Fortunately, the Milk by Neil Gaiman
Review by M
Little M’s read Coraline and still remembers it being scary.
We have The Graveyard Book and Chris Riddell’s illustrations mesmerisingly
frighten us away. We read Neil Gaiman’s poem in the A Little Aloud, For Children
anthology – it was marvellous. Fortunately, the Milk came along and now I’ve read
my first Neil Gaiman novel. Fortunately, the Milk is also fully illustrated by
Chris Riddell. Fortunately, for me, these illustrations are dazzlingly fun.
Fortunately, the Milk is too.
It is funny in a laugh out loud way (yes, I was on a train,
which probably made me laugh for even longer!). It is preposterous in either a ‘eyes
wide open’ or ‘I don’t believe you’ way depending on your gullibility, disposition
to enjoy or propensity to question. It introduces all sorts of concepts like
quantum thought and superpositions, international invasions and colonisations,
and the history of language. Do not read this book if you want the bedtime
light turned off soon after reading because there will be questions. Lots of
them. Expect to be challenged throughout the story and possible footstamping in
response the ending.
 |
| An inside page illustration by Chris Riddell |
The scenario is this: mum’s gone away and dad’s in charge
and of course they’ve run out of milk for breakfast (and tea!). So off he goes
to the shop. When he returns, ages later, what a yarn he spins about what took
so long. A time-travelling, galactic and maybe even extra-galactic adventure
story. Fortunately, there is milk, a dinosaur, a grundledorfer, ponies, gloop,
a sandwich box and much more.
A book that would suit almost or newly independent and
curious readers, and it is a must for reading out loud.
Unfortunately, the only downside is that the dedications
page is too full of clues so make sure to skip that until after reading....
Reviewed by M
Publication details: Bloomsbury, 17 September 2013, London
This copy: uncorrected digital proof received for review
from the publisher. |
| Neil Gaiman: photo credit: Kimberly Butler |
It's so much fun isn't it! My 5 and 8 year old both adored it (was reading to the 5 year old but 8 year old kept sneaking in to listen).
ReplyDeleteOh yes, so much fun :)
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