Monday Harper Collins Book Reviews

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Time to tell you about the lovely books Harper Collins sent for my 5 year old son to enjoy with me:

1) Up and Down Oliver Jeffers 

Once there were two friends..

This is the story of a boy and his best friend who just happens to be a penguin. This book is a sequel to Lost and Found. It seems like nothing can come between them until the penguin's dream of flying completely obsesses him. We were sent the version that comes with an audio CD of the book narrated by Richard E Grant.

The illustrations are beautifully simplistic and the story was really engaging for both my son and myself. Not surprisingly Richard E Grant does a marvellous reading of the story but it was also a pleasure to read it to my son myself. 

A great addition to your child's bookshelf.

ISBN: 978-0-00-744045-0
Format: Mixed media, 1pb 1cd
Imprint: HarperCollins
Division: Children’s

UK: £ 7.99
Canada: $ 15.99
Ireland: $ 7.99

2) The Lorax Dr Seuss

I speak for the trees

I have to confess that I have never heard of this Dr Seuss story that was originally written in 1971 as one of the first ever eco-warrior type books. It has been turned into a movie and hence the book has been re-released. Again we were sent the version with an audio CD - this time narrated by Rik Mayall.

The book has the typical Seuss illustrations and quirky writing style. This time there is a very serious message behind it all to not over exploit the natural world. The greedy Once-ler only thinks about his profits and doesn't realise until its too late that he used up all the trees and has nothing left to exploit.

This is both a good story to share and a great way to teach children about conservation. Its a bonus to have Rik Mayall reading the book on the CD too.

ISBN: 978-0-00-741421-5
Format: Mixed media, pb+cd
Imprint:HarperCollinsChildren’sBooks
Division: Children’s

UK: £ 7.99
Ireland: $ 7.99

3) The Astonishing Secret of Awesome Man Michael Chabon (Jane Parker)

I can hug mutant talking jelly from Beyond the Stars

Awesome Man is a super hero with awesome powers and he is assisted by Moskowitz the Awesome Dog. Together they battle a range of aliens and villans but Awesome Man has an Amazing Secret - can you guess what it is before the end of the story?

The illustrations are reminiscent of a 1950s cartoon strip and the adventures that Awesome Man has were very appealing to my son. I enjoyed reading this to him and would be happy to read this again and again. Yes we know the secret now (no I won't tell you!) but the rest of the book is still exciting too!

ISBN: 978-0-00-745338-2
Size: 216x280mm
Format: Paperback
Imprint:HarperCollinsChildren’sBooks
Division: Children’s

UK: £ 6.99
Ireland: $ 6.99