Posted on: 19/11/2012
Each month we choose some recently published books that we have bought to share with you. We try to stop at three, one for younger readers within the 0-7 range, one for older readers (7 and up, up, up) and this month, a non-fiction title…
Author and illustrator Jon Klassen returns with another impeccable tale, the second in his ‘hat’ series. Klassen’s brilliance and depth comes from his simplicity. Simple sentences tell a simple narrative, but the illustrations, particularly the characters’ expressions, are far from simple and add so much more to the tale, often surprise, sometimes boredom, occasionally fury. It is the combination and juxtaposition of simplicity and complexity that makes these stories such a delight to read, for children of all ages (and adults too)!
In this story a tiny fish appears, wearing a blue top hat, that seems to be a perfect fit. However, the hat has been stolen from a bigger fish! Luckily for the small fish, the big fish won’t wake up, and if he does, will he know what’s happened?
It’s hard to ignore the ever-growing popularity and appeal of David Walliams’ children’s books, and this fifth novel from David Walliams, published less than a year after the his bestselling Gangsta Granny, is no exception.
Where Walliams’ undeniable skill lies is in the creation of the grotesque, outlandish and absurd characters. Ratburger charts the story of Zoe, a little girl for whom things aren’t looking too good! Her stepmother, Sheila, is so lazy, she makes Zoe pick her nose for her; the school bully, Tina Trotts, is making her life misery and, as if things weren’t bad enough, Burt, from Burt’s Burgers, has got his eye on her pet rat – and it doesn’t take too much to work out what he wants it for (hint: the clue’s in the title!).
Walliams is often billed as the next Roald Dahl, and it’s not difficult to see why the comparison exists, with Ross’ Blake-esque illustrations and characterisation that errs on the side of ridiculous, where adults are oft the villains and the innocent child the hero. We’ll let you make your own mind up.
You know the child who needs to ask questions about absolutely anything? The one who has the ability to interrogate where everything is from and can often push your body-of-knowledge into the tightest of corners? Well, this book is for them. And you as well.
Adam Hart-Davis takes you through the some of the obvious and obscure inventions that have shaped our lives today. Simply and humorously told, with narrative elements, he tells stories that also explain.
Based on seven key areas of invention, from pencils to steam-power, Hart-Davis and Nashanti Choksi (the illustrator) present a beautiful and engaging book that provides all the answers. Long live the curious child.
