'The best books, reviewed with insight and charm, but without compromise.'
- author Jackie French

Monday 27 July 2009

Review: The Incredible Book Eating Boy


I love this book by talented author/illustrator Oliver Jeffers. Its unique and quirky illustrations draw adults as well as children – from the very young to cartoon-loving tweens. But the lustrous, image-layered pages are not the only joy.


This gorgeous story, about a Belfast boy who eats books to absorb some smarts, is so charming, it makes you want to join Henry on his culinary literary journey. Henry loves eating all sorts of books – story books, dictionaries, atlases, joke books, books of facts and even maths books.


Amazingly, as Henry gobbles, his knowledge bank increases and increases until he starts to feel a little ill. Is it all the paper and cardboard stuffing his belly? It seems so. Poor Henry is subsequently reduced to learning from books the old fashioned way – by reading.


This lovely book will absolutely enchant all manner of reader – Henry is a divine character, even if the naughty little so-and-so has taken a literal bite out of the back of this book!

A must-see for retro book lovers.

Title: The Incredible Book Eating Boy
Author/Illustrator: Oliver Jeffers
Publisher: HarperCollins Children’s Books
Format: Harcover with dust jacket
ISBN: 9780007182312
For ages: 2-10
Type: Picture Book