Tutu finds herself whisked away by a blizzard to a village of talking animals, where humans are forbidden. The Emperor seeks to hold Tutu hostage untiTutu finds herself whisked away by a blizzard to a village of talking animals, where humans are forbidden. The Emperor seeks to hold Tutu hostage until she locates a butterfly he desires. While the graphic novel hints at darker themes such as Tutu's past and being trapped to work in a factory, it is the sweet humour that pervades the tale: it owes much to 'Spritied Away'.
Tutu is a great character who is unhappy with her treatment and seeks to unravel the mystery behind this magical space. The book, which has a sense of steampunk meets Asian landscape, provides a compelling backdrop for an exciting and suspenseful adventure. It leaves with more questions than answers - and some may find this frustrating - but all are answered in the equally-delightful sequel. ...more
A collection that sees the first two sets of short stories brought together from 'All You've Ever Wanted (1953) and More Than You Bargained For (1955)A collection that sees the first two sets of short stories brought together from 'All You've Ever Wanted (1953) and More Than You Bargained For (1955). I loved reading these first two publications from Aiken, the earliest story in this complication was accepted for publication when the author was just 17. Here we are introduced to the fabulous Armitage family for the first time and we see Aiken's fascination with the structure and form of traditional tales that she enjoys playing with. We also see here her fascination for justice and that strong morality too which sings true throughout almost the whole collection. ...more
A beautiful collection of art and literature (focusing on poetry and short folk tales), At the Height of the Moon collates voices from times past and A beautiful collection of art and literature (focusing on poetry and short folk tales), At the Height of the Moon collates voices from times past and across the globe too. Divided into either thematic sections including 'Dreams' and 'Moonlight', the collection focuses on bedtime stories and poems with art to inspire and delight. The book is lavishly and richly designed and something for both children* and adults alike.
There are some 'haunting' paintings within and some adults might be more cautious when sharing with children - I would have been fascinated. ...more
Based upon very real conversations between Sattouf and an 'unnamed' 11-year-old girl living in Paris, Esther's Notebooks are diary-like in their telliBased upon very real conversations between Sattouf and an 'unnamed' 11-year-old girl living in Paris, Esther's Notebooks are diary-like in their telling with full-page strips following the thoughts and aspirations of a young girl as she moves from primary into secondary school. Throughout, we have insights into friendships, love, family, music, film, hopes and dreams and misconceptions about adulthood - all today with a sense of pathos and humour throughout. They're excellent and honest. ...more
Victor has always had a fascinating and adoration for cheetahs. Huge paintings of them adorn the walls of his home and cushions mimicing their patternVictor has always had a fascinating and adoration for cheetahs. Huge paintings of them adorn the walls of his home and cushions mimicing their patterning can be found upon his furniture. Yet more than anything he would like to hunt and kill one so that he can display his trophy. When he achieves his ambition and has the cheetah's skin upon the floor of his home, Victor heads to bed content and yet his night is plagued by dreams of guilt and regret.
He decides to make amends by donning the skin himself and attempting to become part of the pack...an odd solution and one which causes him even greater problems and darker dreams. Can Victor really see the error of his ways or is he too wrapped up in his own ego to see beyond himself?
Victor is a fascinating allegory on power and possession and our troubled nature with the animal kingdom. Reviews on Goodreads are mixed and this understandable. Watching a hunter wear the skin of their trophy makes for deeply uncomfortable reading as does the killing of any animal for sport but I suspect that this is exactly Jacques and Lise's intention. Translated by Laura Watkinson it certainly is a picturebook that invites more questions than it provides answers....more
I devoured this over two evenings and it's not like me to read in this fashion anymore. So, thank you Lauren St John! Enriched through Catherine Hyde'I devoured this over two evenings and it's not like me to read in this fashion anymore. So, thank you Lauren St John! Enriched through Catherine Hyde's scratching illustrations, it tells the story of Makena, a twelve year old Kenyan who suffers a fateful catastrophe and has her life pulled from under her. Not wanting to spoil the story, I will draw parallels to both Sky Hawk and A Jigsaw of Fire and Stars.
What is clear is that St. John has done a lot of research and sought the advice of experts in the field to write this book well and with truth. It is a story about grief, about injustice, manipulation of governments and the ability of the many to turn a blind eye to the misfortune of the few but it is also a story of strength and hope and it delivers a most satisfying ending too....more
Fifteen years in the making, Anthony Browne’s Little Frida pays homage to Frida Kahlo, whom he considers a great inspiration. One can understand why. Fifteen years in the making, Anthony Browne’s Little Frida pays homage to Frida Kahlo, whom he considers a great inspiration. One can understand why. Kahlo’s work was often personal, often self-portraits and whose paintings often left little clues to what was really happening ‘in the gaps’ – a match made in heaven then. Browne speaks about how her paintings asked you to stop and consider what were her thoughts in the painting and what is it that she is inviting the beholder to see and wonder.
The story itself is based upon a memory shared by the artist in which, as a child with polio, she entered her room, blew onto a window and drew a door in the mist. This then became an opening into which she could then climb through and run free. After being mocked by her peers, this invention allowed her to reinvent the world.
As is typical with Browne there is much here to explore and find and it is nice that his work echoes that of Kahlo’s. It’s a sweet little picturebook which gives inter and hyper-textual links to work from Kahlo and Browne himself. ...more
One of Gordon's short novels, Fen Runners, as with much of his work, is set around Wisbech, Norwich where the fens run out to the sea and which GordonOne of Gordon's short novels, Fen Runners, as with much of his work, is set around Wisbech, Norwich where the fens run out to the sea and which Gordon spent much of his youth exploring. The story follows Kit and Connie, both who have always lived close to each other but never met. Yet when an event brings them together, they both encounter that a mysterious, serpentine shadow invisible to all but them. Such an encounter draws them closer and deeper into an ancient mystery that lies deep beneath the River Nene (my guess re: place). Although short, Gordon retains the complex, folk-tinged narrative with which he is so well known and he packs much into this story. What Gordon does well is the ominous, ever-growing threat of something invisible and ancient clawing at the young. His use of place and weather is wonderful and all help to build up tension. An excellent novel to share and discuss with others although I sometimes felt that the narrative jumped a little in places.
For me, this was less of a 'poetry collection' and something closer to narrative prose. Translated and adapted by Maurice Riordan, these poems are wriFor me, this was less of a 'poetry collection' and something closer to narrative prose. Translated and adapted by Maurice Riordan, these poems are written for a young child and celebrates those first encounters with the world and the language that we have made to understand it. Each poem follows a similar structure and I enjoyed the concept of different aspects and elements writing a poem for the young reader. The moon, the night, the oceans, dreams all have something to share with the listener until they are wise and learned enough to grasp language and play with it. At this point, the poems change and begin to explore the power of the spoken and written word, touching upon how a young child begins to understand what words can do and how they can help us understand each other and ourselves. Although some of the poems, for me, read better than others, the concept is beautiful and true. The illustrations by Andre Letria, Jose's son, are big and bold and warm. ...more
It has taken me a while to read this book but this is not because of it being dull of drawn out but rather a case of wanting to be in the right frame It has taken me a while to read this book but this is not because of it being dull of drawn out but rather a case of wanting to be in the right frame of mind when reading its 600+ pages. I have read Dickinson before in the excellent The Ropemakerand Tulkuand this next epic story, set 200,000 years ago in Africa, may be his magnum opus. In terms of scale with regards to arc of story, pace over time, exploration of early man, language and myth, The Kin, is outstanding with characters, ideas and moments that drew me in deeply as soon as I began reading. Following a splintered group of children from the Moonhawk tribe, Dickinson presents us with four books from which four different stories are passed on through the narrative of four different children. Suth, Noli, Ko and Mana, two boys and two girls, each give us an insight into a time and place in which language was beginning to develop, imagination and creative thought separated the weak from the strong and the passing down of knowledge through stories was at its birth. I cannot praise this book enough. A triumph. ...more
December lives at home with her caring father, Harry. There's just the two of them since mum died many years ago and although dad has a partner who caDecember lives at home with her caring father, Harry. There's just the two of them since mum died many years ago and although dad has a partner who cares deeply for 'Ember', December's time, love and thoughts are always with her best friend, Happiness who loves the same things she does and is in the same class as her. More of an 'equal' than a sequel to The Imaginary, this remains a dark and haunting world but this, for me, is a different story. Yes, there is a sense of creepiness about the plot and characters but what Harrold is sharing here is a story about facing and accepting loss. How he does this is quite profound and brave and one that I think children could get so much out from. The Afterwards felt, to me, like the book A.F. has been building up to. It's a beauty. ...more
I have lots of thoughts about this book. It is a story that carries within it a goal which is, according to the back jacket sleeve, to bring into the I have lots of thoughts about this book. It is a story that carries within it a goal which is, according to the back jacket sleeve, to bring into the world a story that the author was missing whilst growing up, a story that resembled 'her steamy, tropical home in Manila'. And I am so glad she did. Through copious, exhaustive research from a range of secondary and primary sources, Gourlay has accomplished an impressive feat bringing to life the Bontoc people and work respectfully with the guidance of many others to bring a voice to the voiceless. The story itself it set in three parts and follows the story of Samkad, a boy on the cusp of being initiated into manhood. The rite of passage ceremony though is brought to a halt when the old ones set a task that, ultimately, sets in motion events that change the tribe's future for all time. Together with Luki, a ferociously-willed young girl, his father and others (not wanting to give the plot away), Samkad finds his whole world changed and challenged forever. Will he have the strength and courage within to save his people and what will his people and their culture mean to him when he encounters others? Gourlay juggles so much in this book; strong females trying to fight against the gendered norm, the his history of a people living in the Cordeillera region, their cultures and customs as well as their encounters. She does so perfectly. I learned so much from her story; she opened my eyes to the Bontoc people and their region and has done so with great sensitivity, respect and love. I have a feeling that this was an equally great journey for her too. ...more
Certainly my favourite from what the Fan Brothers have created so far. A young, Asian boy finds himself reflecting of the time he spent with his grandCertainly my favourite from what the Fan Brothers have created so far. A young, Asian boy finds himself reflecting of the time he spent with his grandfather. In his home, the boy would remember his grandfather's stories and the trinkets or carvings that he could share. To honour his memory, Finn builds his own boat and takes the journey that they had planned but not fulfilled. Although I thought that some of writing needed a little work, the Fan Brothers intertextual references are wonderful and make this such a rich, inter-generational exploration and a young boy tries to understand what treasures his grandfather has left him with. It might not be as poignant as Benji Davies' Grandad's Island, but the message of journeys, healing and remembrance ring just as true - the Fan Brothers though celebrate this through so much of the light fantastic that you cannot help fall for its visual richness. ...more
The first of Almond’s ventures into picture books and although I would argue that there is a disconnect between his work and Lambert’s illustrations fThe first of Almond’s ventures into picture books and although I would argue that there is a disconnect between his work and Lambert’s illustrations from a true picturebook perspective, this story does celebrate the themes of freedom through a celebration of the creative mind which is prevalent in both their works. When Kate hears the call of a white cat one night, she looks out of her window and finds herself invited to prowl the landscape. Transforming into a cat herself, she crosses the countryside, passes local settings, flies over her family’s dreams until she arrives at the cat moon. When she returns, the family share their dreams but it is Kate’s knowing ‘meow’ which speaks of an embrace with fantasy that tells us her journey was, perhaps, more spiritual and affecting. I think if Almond is going to venture into picturebooks properly then he’s going to need to compromise with the illustrator. Words that are illustrated are not as powerful as when words and pictures work equally to tell the story. Although Lambert’s illusrtrations are rich and larger than life, they play second-fiddle to the prose. ...more
Possibly aimed at the same audience (age-wise) as Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood, Marzi is an autobiographical recollection of Marzena Sowa's liPossibly aimed at the same audience (age-wise) as Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood, Marzi is an autobiographical recollection of Marzena Sowa's life growing up in communist Poland during the 80s. Her life is reflected in the dull, muted, grey colouring, full of queues and whispered angsts amongst adults against the state. Throughout, the young Marzi is desperate to find out the truth of the story behind their country but when she eventually does so, a part of her wish she had not known and with this knowledge comes that sobering realisation that she has 'grown up.' I found the same six-panel approach a little tiresome at times and there is a lot of text throughout. Although this may have frustrated at the start, I began to see how Marzi's written story, told from the perspective of a young child at the time, was of great importance and almost might have been better written as a novel itself. The graphic novel is made up of various stories of different lengths - such relating to family, play, politics, hopes and fears and Marzi herself is as flawed as any real person - which I thought was brave and quite beautiful. I have tagged this as KS2/KS3 but it is probably for older readers than that. There is a part of me though, that thinks some of her stories would be worth sharing with children in these categories so that they get a broader picture of life in a different country of someone similar to their age. ...more
Charged with the job of protecting children from nightmares, the Walkers recruit a band of dream warriors to take over the job. Bonno (once a blanket,Charged with the job of protecting children from nightmares, the Walkers recruit a band of dream warriors to take over the job. Bonno (once a blanket, now a bear), Sophia (once a quill, now a crow) and Amali (a sock monkey) must fight their own fears and insecurities as they battle the insecurities which inhabit and inhibit the lives of children - from falling to being caught with no clothes on at school. I enjoyed every page of this graphic novel. There were points where I felt a little lost and confused but this only encouraged a second, richer reading because of it. Schwarz's sketchy, style lends to the dream-like shift in action and I can see her world sparking brightly in the imagination of its child readers. ...more
I thought this is very good novel for young adults. Badoe tells the story of Sante, one of two migrant survivors trying to begin a new life with a newI thought this is very good novel for young adults. Badoe tells the story of Sante, one of two migrant survivors trying to begin a new life with a new family. Washed upon the shore in a sea-chest and guarded by an eagle, she is taken in by a family of travellers who raise her under the maternal eye of Mama Rose. An African in Spain at the time of book's setting, Sante's presence causes a stir when she performs. At the same time, a dormant past also stirs and the true story of what happened the night the ship that carried her sunk to the ocean's bottom with her parents slowly begins to unravel. I found the narrative a challenge at first with Badoe who, I felt, was writing in Ghanese first person. This is no criticism, for once you found the rhythm and style of the narrative, the whole language of the text became more enjoyable and the voices felt more real. Sante's story in which she attempts to put to rest the ghosts of her people is powerful and intelligent, yet, additionally, the book carries a far sinister story of trafficking of children and I'm not sure whether there was just 'too much in it' for the story to have the depth and resonance behind Sante's story that I wanted it to have. On saying this, I still thought the book was very good and look forward to more from Badoe in the future. ...more
Only the second Lively book that I have read (everyone's probably read The Ghost of Thomas Kempe) and yet another author who I am ashamed to have alloOnly the second Lively book that I have read (everyone's probably read The Ghost of Thomas Kempe) and yet another author who I am ashamed to have allowed to pass through my literary net. Extremely powerful, ahead of its time in relation to sensitively tackling the problems of British Imperialism and race, Lively sets her story in central Oxford where Clare, a young teenager, lives with her elderly aunts. Not only is it the absolute clarity in her depiction of everyday life and the people in it or her incredible grasp of language and deftness of dialogue but, in Clare, she has created a strong, independent-minded teenage girl whose focus is on knowledge and recognising the strengths in everyone. We speak about how the prevalence of girls in literature as independent is on the rise but this book was published in 1974. Perhaps it's more a case of culture and publishers caring more and wanting to display it more. You want a powerful image of an independent, intelligent, real teenager; then Clare Mayfield could be one of them. ...more
I don't want to give anything away about this book since I enjoyed so much of this without any sort of reveal. Set mainly within a prison of vast sizeI don't want to give anything away about this book since I enjoyed so much of this without any sort of reveal. Set mainly within a prison of vast size, seventeen-year-old Finn is destined to try and piece together his hidden past in order to escape. Meanwhile, outside of the prison, Claudia, a prisoner in a game of politics, also wishes to escape too and in wanting to finds that her story becomes woven with Finn's. Together, in this smart dystopian novel, they seek to overthrow those who suppress them. Fisher's writing is excellent throughout and there is so much intertext here with references to larger, older stories which touch on faith and freedom. Like the cogs in a swiss watch, all the elements have been intricately placed together to create a fascinating and well-orchestrated tale. It's good to see that more are on the way. ...more
I would like to think that everything that Pullman is, is in this book. Religion, power, internal struggles, bildungsroman, fey, spirituality, Oxford,I would like to think that everything that Pullman is, is in this book. Religion, power, internal struggles, bildungsroman, fey, spirituality, Oxford, not-Oxford - the lot. And it's incredibly powerful, deeply, deeply clever...but not for children. Even Pullman has explicitly stated it isn't. Doesn't stop it being an excellent, extremely well-crafted novel. Which it is. ...more
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