Jan Mark, ill. Richard Holland |
Walker Books |
1844287491 |
Apr 2007 |
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A tribute to human knowledge and achievement, Jan Mark’s final completed work, ‘The Museum Book’ forms a fitting epitaph to an author whose work constantly challenged and was illuminated by a sense of curiousity and intrigue. As with her fictional output, the unique quality coursing through this extraordinary book is the intricate connections between experience and understanding that Mark has teased out. |
Archives for April 2007
Pelle’s New Suit
Elsa Beskow |
Floris Books |
0863155847 |
Feb 2007 |
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One of the founders of Swedish children’s literature, Elsa Beskow reported drawing joint influence for her work from her own childhood experience and from the fairytales and folklore told to her by her grandmother. Floris books who have not only brought these classics of European children’s literature to the English market, have now made one of her classic picture books ‘Pelle’s new suit’ available in a new mini book format, meanings it affordability makes this treasure of translated literature, accessible to many… |
Charlie Small: The Perfumed Pirates of Perfidy
Nick Ward |
David Fickling Books |
0385611234 |
Mar 2007 |
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Found encased in a solid block of ice on the Himalayas, Charlie Small’s second journal recounts our heroes detainment and endeavours to escape the treacherous gang of lady pirates who have become his captives. |
Tug of War
Catherine Forde |
Egmont |
1405220058 |
Apr 2007 |
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Based around the true life experiences of her grandmother, dual influences are played out in Catherine Forde’s latest novel, ‘Tug of War’. Set in the near future, the book sees the United Kingdom subject to repeated and increasingly endangering attacks from terrorism. Ship building in Glasgow makes the city a particular target, thus it is that that siblings John and Molly are preparing to be evacuated to safety. |
Barnaby Grimes
Paul Stewart and Chris Riddell |
Doubleday |
0385611889 |
Jun 2007 |
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Proving once more their exceptional talent for realising their own worlds down to the most minute, vivid and therefore utterly convincing detail, ‘Barnarby Grimes‘, the first book in a new series, sees their work and unique collaborative techniques transposed from the fantasy oeuvre to a more historic setting. |
Tell Me a Story Mummy
Carl Norac, ill. Mei Matsuoka |
Macmillan |
1405021896 |
Feb 2007 |
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An internalised fear of a solipsistic existence whereby only her own fears and turmoils delineate her character is in danger of verification through external stimuli as Salsa the goat finds herself unable to sleep or to gain solace from those around her… The edginess of this dark subject is made more comfortable by the softened, idealised naturalistic illustrations that Mei Matsuoka lends the work. |
The Hunting Season
Dean Vincent Carter |
Bodley Head |
0370329120 |
Mar 2007 |
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Fear of uncertainty and of the unknown with the ultimate culmination of these being death, is the driving force that powers all horror. Psychological horror, however, takes this one step further examining the means and manners via which we are able to exert control over our lives and the types of influence and affect that cause their gradual corrosion. |
Jacky Daydream
Jacqueline Wilson |
Doubleday |
0385610157 |
Mar 2007 |
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Handed the dubious mantle of being somehow wholly attuned to the minds and sensibilities of her child readers, Jacqueline Wilson’s prose has become increasingly emotionally dispossessed, as the marketing surrounding her books appears to have forced her further and further into a creative cul-de-sac. |
Charlie Small: Gorilla City
Nick Ward |
David Fickling Books |
0385611226 |
Mar 2007 |
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Occasionally one holds a book in one’s hand that is the subject of much torment, trial and tribulation. Found on the banks of the Rivery Wyre at Skippool, Lancashire, ‘Charlie Small: Gorilla City’ is one such book. Its protagonist, the eponymous Charlie who, paradoxically reveals he has lived for over four-hundred years has been flung headlong into adventures of the most extraordinary kind… |
Ottoline and the Yellow Cat
Chris Riddell |
Macmillan |
1405050578 |
Feb 2007 |
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Seamless transposition of the atmosphere and ethos from classic film noir against his signature eccentricity and wit contribute to making ‘Ottoline and the Yellow Cat’ the latest highly distinctive and original offering from Chris Riddell. |