Griselda Snook's Spectacular Books

By Author / Illustrator

Barry Timms, Laura Borio

Genre

Magical Realism

Age range(s)

Publisher

Little Tiger Press

ISBN

9781801045759

Format

Paperback / softback

Published

01-08-2024

Synopsis

A spooktacularly spooky Halloween book for children by Barry Timms with stunningly-detailed illustrations from rising picture book star, Laura Borio.

Books are magic! Bookshops are spectacular! Don't believe us? Join Henry as he helps Griselda Snook on the opening day of her spooky bookshop! From hunting down runaway jack-o'-lanterns to banishing dragons, Henry loves his day spent in Griselda's bookshop, and he especially likes helping book lovers to find their next read. But can Henry find the perfect book for him?

With an eye-catching, head-turning orange fluoro pantone ink throughout, this gorgeous book is a celebration of the magic of books and bookshops. Just like Funnybones by Janet and Allan Ahlberg, Gustavo the Shy Ghost by Flavia Z. Drago and The Incredible Book Eating Boy by Oliver Jeffers, Griselda Snook's Spectacular Books is the ideal gift for booklovers and kids that love spooky books.

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Reviews

Jen

'What a bright and brilliant Tuesday' for Henry. It all began when he picked up a key that a lady had dropped. This key led him on an adventure into the world of books in Griselda Snook's Spectacular Bookshop. Henry had never been into books, but Griselda told him he just hadn't found the right book yet. There are perfect books for everyone.

Laura Borio has illustrated Griselda Snook's Spectacular Books perfectly. I love the bright orange pops of colour on every page. Children will spend hours looking at the details in the pictures. Many of the pictures would be good writing stimuli for children in school as they could look at the picture and it would spark their imagination and take their writing to fantastic places. For example, when Magenta is reading to the bookshop customers, wolves are flying out of the book. What do children think the story is that she is reading?

This book is full of monsters but all the monsters are happy and all the monsters want to read; it could help children who are afraid of monsters to see that monsters can be just like us.

I will be reading this book to my class (year 1, ages five and six) in October. I am already wondering what my class will think of this story and where their imaginations will go with this book. I am sure it will be a favourite at quiet reading time in class, too.

Picture book / Reviewed by Jen Bevan, teacher

Amanda

'There really is a book for everyone' is the most perfect message that is embodied throughout Griselda Snook's Spectacular Books. The Halloween theme throughout adds to the mystery and emotions. I love that even the scariest characters are seen reading books through the illustrations. The choice of colours adds focus and detail, the bright orange is a fantastic addition and highlights areas perfectly.

The text would be brilliant at any time of year but the illustrations make it the most wonderful book to share in October time. Children of all ages will love this story and are certain to spend hours searching for things in the illustrations. I look forward to sharing this book with my class.

Picture book / Reviewed by Amanda Shipton, teacher