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katykelly's review against another edition
5.0
Bond author's 'classic' children's magical car story
No child I am aware of even knows that the film started life as a book. And one by the author of James Bond. I believe I read this years ago, but in listening to it with my 7-year-old on school runs, it didn't feel at all familiar.
Very, VERY different to the film, it might disappoint or confuse some children who aren't prepared for a completely alternative story. My son has seen the film, and loved the book too, though he can't remember much besides 'Me Ol' Bamboo'!
Inventor Caractacus Pott (not Potts) is fairly poor, but he, his wife and children come into some money when his new sweet becomes a big seller. They use the money to buy a much-needed car. But not just any car - their beautiful old car has a dash of 'something' about her. Possibly something.... magical.
Chitty takes the family on adventures (flying and floating), with some villains very unlike a Childcatcher and Baron to be overcome.
This was much shorter than I was expecting, though fits in several small 'Mini adventures', shall we say. None of the family members take a strong lead, though I wanted more from Chitty ('pull the level... idiot' was a great bit!). My son really enjoyed the gangster storyline and how it was resolved. It is left open for further adventures (some of which by Frank Cottrell Boyce I have definitely read).
David Tennant narrates the audiobook, and very nicely. He is very clear and energetic in his delivery. This is an easy listen, and suitable for children aged 5 and above.
No child I am aware of even knows that the film started life as a book. And one by the author of James Bond. I believe I read this years ago, but in listening to it with my 7-year-old on school runs, it didn't feel at all familiar.
Very, VERY different to the film, it might disappoint or confuse some children who aren't prepared for a completely alternative story. My son has seen the film, and loved the book too, though he can't remember much besides 'Me Ol' Bamboo'!
Inventor Caractacus Pott (not Potts) is fairly poor, but he, his wife and children come into some money when his new sweet becomes a big seller. They use the money to buy a much-needed car. But not just any car - their beautiful old car has a dash of 'something' about her. Possibly something.... magical.
Chitty takes the family on adventures (flying and floating), with some villains very unlike a Childcatcher and Baron to be overcome.
This was much shorter than I was expecting, though fits in several small 'Mini adventures', shall we say. None of the family members take a strong lead, though I wanted more from Chitty ('pull the level... idiot' was a great bit!). My son really enjoyed the gangster storyline and how it was resolved. It is left open for further adventures (some of which by Frank Cottrell Boyce I have definitely read).
David Tennant narrates the audiobook, and very nicely. He is very clear and energetic in his delivery. This is an easy listen, and suitable for children aged 5 and above.
annettebooksofhopeanddreams's review against another edition
4.0
A few years ago, it was Christmas day and we were browsing through the different channels on our tv, my dad made us all watch Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. It was one of his all time favorite Christmas movies and he told us that once he even had a miniature Chitty at home. No one knows where it is now, which is a pity, but when I saw this book I knew I had to read it.
And I was actually quite surprised and amused while reading this book. It's a really cute Children's story about a family, in a way traditional with a father, mother, daughter and son, but in a way very different, and their amazing car Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
The love for cars, that Fleming also displays quite often in his James Bond series, is also very visible and prominent in this book. I have to admit that I didn't know all the technical terms, but that didn't really take away from the fun and from the understanding of the story because it was actually mostly an adventure.
All in all a very cute and nice children's book that I really enjoyed reading. It was of course a little outdated, but still very amusing and nice!
And I was actually quite surprised and amused while reading this book. It's a really cute Children's story about a family, in a way traditional with a father, mother, daughter and son, but in a way very different, and their amazing car Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
The love for cars, that Fleming also displays quite often in his James Bond series, is also very visible and prominent in this book. I have to admit that I didn't know all the technical terms, but that didn't really take away from the fun and from the understanding of the story because it was actually mostly an adventure.
All in all a very cute and nice children's book that I really enjoyed reading. It was of course a little outdated, but still very amusing and nice!
barnesbookshelf's review against another edition
3.0
What a fun book!! I love the simple language and the easy to follow story. Fleming does an excellent job of including small little educational tidbits that don't detract from the story. In fact, I could see using this story as a jumping off point for some early-childhood type educational materials. It's cute and fun, and I for one really want to try the fudge recipe at the end of it! This is one of the first older books I've read that I actually enjoyed, and it's so short it's easy to get through! It's very different from the movie and still incredibly enjoyable.
ren8ions's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.25
whatsthestorywishbone's review against another edition
3.0
Great premise but just okay plot. Vocabulary was a little over my three (almost four) year olds head but he still enjoyed it, what kid can resist a flying car?
katrenia's review against another edition
5.0
Loved this! I had no idea the book would be so different than the movie. David Tennant did a fabulous job on the Audible version. A fun story that anyone will enjoy.
ipanzica's review against another edition
4.0
A fun children’s book, but the plot is a lot different then the movie version, which is honestly a good thing.
t1nk3rb3ll21's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
Such a fun adventure! What I didn't know before hand was that it was written by the same guy who wrote James Bond. But he brings that same sense of adventure and excitement but for children and families. It's a sweet and delightful story that leaves you wanting more of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.