Books with author Ken Budd

Buddy Williams and his companions, Riel and Mokey, experience an astonishing range of escapades and exploits in the series, THE ADVENTURES OF BUDDY WILLIAMS. SummerWild is the first of four novels, and here the three lads tackle the challenges offered by Nature at Pelican Lake, the summer playground of Buddy’s youth. From an encounter with Slackjaw, a giant jackfish and denizen of the deep, to a chance meeting with Joe Starblanket, a native teenager who could become a valued friend, Buddy is exposed to hidden secrets and dangers in the outdoors, and faces harsh personal realities. An ignorance of the land and its possible ambushes, a fear of the elements because of a drowning accident, and a disregard for parental guidance—which seems to always lead to trouble—conspire to cause mayhem. THE ADVENTURES OF BUDDY WILLIAMS promises to entertain pre-teens (or tweens) and older folk alike. Grandsons and grandfathers, mothers and their young daughters, may all enjoy reading it to one another. Set in the early fifties, the series looks at a different time in Canada , and invites readers to reflect on the way our customs and values have changed—some dramatically. SummerWild is the gateway for later adventures in FallGently, WinterFree and SpringRush.

In addition to proving a good read for pre-teens and juveniles, The Adventures of Buddy Williams series has found a substantial audience with older folk as well. It is also contributing to the study of the novel unit in middle and high schools—in part because of the accompanying student study guides. Readers have enjoyed the trip back to the early fifties on the Canadian Prairies, experiencing the escapades of Buddy Williams and his partners-in-crime, Riel Belliveau and Mokey Stackhouse. Fictitious Buffalo Crossing and Pelican Lake are once again the settings in SpringRush, the final instalment in the series—after SummerWild, FallGently, and WinterFree.Buddy Williams’ happy life in SummerWild was obliterated by the blow of his great loss in FallGently. That tragedy, along with the combative relationship with his intimidating teacher Miss Ruby, led the young lad to experiencing depression and making some very bad choices in WinterFree. But the blizzards of the cold season are past, and new adventures lie in wait. Nature continues to offer surprises for Buddy, Riel and Mokey. An old friend teaches him a very important life lesson, which also helps him clarify his contentious connection with religion. But will he ever be rid of the bad blood between him and the Red Witch?Will the warm winds of spring encourage Buddy to find a path to redemption? Will his family overcome the challenge a past secret has hidden? And will the young protagonist take advantage of the bonds with his companions—including native teenager, Joe Starblanket—so that he might thrive again?

FallGently, the second book in The Adventures of Buddy Williams series, continues to chronicle a year in the life of an eleven year-old boy on the Prairies in the early fifties. The first book, SummerWild, which sets the stage for readers, was not only well-received by its Young Adult target audience, but also found bonus enthusiasts in older folk who enjoyed reminiscing about their own childhood. FallGently opens the door for the remaining two novels: WinterFree and SpringRush. Returning to Buffalo Crossing after summer holidays at the lake, FallGently picks up where SummerWild leaves off, and sees Buddy Williams and his two cohorts, Riel and Mokey, encounter a rude awakening at school. Their new teacher, Miss Ruby, turns out to be more she-devil than educator, and Buddy is not sure if Mr. “Army” Armitage, the school principal, is friend or foe. Adding to Buddy’s woes are two school bullies from the past who re-appear to make life miserable for him and his friends. Of course, despite all this, the three lads still find time for the same unique brand of adventure that characterized their lakeside summer— this time with a fall twist. But, eventually Buddy’s greatest challenge ever comes to overshadow their exploits, testing him like nothing before and shaking him to his very core. FallGently offers insight into the importance of positive mentors and educators, and reminds us that life is not always fair. Even the strongest are sometimes forced to face adversity and question their ability to cope with staggering loss.

Reeling from the autumn tragedy that changed his life forever at the close of FallGently, Buddy Williams yearns even more for the idyllic life he relished in SummerWild. Although still devastated, Buddy agrees to return to school, only to realize that not much has changed between the eleven year-old and his menacing teacher, Miss Ruby. To make matters worse, one-time ally Mr. “Army” Armitage, the school principal, seems to have run out of sympathy for Buddy’s plight.Feeling adrift, Buddy sets out to find a better balance, but is instead vexed by one error in judgement after another, the consequences of which threaten both harmony at home and his bond with best friends, Riel and Mokey.Will faith be salvation? Will Native teenager Joe Starblanket be able to help stop the tailspin into more serious bad behaviour? Might the blizzards of winter bring a lasting chill to Buddy’s once openly-amiable innocence?