This Children's Librarian Approves!

We are absolutely thrilled with our five star review on Amazon from Pat Garrett, Librarian at Portsmouth Central Library:

5.0 out of 5 stars - This Children's Librarian approves!

When an opportunity from the publisher arose to win a copy of this book for my library (I'm a Librarian based in the UK), I leapt at the chance. Having been a fan of Rodney Matthews for years I was excited to introduce him to a new generation of children in Portsmouth who were too young to be aware of his album cover artwork for the likes of Magnum and Nazareth. Having now received a copy, this book doesn’t disappoint. The book is about Professor Oddney and his magpie friend Magnus who move into Uncle Cuthbert's house and find a tunnel to Otherland in the garden shed. The pair embark on a quest down this tunnel to try and find Uncle Cuthbert who went missing some time before, and the two-headed firedrake mentioned in his journal.

Rodney's illustrations are warm, evocative, and glorious - full of detail that will snag any curious child's eye. They hark back to the golden age of children's book illustrators such as Arthur Rackham and John Tenniel.

The story is funny and pacy, and Sarah successfully captures the warmth and friendship between the two friends, who love and are exasperated with each other in equal measure.

I would say this book is suitable for children from age 8+ to read independently but younger children would enjoy the read aloud story time experience too. I can't wait to add it to stock!

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 14 August 2024 (click here to view this review and others on Amazon)