As part of the challenge for 2012 to read books that I've had for ages and never read (see below), I've been working through the shelf where I keep most of my hardbacks (good a place as any to start).
So, this cute little book was nestled in amongst them and was selected.
It was really nice. From time to time it's great to read a book in which nothing terrible happens. I guess I read a bit much dystopian fiction... but that's why books like this one are a welcome break from all the angst.
At the beginning we're introduced to Kenny, who loves books more than anything and always has his nose in a book despite his parents' attempts to get him to notice the real world from time to time. (I wonder who that sounds like?)
Then his father rushed in one evening, panicking, saying that they had to move immediately as there was a dragon living on the hill behind their house. Kenny's mother (very sensibly) says that they can't possibly move at that minute because dinner was nearly ready. Kenny gets very excited and asks if he can go and inspect the dragon. His parents allow it, knowing that thanks to all his reading, Kenny would know more about dragons than anyone else in these parts, but not until after he does the dishes and finishes his homework.
Now I don't know about you, but for me, this little family exchange was more than enough for me to love the book. The rest of it was gravy (as they say).
Tony DiTerlizzi has written this book in a delightfully old-fashioned tone, making reference to books like Wind In The Willows and The Reluctant Dragon, which I thought was well done. By evoking Wind In The Willows early on, the reader (well in my case anyway) is put into that mind-set. After all, these are all anthropomorphised animals who talk and live in a world that is just outside our reach, but within our imagination. Like it is only just on the other side of living memory. This only added to the charm of the whole situation.
I'd give you more of the story line, but I try very hard not to give spoilers on my blog, even spoilers of how the story establishes itself 4 chapters in. So you should just go and find it and read it for yourself. I should also mention that his illustrations are a perfect match for the story he's created. Fantastic detail and expression of character.
Find it on Goodreads
5/40
I'm a huge fan of old-fashioned narrative styles. They work so beautifully when read aloud. I think that there'll be a shift back to them as today's adults feel nostalgic for the books of their youth.
ReplyDeleteDiTerlizzi's work with Holly Black also has the plummy, old-fashioned tone.
I know! That's how I feel. I also love that people haven't forgotten all those words and what they're capable of. I did enjoy the Spiderwick Chronicles too.
ReplyDelete