Len Collis

Something strange is happening in the sweet shop at Nutwood. Rupert's pal, Bill Badger, is shocked after opening his new packet of chocolate buttons – because he only finds three buttons, inside!

Following a conversation with the shopkeeper, they discover that chocolate buttons have been mysteriously disappearing from jars, placed on the shelving, in the shop.

Reluctantly, the shopkeeper agreed with Rupert's suggestion that somebody must have stolen them.

However, the shopkeeper explains to Rupert and Bill that nothing else is missing. And that every BAG of buttons is sealed. “So, how do you get those buttons out of the packet, without tearing them?” asks the puzzled shopkeeper!

Later on that day, Rupert and Bill visit the sweet shop again. Unfortunately, being an early closing day, they find the sweet shop closed. However, after glancing through the shop's window they spot four tiny masked figures, hard at work, loading chocolate buttons into little sacks!

“Nutwood Gnomes!” gasps Rupert. “Come on – let's try to catch them.”

Hearing the sound of their voices the robbers drop their bags in panic, and escape through the back door!

So, what happens next? Well, sorry folks, but I'm not going to tell you that!
However, rest assured, Rupert and his pal, Bill Badger will try their best to solve the mystery of the disappearing chocolate buttons!

A somewhat surprising adventure, in more ways than one. Really good entertainment and plenty of excitement for the curious reader – but no longer any fun for those naughty Nutwood Gnomes!

The colourful illustrations enhance the believability and creditability of this humorous and charming story.… (altro)

Rupert and his pal, Bill Badger, are spending a day in London. After visiting the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey, they find themselves passing the Houses of Parliament. Suddenly, a voice whispers in Rupert's ear, asking to borrow 2p. The pals are amazed to find it is Big Ben talking to them. “It's me – Big Ben, I need 2p urgently. Can you help me?”, says the clock in a low voice.

Luckily, Bill Badger finds a 2p coin in his pocket. Moments later, after entering a side door, Rupert and Bill find themselves standing inside Big Ben's giant tower – and staring at an enormous spiral staircase. The two pals start climbing the staircase – unaware that there are 340 steps to the top!

Eventually, and out of breath, they arrive in a huge workroom. In his excitement, Rupert points towards an array of metalwork, giant cogs, dials, and machinery – that perform the 'functionality and workings' of the world famous clock!

“Thank you for coming”, whirrs the clock gratefully. “Could you put your coin on my pendulum, please?” The two pals soon find the pendulum – already weighted down with 2p coins and old pennies!
Big Ben explains that one coin is missing and that the additional weight of an extra coin on the pendulum makes the clock tick faster – and that taking one way does the opposite!

To add to the amusement of this story, Rupert and Bill are approached by an unfriendly little man supposedly 'Spring-Cleaning' in the workroom. Bill remembered he was one of the 'Imps of Spring', at Nutwood common. The Imp encounters a confrontation with the two pals – but sorry, folks, you'll have to read the story to find out why!

Nevertheless, a sense of normality is soon established in the workroom. Big Ben's clock is ticking at the correct rate, and on time, with the pendulum once again carrying the correctly-weighted coins! However, Rupert suddenly realises that although Big Ben's back on-time, they're not! So the two pals find themselves on another mission – running all the way back to the station to catch their train home, back to Nutwood.

This charming children's story was first published by Dragon Books in 1986. There are more than twenty colourful pictures, beautifully illustrated by Jon Davis, enhancing the storytelling, understanding, entertainment, and pure amusement of this lovely story.

Additional information: You can find out much more about Big Ben on the following website:
https://www.parliament.uk/bigben

Tours suspended during Elizabeth Tower refurbishment:
Unfortunately, Big Ben and the Elizabeth Tower tours are now suspended due to refurbishment. Tours are scheduled to resume in 2021 once the work is complete.
… (altro)