Matt McAvoy Book Review

This was a great kids’ book, with super illustrations filling the bleed of every page beautifully – though I have to admit that it took me aback a little, around the halfway mark, with the direction it took.  Opening with the lives of a group of mischievous, naughty little creatures, it then turned into an unexpected and actually somewhat horrifying cautionary tale – as such nursery rhymes are wont to do – and in fairness, having not read the blurb, I wasn’t expecting such a tough life warning.  It must be hard being a pre-schooler in any time – only as an adult, when looking back, do you realize just how much of what you are being taught is a pre-emptive reprimand.  It actually makes me feel almost sorry for them. 

This particular lesson is about the fantastical consequences of lying; like Pinocchio, you’ll pay dearly for doing so and disrespecting your parents in the process; specifically, in this case, you’ll turn into a gnome and end up trapped in Fibberton, doing chores.  Until the midway point, I thought it was just a fun little jaunt with some clumsy critters! 

It is actually a lot of fun, despite my tone; I don’t want to give the impression it is all serious.  It is a great book to read to your little ones, particularly at bedtime, and should keep both them and you entertained for a while, as you explain to them the moral of this fable.  Like all good cautionary nursery rhymes, it is timeless, reminiscent of the many which apply just as much in contemporary society as that in which they were written, sometimes centuries ago; there is nothing which specifically applies this offering to today’s world – which is truly something to be thankful for, in these times of forced messaging into young minds.  This is didactic storytelling with the innocence it always traditionally has had and should have.  It is also very enjoyable to read and, as mentioned, the illustrations are top-drawer, and should definitely keep the kids entertained.

It’s hard to critically review kids’ storytime books without coming across as a grown-up grinch, but to be honest books like this wonderful offering from Becky Bell give you so much food for thought, whilst also making it so easy to recommend them.  As good a bedtime children’s read as you are likely to find – particularly if you like to combine your shared funtime with the important stuff.