LoveReading4Kids Says
Walls are in the news at the moment, and one runs right down the middle of this book, a sturdy brick one dividing each double page, top to bottom.
On one side is a little knight, very cheery in his conviction that his side of the wall is the safe place to be. We readers of course can see what’s happening on the other side of the wall and indeed, some of the creatures there don’t look very friendly.
But appearances aren’t everything, and when the little knight discovers his side of the wall isn’t as safe as he thought, he might need a helping hand over the top. It’s a very funny story, and such a cleverly delivered fable of the silliness and dangers of preconceptions. Don’t miss.
Andrea Reece
Find This Book In
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The Wall in the Middle of the Book Synopsis
There's a wall in the middle of the book, and our hero-a young knight-is sure that the wall protects his side of the book from the dangers of the other side-like an angry tiger and giant rhino, and worst of all, an ogre who would gobble him up in a second! But our knight doesn't seem to notice the crocodile and growing sea of water that are emerging on his side.
When he's almost over his head and calling for help, who will come to his rescue? An individual who isn't as dangerous as the knight thought-from a side of the book that might just have some positive things to offer after all!
Jon Agee is brilliant in his use of the page turn, visual storytelling, and deadpan humour, and appeals to fans of Oliver Jeffers and Jon Klassen.
About This Edition
| ISBN: |
9781912650057 |
| Publication date: |
3rd October 2019 |
| Author: |
Jon Agee |
| Illustrator: |
Jon Agee |
| Publisher: |
Scallywag Press |
| Format: |
Paperback |
| Pagination: |
48 pages |
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Jon Agee Press Reviews
'This picturebook from the launch list of Scallywag Press demonstrates how much can be done with few words and simple pictures. A little knight feels safe on one side of a wall, since an ogre is on the other. But when danger approaches, the ogre rescues him by pulling him over the wall, and the other side turns out to be wonderful. Dramas happen in the pictures, so pre-readers can watch the knight mending a hole in the wall, wild animals climbing on top of each other, waters rising, little fish eaten by bigger fish until a monster-sized one approaches, and finally knight, ogre and wild animals sharing an adventure. The images, using washes, texture, collage and autumnal colours, express emotion succinctly. The book also has a wider resonance: about demonising strangers, preconceived ideas and the folly of a wall.' Sunday Times Culture Magazine Book of the Week
`Jon Agee's latest offering is one of several enchanting titles from the new children's publisher Scallywag Press ... it strikes exactly the right balance between comfort and peril, thanks not least to Agee's gentle illustrations.' Daily Telegraph
'One of the most powerful picture books of the year' Scotsman
'The contemporary political undertones of Brexit and US borders make The Wall in the Middle of the Book a very timely publication, but Agee's illustration and his spare, unembellished text gives it an instantly classic feel. It is one of the first books from new publishing house Scallywag Press, and a promise of fine things to come in 2019.' The Irish Times
'This is a tale, brimming with fun, entertainment and positive messages about freedom of movement, and one that children will want to return to time and time again.' Lancashire Post
'A very topical book that will nonetheless be of perennial interest for illustration fans and those looking for a thought-provoking, simple book about relating to others.' Book Trust, Book of the Day
'A timeless message but also one that, in 2018, will surely strike a chord with many readers. (Picture book. 3-6) Kirkus, starred review
'As ever, Agee nails pacing and punch lines. Most satisfying is his gentle reminder that preconceived notions about things and people, over a boundary or otherwise, are often distinctly wrong.' Publishers Weekly, starred review
'A wall keeping out everything on the `unsafe' other side turns out to be a terrible idea for the knight-hero of this funny, winking book. New York Times Book Review Notable Children's Books of 2018
'A little knight appreciates how a wall protects him from the big ogre on the other side - until he needs a big rescue when his side of the wall floods.' Boston Globe Best Children's Books of 2018
About Jon Agee
Jon Agee is the author and illustrator of many acclaimed books for children, including Life on Mars, Lion Lessons, Little Santa and The Incredible Painting of Felix Clousseau.
He has been long listed for the UKLA award with The Wall in the Middle of the Book and It's only Stanley, and in America he has won an Irma Black Honor, a Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor and much more. Jon's life sales are over 2 million copies. He is also the creator of a series of popular wordplay books, beginning with the collection of palindromes: Go Hang a Salami! I'm a Lasagna Hog!
Jon grew up along the Hudson River in Nyack, New York, and went to college at The Cooper Union School of Art in New York City. He now lives in California with his wife, Audrey.
Terrific and Milo's Hat Trick between them have won New York Times Ten Best Illustrated Books, ALA Notable Book, Horn Book Fanfare, PW Best Books of the Year, Book Sense Top Ten Pick and LA Times Best Children's Picture Books Miami Herald Top Ten.
More About Jon Agee
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