English / Great Britain
The book of not entirely useful advice
Harrold, A. F.
(text)
Grey, Mini
(illus.)
London [et al.]: Bloomsbury Children’s Books, 2020. – 121 p.
ISBN 978-1-5266-1801-6
Advice | Poetry | Nonsense literature
Reading age: 5+
White Ravens issue: 2021
As its title suggests, this hilarious poetry book is chock-full of “useful advice” that will help readers survive in today’s dangerous and confusing world – or maybe not. Most likely not. To be honest: not at all. In his collection of “spectacular silly poems”, popular writer, poet, and performer A.F. Harrold dishes out suggestions and information about any topic imaginable, ranging from anthills and gravy to sausages and zombies; from how to tell the difference between “Blackbirds and Bananas” to “How to Avoid a Giant Who Has Escaped from a Nearby Fairytale”. The “fizzingly fun illustrations” by award-winning Mini Grey highlight key elements in the poems, provide a visual commentary on the texts’ nonsensical nature, and add lots of vibrant colour and quirkiness to this volume. Readers of all ages will love the absurd topics, the whacky wordplay, and the occasionally slightly gory descriptions. [CS]