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piperbunny's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book, from it's cute illustrations to the gripping, twisty-turny, spooky and full of friendship story.
Ever had an imaginary friend? Maybe you had one as a child and over time you forgot about them? This book will remind you how special imaginary friends are, especially to a child who is full of imagination. Follow Amanda and her imaginary friend, Rudger, on their adventures and find out what happens to imaginary friends when their real friend goes away! This book gave me goosebumps, made me laugh and tear up. Full of emotion and adventure, I'll be recommending to everyone.
Just to note, I read an advanced copy and not all the illustrations were included but the ones which were added greatly to the atmosphere of the book and really brought the characters to life.
Ever had an imaginary friend? Maybe you had one as a child and over time you forgot about them? This book will remind you how special imaginary friends are, especially to a child who is full of imagination. Follow Amanda and her imaginary friend, Rudger, on their adventures and find out what happens to imaginary friends when their real friend goes away! This book gave me goosebumps, made me laugh and tear up. Full of emotion and adventure, I'll be recommending to everyone.
Just to note, I read an advanced copy and not all the illustrations were included but the ones which were added greatly to the atmosphere of the book and really brought the characters to life.
jillcd's review against another edition
4.0
This was an interesting read that reminded me a little of Coraline. The plot is dark but perfect for middle schoolers who like scary books.
mia_arianne's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This book was a wonderful encompassment of fictional and imaginary. The pure genius imagination of the author is to be commended. The writing is vivid and descriptive. My only problem was it was quite scary in some parts and may not be fantastic for young readers.
rachael_amber's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
cjeziorski's review against another edition
4.0
Amanda is a girl with an imaginary best friend, Rudger. One day, a mysterious man, Mr. Bunting, comes to her door and can see Rudger. This leads to a series of events that have Rudger meeting other imaginaries in an attempt to escape. The book was a bit creepy/horror at times, which kids would love. The illustrations are amazing; Emily Gravett is indeed talented.
I will agree with another reviewer—I’m not sure kids would relate to an older kid with an imaginary friend. I never had one as a kid, but I feel like they’re relegated to the under 5’s. However, maybe it’s the creepy factor of Mr. Bunting that appeals to the middle grade reader.
I did like the cat, Zinzan. It reminded me of the cat in Coraline that was able to travel between the real and the imaginary.
I will agree with another reviewer—I’m not sure kids would relate to an older kid with an imaginary friend. I never had one as a kid, but I feel like they’re relegated to the under 5’s. However, maybe it’s the creepy factor of Mr. Bunting that appeals to the middle grade reader.
I did like the cat, Zinzan. It reminded me of the cat in Coraline that was able to travel between the real and the imaginary.
dawncox's review against another edition
5.0
I'm allowed to read children's books.....it's urm...research in my role as a primary teacher. (Not just because there are so many good ones honest.)
Wow.
This book made me cry twice. It made me laugh and also left me with a nervous lump in my throat and my heart rate was lifted for a while.
Such a creative book. It starts out very sweet and normal but takes a dark turn. Could not put it down. Lovely/slightly eerie illustrations. Hard back version is beautiful.
If you (or your child) like Neil Gaiman's children's books then you will really love this.
Thoroughly reccomended. (But do have a tissue handy.)
Wow.
This book made me cry twice. It made me laugh and also left me with a nervous lump in my throat and my heart rate was lifted for a while.
Such a creative book. It starts out very sweet and normal but takes a dark turn. Could not put it down. Lovely/slightly eerie illustrations. Hard back version is beautiful.
If you (or your child) like Neil Gaiman's children's books then you will really love this.
Thoroughly reccomended. (But do have a tissue handy.)
jeremychiasson's review against another edition
4.0
Oh my, what an unusual book! If you like Neil Gaiman (particularly his books like Coraline and The Graveyard Book), you'll enjoy "The Imaginary".
Right from the opening, where Amanda is dead, and her imaginary friend starts to fade away and become forgotten, I was emotionally invested in this story. And this may have been merely a kids book, but I defy you not to shudder when the sinister Mr. Bunting sucks a child's imaginary friend into his vortex of teeth.
Maybe it's because I was the sort of child who would not be persuaded that his stuffed animals were "just toys", but I found the perils faced by the imaginary friends in this book very affecting. I was more concerned for the safety of Rudger, Amanda's imaginary friend, than I was for Amanda herself!
This was a very dark, yet wonderfully heartwarming story, and it is greatly enhanced by Emily Gravett's top-notch illustrations.
Right from the opening, where Amanda is dead, and her imaginary friend starts to fade away and become forgotten, I was emotionally invested in this story. And this may have been merely a kids book, but I defy you not to shudder when the sinister Mr. Bunting sucks a child's imaginary friend into his vortex of teeth.
Maybe it's because I was the sort of child who would not be persuaded that his stuffed animals were "just toys", but I found the perils faced by the imaginary friends in this book very affecting. I was more concerned for the safety of Rudger, Amanda's imaginary friend, than I was for Amanda herself!
This was a very dark, yet wonderfully heartwarming story, and it is greatly enhanced by Emily Gravett's top-notch illustrations.
pjsandbooks's review against another edition
4.0
Enjoyed the audiobook and the paperback.
♥ a local author
♥ a local author