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em_may01's review against another edition
4.0
Initially I was sceptical about this book, it would not have been a book that I would have chosen myself but once I started reading it I was intrigued and couldn't put it down.
Although I did enjoy the story I did find the illustrations a little creepy as well as the parts where Mr Bunting was trying to swallow the Imaginaries so may not be my first choice for a class read or for use in English. However, I loved the friendship between Amanda and Rudger and think some children would find comfort in their relationship especially if they have also had/have an imaginary friend. If I did use this book with a class, it would definitely be upper KS2 due to the themes in the book.
Although I did enjoy the story I did find the illustrations a little creepy as well as the parts where Mr Bunting was trying to swallow the Imaginaries so may not be my first choice for a class read or for use in English. However, I loved the friendship between Amanda and Rudger and think some children would find comfort in their relationship especially if they have also had/have an imaginary friend. If I did use this book with a class, it would definitely be upper KS2 due to the themes in the book.
asimilarkite's review against another edition
4.0
This is EXACTLY the kind of book I would have loved when I was in 4th grade. I probably would have giddily showed it around to all my friends to freak them out with the creepy pictures, and wanted to dress up as Mr. Bunting's creepy imaginary friend for Halloween (maybe a friend of mine would wear a Hawaiian shirt and be Mr. Bunting with me?).
It has such a good concept. And I am SO happy Emily Gravett is expanding beyond creating her own amazing picture books to do art for older kids, 'cause she is just great.
It's funny, 'cause the hook of this book is that it is creepy. The book design is amazing at supporting the hook (good job, publisher). But I worry a LITTLE that kids who are looking for something truly scary will be slightly turned off by the little bit of sweetness that's poking out of the corners of everything :) It really is, at its core, kind of a sweet book.
It has such a good concept. And I am SO happy Emily Gravett is expanding beyond creating her own amazing picture books to do art for older kids, 'cause she is just great.
It's funny, 'cause the hook of this book is that it is creepy. The book design is amazing at supporting the hook (good job, publisher). But I worry a LITTLE that kids who are looking for something truly scary will be slightly turned off by the little bit of sweetness that's poking out of the corners of everything :) It really is, at its core, kind of a sweet book.
anesal's review against another edition
2.0
An interesting read. Unfortunately, I don't think I am the target audience, lol
flajol's review against another edition
5.0
Funny and horrifying (in parts, anyway). Rudger is loyal and lovable, Amanda, not so much, although she is funny.
Mr Bunting is terrifying. Up there with Chitty-Chitty Bang-Bang's child-catcher, the Wicked Witch of the West, and Coraline's Other Mother.
Mr Bunting is terrifying. Up there with Chitty-Chitty Bang-Bang's child-catcher, the Wicked Witch of the West, and Coraline's Other Mother.
yakman's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
gracegreenlaw's review against another edition
3.0
Didn’t hugely enjoy this book. Found it a bit weird and slightly creepy as well! Definitely very clever though and gives you lots to think about imaginary friends and their worlds.
colourmeread's review against another edition
5.0
The Imaginary is a fun, thrilling, and heartwarming story. It will remind you of your mischief and imaginary adventures while making you nervous, sad, and hopeful. You'll smile (repeatedly) and you'll likely want to be a kid again.
I loved this book. I don't see it around much but I would love it to reach more readers. Please pick up The Imaginary! If you're a kid, read it. If you're a young adult, read it. If you're an adult, read it!
I loved this book. I don't see it around much but I would love it to reach more readers. Please pick up The Imaginary! If you're a kid, read it. If you're a young adult, read it. If you're an adult, read it!
espookita's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This is a cute story about the power of imagination and friendship triumphing over the darkness. Harrold is not shy at tugging at your heartstrings with this one. Although “The Imaginary” is clearly targeted for a younger audience, there is quite a lot to unpack if you are reading this at a later age — much different perspective that allows more understanding. I would recommend for anyone looking for a light and fun adventure that reminds you we are ultimately children at heart and how absolutely necessary that is.