save Picturia” is a heroic tale of women saving the day, but it also encourages readers to use their senses to connect to the world around them and to remember to appreciate even small sensations. This is a real grounding technique that can help people connect to the present and even manage immense stress. It is quite impressive to find a creative way to communicate what can be a sophisticated idea to young readers.
With four illustrators; Catherine Anne Tower, Lauren Kate Johnson, and Patricia and Robin DeWitt, “The Bad Manor Girls Save Picturia” has an eclectic art style. However, this works well with the overall themes of the book. The differences in art will encourage readers to engage with the book even more, grounding them in the reading experience.
Diane Johnson’s “The Bad Manor Girls Save Picturia” is probably best enjoyed by readers transitioning from picture books to longer books given the balance of text and pictures. However, the message of centering oneself in the present moment and appreciating your senses can be enjoyed by readers of any age.
Johnson has crafted a whimsical tale that is bolstered by a sincere grounding message and technique. Although targeted at preschoolers and early readers, the eclectic art, exploration of senses, and heroically creative female characters will appeal to all."
--Reader Views Kids
Read the book?
Don't forget to leave a review on Amazon or in the Contact section below.
Thanks for your support!
Don't forget to leave a review on Amazon or in the Contact section below.
Thanks for your support!
Contact
Send a message, question, media enquiry, or book review directly to Diane below!