The Day Louis Got Eaten

Sarah and Louis are out riding their bicycles through the woods when, suddenly, Louis is swallowed by a Gulper and the stage is set for a funny, fast-paced and cumulative story. John Fardell has already established himself as an inventive picture book author-illustrator with his previous titles - Manfred the Baddie and Joshua Jellyfish flies again; his latest offering does not disappoint. Though the idea is not original, Fardell's lively imagination ensures that the action does not flag. His style, drawing on his experience as a cartoonist for the Independent and Viz among others, is perfectly matched to the humour of the tale. This experience is also evident in the design; spreads are varied to ensure maximum impact and movement, driving the action on. The images are clear, the monsters enjoyable and Sarah's determination clearly shown through her expression as she refuses to give up. This would be an ideal read-aloud for a class story time and young audiences will delight both in the absurdity of Louis' situation and Sarah's feisty response as she reinvents her bicycle to meet every challenge. The solution - the time-honoured sneeze - never fails.

Suggested Reading Age 3+