Publisher: Macmillan
Author/Illustrator: Chris Riddell
Age range: 3+
Price: £10.99 (hardback)
Website: www.panmacmillan.com
The Emperor of Absurdia was having
the most extraordinary dream.
All of a sudden
he woke to the
hoots of the sky
fish nibbling the
umbrella trees.
Absurdia is a very strange place indeed. A place where lunch is served immediately after supper. A place where emperors go on dragon hunts (and, for that matter, a place where dragons go on emperor hunts).
Having dressed with the help of his loyal subject the Wardrobe Monster, the young Emperor navigates umbrella trees, pillow hills and bouncy mountains in search of a little dragon.
It’s all very exciting stuff but what happens at the end of the day, when the tired little Emperor falls asleep and dreams? Well, that is when things get really extraordinary.
Chris Riddell’s fantastical world is a captivating creation. Full of wonder and absurdity (all the more effective because of the matter-of-fact way in which it is delivered), it is certain to enthral youngsters and is an excellent choice for a bedtime story.
Riddell’s illustrations are excellent, perhaps not surprising given his status as an artist and political cartoonist for the Observer. The pictures are original and intricate, with just a hint of Dr Seuss (especially in the Wardrobe Monster).
With a highly satisfying ending that ties very cleverly into the beginning, this is a very polished work from Riddell in his first solo outing.
Where Can I get a Copy of Kofi To the Rescue?
Posted by: sidney | December 29, 2006 at 05:59 PM