The Imaginary

By Author / Illustrator

A.F. Harrold, illus Emily Gravett

Genre

Friends and family

Age range(s)

Publisher

Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

ISBN

9781408850169

Format

Paperback / softback

Published

05-11-2015

Synopsis

An extraordinary tale of love, loss, imagination and not really being there, for fans of Roald Dahl and Neil Gaiman.

Rudger is Amanda's best friend. He doesn't exist, but nobody's perfect. Only Amanda can see her imaginary friend - until the sinister Mr Bunting arrives at Amanda's door. Mr Bunting hunts imaginaries. Rumour says that he eats them. And he's sniffed out Rudger. Soon Rudger is alone, and running for his imaginary life. But can a boy who isn't there survive without a friend to dream him up?

A brilliantly funny, scary and moving read from the unique imagination of A.F. Harrold, this beautiful book is astoundingly illustrated with integrated art and colour spreads by the award-winning Emily Gravett.

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Reviews

Rudger is Amanda's imaginary best friend and together they have the most amazing adventures, where objects are brought to life and new worlds created by Amanda's extraordinary imagination. Rudger happily lives in her house until one night when the sinister Mr Bunting and his shadowy accomplice come knocking. After a terrible accident and separated from his friend, Rudger finds himself fading until a cat called Zinzan introduces him to a whole new world of imaginaries. Realising that Amanda is the only friend for him, he sets off to find her whilst trying to avoid being eaten by Mr Bunting.

The Imaginary is a very well written story about friendship, love, loyalty and imagination. It is beautifully illustrated by Emily Gravett, mostly in black and white but at times the colour jumps from the page. My favourite has to be one of Rudger and his alter ego, I can say no more without spoiling the book!

It will appeal to many ages and budding artists, although Mr Bunting and his friend are certainly scary and may keep younger students awake, especially during a lightning storm. The beginning and ending of the book poignantly remind you of the passing of time and loved ones. An original book and highly recommended.

223 pages / Reviewed by Lorraine Ansell, librarian