The book is built up in three parts. In part one the author gives nine methods for how the book (or, in fact, many books) could be used. Part two contains the stories, and a short Part three describes the possible interpretations of each story, and some questions to further develop each theme- These stories and methods could be used with Key Stage 2 and 3 classes, and many teachers may find them very useful.

Positive and powerful stories for parents and teachers to read with young people (8+)
Our rating: *****

This charming collection of stories, metaphors and anecdotes, are couched in the relationship between a grandfather and grandson. They provide little gems of wisdom, that are both simple and accessible, but also provide a multitude of opportunities for learning. The prevailing theme throughout the book involves taking a step back and noticing the things in life that are of real value and importance, including family, community, tradition and ethics, with these being given a modern twist by being applied to dilemmas and questions that arise in today's society, and drawing upon well known stars and famous people to illustrate points.

The '10 methods for getting the most out of this book' section is a nice addition and encourages reflection, discovery and making what has been read personally relevant and meaningful. Whereas, the 'possible interpretations and questions to accompany the stories' section provides guidance, and a starting point for those looking to find metaphors around certain themes and ideas.

An unusual and engaging collection of nearly 100 stories structured around the relationship between a grandfather and his enquiring grandson. This is a book that can be read for pleasure but could equally be used in a classroom situation to draw out the lessons from the stories. Indeed, the third part is all about interpreting the stories and questions that might arise from them . They are full of wise advice and pertinent observations about life and the connection between our attitude and circumstances. A number of comments at the end are aphoristic such as `when we delude ourselves we obscure our truth` and `doing something is not always better than doing nothing`. A good book to share with the family.

David Hodgson has written an excellent book of ninety seven stories for teachers and parents to use. The mix of stories enables them to be used across the curriculum. We all love stories as they are a vital part of our humanity passed on through the generations. The stories are a mixture of old and new and are written with compassion and humility. Many have an ethical base and offer opportunities for discussing the great challenges facing modern society. There are some nice touches of humour which children revel in. Above all the stories are relevant to life and living today.

Stories are a great way of learning through the imagination and will improve children`s vocabulary.

There is a very useful introduction as to how teachers and parents can use these stories and the book ends with some suggestions for extension activities.

This little book is recommended for all parents and teachers.

I regard Magic of Modern Metaphor, Walking with the Stars, Written and illustrated by David Hodgson as having the following rankings on a number of important scales.
Ten out of ten on the enjoyable scale.
Ten out ten on the accessibility scale.
Ten out of ten on the light, can use it anywhere, in any situation scale. Yes, ten out of ten.

After reading the stories in the Saturday afternoon newspapers, I turned to read the stories in the Magic of Modern Metaphor, Walking with the Stars, written and illustrated by David Hodgson. The modern stories come from the affectionate and humorous relationship between a grandson and grandfather and granddad`s `friendships with celebrities`. To be perfectly precise, I found myself absorbed, engrossed and generally feeling better about myself and the world after reading just a few of the tales. I read many of the very short stories first. Some are as short as a half a page. Then as I became even more absorbed in the book, I went to longer stories, the longest being a page and a bit. The tales, which come from the warm and funny relationship between a grandson and grandfather, remind us about what`s important now to us. Spellbound by it all, I just immersed myself in the `make believe` yarns of Ant and Dec, Bruce Forsyth, the Angel of the North ,Victoria Beckham, Elvis and Marilyn, FA Cup final day, Paul Daniels, Gandhi and more. The Madonna story was the best for me!

Hodgson enchants by moving me through his charms. There are three of them. The first charm is the part of the book that offers methods that anyone can use to make the most of the book for themselves. The second charm is his `likeable` collection of stories. There are ninety eight actual stories which express the bulk of the book. Then the third charm is the part of the book which provides the reader with tools to help engage the possible interpretations that the stories have stimulated for the reader. Hodgson also invites the reader to be guided by and use his ten `useful assumptions`, whilst absorbing the stories. And finally, like any good educator, Hodgson generously invites you to continue your journey with offers for further reading.

I really feel Hodgson`s warmth and enjoyment of life percolating through all the narratives he has chosen to collect and share. Just for the feel good factor alone, I would recommend the book to any professional trainer, family man, celebrity, mother, consultant, social worker, lover, politician, father, pregnant teenager, media mogul, footballer, civil servant, weekend father, prisoner, entertainer, parent, solider, entrepreneur, scientist, teacher, friend, farmer, chef, partner, pastor, sibling, or coach to use. Personal wisdom is stimulated and attitudes change after reading any of the ninety eight stories.

We are richer for having this collection of charming everyday stories drawn, from the magic of the daily life. Stories drawn through from the telly come over. Stories extracted from the threads of ordinary family life are shared. It is these ordinary stories, which are so refreshingly recognisable, that provides the reader with a genuine foundation, for reinterpreting their own situation, filling them in with their own symbols of ordinary life which creates the personal magic. Again, attitudes change after reading any of the ninety eight stories. They definitely change when read with an intention to relate it to a situation you value.

Could this collection of stories be useful for the sombre, serious minded, austere Britain of 2010, I ask? Is this for those who may have been subdued by dull, dismal, gloomy stories of British life in 2010, I wonder? Is it the fact that Hodgson provides us with his most cherished treasure - the relationship between grandfather and grandson. And that the modern stories come from the affection and humour between a grandson and grandfather, as well as granddad`s `friendships with celebrities`. Only after a personal read of his work, can you decide how modern metaphors can let us feel the sparkle of walking with the stars.

Highly recommend for professionals and those involved in family life.

This is a good range of short stories which can be adapted to meet the personal, social and emotional needs of their pupils / students. I particularly liked `Lost in IKEA`, `Grandads CV` and `Cigarettes and alcohol` as examples of stories to inspire reflective thinking and enable an adult to bring meaning to the lives of children, students or clients..

This book had me totally mesmerized from beginning to end! I found myself completely wrapped up in its spell as each little tale unfolded. The author takes us on a magical life-learning journey, using `bite size` stories full of gentle humour and wisdom.

The metaphorical tales are genuinely heart-warming, without being sentimental and all convey a spirit of hope and optimism.

David`s unique approach to storytelling had me enthralled. The characters in the book seem to `come alive` and it is easy for readers to relate to their various experiences - some funny, some inspirational and some very touching.

I can see this book being enjoyed by all ages and being used in a variety of different ways. As a professional Therapist and trainer, I would certainly find the stories useful to use with clients, both adults and children alike. But I would take equal pleasure in sharing and discussing the tales with my own family.

In fact, the author himself makes some interesting and creative suggestions in the introduction, as to how the reader might approach the book and make use of this collection of learning tales.

I found this to be an extremely enjoyable, interesting and thought-provoking book, which reminded me of the effectiveness of metaphor and the incredible power of storytelling.

Dave Hodgson has, yet again, achieved an outstanding feat of innovation and creativity. He has provided a simple process that can release immense creativity, curiosity and learning for both teachers and students. He reminds us not only about the importance and power of stories but also about how our on families can provide endless opportunities for learning and wonder if we took the time to ask the questions and listen to answers. I found myself strangely moved and if not a little tearful. Magic.

Human beings cannot help but think of the world in terms of stories. The story amounts to an inbuilt template in our brains that puts our experience into context - remembering that `context` and `text` share the same root as `textiles`, meaning `to weave`. Stories weave up the patterns of our lives. And both adults and children love to hear (and spin) a good yarn.

Stories are also powerful because they work at many levels. We can appreciate them for their beginning, middle and a satisfying resolution at the end. But the roots of story go deep into the symbolic, metaphoric and `holistic` realm of the subconscious mind; into the soil from which grows the sense we make of ourselves and the world we live in.

In The Magic of Modern Metaphor David Hodgson has assembled a treasure box of the most wonderful sparkling tales - light, accessible, humorous and elegant in their apparent simplicity; `apparent` because like all good myths, legends and fairytales they plant seeds in our psyches that in time will bear fruit in many delightful and surprising ways.