Reminiscent of the writing of Lewis Carroll and Edward Lear, this brilliant debut children's novel is completely unputdownable as well as being almost uncategorisable. The author has succeeded in delivering on a book that incorporates a terrifically funny yet mysterious story, full of larger-than-life highly improbable characters that I couldn't begin to do justice to by describing them here, other than to say they are wild and wacky and completely original. He's also delivered a story that is full of tongue-in-cheek humour and skilful word-play. It's staggering to think that it was not picked up by one of the mainstream publishers and has instead been self-published by a very determined author/illustrator. It's 174 pages of pure unadulterated pleasure and has consistently been one of Lovereading's top titles since it was published back in 2008. This is a book that will be loved by anyone from 7 to 107. It may not be as widely available nationwide as some books but that's through no fault of the book.
If you would like to buy a copy direct from the author plus have it signed and/or personalised to someone, then please contact Alan direct at alan_gilliland@yahoo.com.
and more commendation:
Brian Sibley, author & broadcaster, WINNER of BEST ADAPTATION for The History of Titus Groan in the BBC Audio Drama Awards, 2012, and author of the official Lord of the Rings and Hobbit film guides, wrote in his Ex Libris blog (excerpts): “Alan Gilliland’s delightful book for children (their parents and the young at heart in general)... is a heady mix of the tried and trusted format featuring nursery-toys-come-to-life with riddling, punning, nonsense in the style of Lewis Carroll and Edward Lear punctuating a twisting, turning roller-coaster adventure story filled with dangers, outlandish encounters and weird and wonderful beings....
There are a mass of subtexts and literary and historical allusions within the story (it is not accidental, for example, that the creature encountered named the ‘Dodongs’ is an anagram of that Carrollian alter ego, ‘Dodgson’) and readers armed with the map below can trace the route of Curd & Co’s adventures in the real location of Brimham Rocks in the Yorkshire Dales. With delightful illustrations by the author, this the perfect read-aloud book for bedtime readers – and their listeners. ...a unique and wonderfully quirky book.” (https://briansibley-exlibris.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/).
In a book regarded as a summation of her life’s work, which won her Author Award from the UK Literacy Association academic Margaret Mallett has featured Curd in her book, Choosing Fiction and Non-Fiction 3-11: A Comprehensive Guide for Teachers and Student Teachers in the over 9 section, which is introduced thus,“… (in) the huge and ever-growing number of books falling within the fantasy category… How does the teacher select from so many? … In a necessarily selective account, I have been concerned to pick out some of the best writers and most memorable titles which have survived over the years and which I think are likely to continue to be read.”
...and this is what she said about the Amazing Adventures of Curd the Lion and Us:
Four soft toys go off on a journey to find a stolen brooch. Sounds cosy? It is not. In fact this is an exciting addition to fantasy novels for children from about age seven years, although it is also a most engrossing adventure story. The pencil drawings by the author fit the written text perfectly and add atmosphere and often energy to the story. It is not surprising that this story has been compared to the work of Lewis Carroll and Edward Lear: riddles and word play, mysteries and surprises are wonderfully interwoven. The play on names is superb: for example, the four animals are called Curd the Lion, Pilgrim Crow, Sweeney the Heenie (a hyena) and O’Flattery the Snake. Dialogue is convincing too. When the mother of Henry and Henrietta, the two children in the story, wrongly accuses them of losing her brooch she threatens that if they do not find it soon she will cancel their birthday party. Worst of all she will give their beloved toy animals to the charity shop for Children in Need, adding, ‘You don’t care about them. Look at the way you were treating Curd the Lion just now. Beating him to rags!’
And in an email reply to Alan Gilliland's thanks, she wrote this week: “Dear Alan, Many thanks for getting in touch. In 'Choosing and Using' I wanted to help student teachers know about some of the very best books for children after my lifetime in teaching children and students. Your book about Curd the Lion is hugely original and imagination stretching. My grandchildren are all 4 and under, but I will be getting them each a copy to treasure in the future. I wonder what you are working on now. You deserve every success.
With warmest regards, Margaret.”
A terrific review from one of the top fantasy writers of today, Katherine Langrish:
'This is a really unusual book – with brilliant illustrations, too. Think Edward Lear, Lewis Carroll, lots of wordplay and paradoxical fun, and you’ll be there. Not for every child, perhaps, but any budding chess players or crossword puzzle fiends will have a whale of a time. It demands something of the reader, and that’s not a bad thing at all.'
Here are some more reviews from some other inspired readers:
Isabelle Hammersley, age 10:
“I just got back from Waterstone's Guildford. When I bought the book I got it signed by the author and he is one of the kindest men I’ve ever met. Anyway on the book I couldn’t put it down ITS AMAZING! Ive read right up to the bit with the Minorbores riddle. I really need to find out what it means. I cant wait till the next book comes out. ITS THE BEST BOOK EVER AND IVE READ HARRY POTTER AND JACKY WILSON BOOKS!!!!!!!!!! LOVE IT AND THE AUTHOR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!XXXXXX
And it's not just Lovereading and Isabelle that's been caught by the Curd the Lion bug:
Steven Ryan, aged 46, Fareham:
"I have been an avid reader of Terry Pratchett for many years and find it difficult to pick up books from other authors because few seem to combine imagination with wit and ingenious wordplay. I have to say, humble pie has never tasted so good. I picked up "The amazing adventures of Curd the lion in the back of beyond" in Waterstone's bookshop in Fareham not realising that the person I was talking to was the author Alan Gilliland. The artwork on display was very similar to Josh Kirby who does Pratchett's artwork, an instant bonus point. I bought a copy of the book mainly, I have to say, at first for the artwork, but when I got home and read the first few pages I couldn't put the book down. The story is compelling, as good and in places better than any Pratchett book. The Minorbores puzzles are my favourite part of the book (still working on the 3rd puzzle). Overall impression? I loved this book and can't wait for the second. Thanks for the chat we had Mr. Gilliland, you've opened my mind to a new realm."
From Emily Sanders, Dorset
"The Amazing Adventures of Curd the Lion and us is fab. I can’t wait to read the story of The Ineffable Emperor. I read the book in about three hours! It is really tricky to put the book down and I can’t wait to read it again and again and again. I started last night and finshed it this morning! The day is Good Friday the tenth of April 2009. I bought the book from Alan Gilliland himself after he had told me about the amazing story. I couldn’t wait to get home and read it. Also it sounded so fabulous that mum got my best friend called Genevieve one. I absolutely loved it. I know Genevieve will like it. I don’t know of another author that can do really great stories and illustrate their story in such a fantastic way. GET THE BOOK, IT’S GREAT!!!"
From Simone Gilson (student)
"Your book detailing Curd’s adventures I could read again and again! The way in which it crosses the boundaries of childhood and adulthood imagination was truly inspiring – a magical tour de force through the imagination, that reminds you of what it was to dream as a child and to comprehend as an adult! The illustrations are amazing and all who I have shared the book with have commented likewise. They captured many of the images I had in my head from the days of reading Lewis Carroll and Enid Blyton’s The Magic Faraway Tree! Plus as someone attempting her own poetry and looking for new ways of reading, the linguistics used within your book were very inspirational. I have also found myself puzzling over and working out the riddles."
From Henry Alden (Burpham, Guildford)
"I am writing to you because I love your book. It was brilliant I have a couple of questions to ask you. Where do you live? And what is your favourite animal? And what your favourite food? My favourite animal in the book is the hyena. And in real life it is a tiger My second favourite animal is a penguin. I hope you make more books soon."
From Juliette Stuart , aged 11
"I loved your book about Curd the Lion so much! As soon as I got home I read it and I didn't stop until I had finished. I think I read it in about 4 hours flat! My favourite character was Pilgrim Crow and also King Ziggu. Please do the second book quickly. I can't wait until the second book comes out."
From Emily Tout, aged 9, Hampshire
“WOW!!! what a book. i couldn't wait to finish it! [and as i finished it in 24hrs you can see how desperate I was!!!] It had a surprise on each page just waiting to delight anybody reading it. The characters were imaginative and funny at the same time; they always spoke nonsense, which made reading it much more enjoyable. The illustrations are fab and made the characters jump out of the pages. It is the best i've ever read and i've read a few… i.e the whole series of harry potter… i would greatly recommend it to anybody of any age.”
From Nathan Hutchison, aged 8, Surrey
"I am writing to tell you your book is great. I love the names, 'Sweeney the Heenie', 'O'Flattery the snake' and 'Pilgrim Crow'. They're so good."
From Lynne Rothwell, aged 10
"A very amazing book about an adventure of nonsense and riddles. I liked the fact that you can go on the same adventure after you have read it. This is the best book I have ever read and I have been inspired to do a book similar (not the same). (Thanks for signing it Alan Gilliland and I will not forget my map, when we go to Yorkshire)
From Tony Benn, longtime Member of Parliament
"A lovely story book with super illustrations for children of all ages."
For even more praise and passion from all sorts of people, then scroll down this page.
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