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alldebooks's review against another edition
5.0
Fantastic, read it aloud to my children and we all loved it x
arwenauthor's review against another edition
4.0
I've been waiting to read this book for a long time. I was lucky enough to meet AF Harrold (although not Emily Gravett as she was unwell) at the UKLA conference back in the summer, but it has taken this long for it to filter through. There are lots of books that have to be read for various reasons: deadlines, blog tours, book clubs etc etc.
So I was ultra excited when I finally had the opportunity to read a book of my own choosing! That's what the holidays are about, right?
AF Harrold is an amazing wordsmith. That's the first thing to say, and the most important really. The characters, places, feelings and situations feel real. Although this is an MG read, I'm not ashamed to admit that I felt frightened at some points.
It's a fantastic story. The main character, Rudger, is actually imaginary. In fact, he is Amanda's best friend. No one else can see him, but her family are a decent sort and set a place at the table for him, and speak politely. Things are going really well for Amanda and Rudger.
Except, there's this suspicious man, Mr Bunting, that keeps popping up. What does he want?
There was a section that didn't work so well for me (lowering it to 4 stars). Rudger ends up in a place full of other imaginaries who are waiting with children with sufficient creativity to dream them up and become their new best friends before they fade. Out in the real world, if no one believes you exist then you gradually cease to exist. Rudger makes friend with another imaginary, Emily, who shows him the ropes and helps with Mr Bunting.
OKAY. SPOILER ALERT. DON'T SCROLL DOWN IF YOU DON'T WANT TO. YOU'VE BEEN WARNED.
And Emily dies. That is, like, a really big deal. Yet hardly anything is made of it in the book. There's a minor moment of looking back on her and being kind of sad, but that's it. I know it's an MG book and there shouldn't be too much dwelling on death, but skimming over it is wrong too.
Apart from that wobble, it's a fantastic ending building to an exhilarating climax. And Emily Gravett's illustrations are not to be forgotten; this book is maybe a third down to the illustrations. I adore her style. I'd like to read some more books with her illustrations. And I already have some more AF Harrold!
Excellent.
So I was ultra excited when I finally had the opportunity to read a book of my own choosing! That's what the holidays are about, right?
AF Harrold is an amazing wordsmith. That's the first thing to say, and the most important really. The characters, places, feelings and situations feel real. Although this is an MG read, I'm not ashamed to admit that I felt frightened at some points.
It's a fantastic story. The main character, Rudger, is actually imaginary. In fact, he is Amanda's best friend. No one else can see him, but her family are a decent sort and set a place at the table for him, and speak politely. Things are going really well for Amanda and Rudger.
Except, there's this suspicious man, Mr Bunting, that keeps popping up. What does he want?
There was a section that didn't work so well for me (lowering it to 4 stars). Rudger ends up in a place full of other imaginaries who are waiting with children with sufficient creativity to dream them up and become their new best friends before they fade. Out in the real world, if no one believes you exist then you gradually cease to exist. Rudger makes friend with another imaginary, Emily, who shows him the ropes and helps with Mr Bunting.
OKAY. SPOILER ALERT. DON'T SCROLL DOWN IF YOU DON'T WANT TO. YOU'VE BEEN WARNED.
And Emily dies. That is, like, a really big deal. Yet hardly anything is made of it in the book. There's a minor moment of looking back on her and being kind of sad, but that's it. I know it's an MG book and there shouldn't be too much dwelling on death, but skimming over it is wrong too.
Apart from that wobble, it's a fantastic ending building to an exhilarating climax. And Emily Gravett's illustrations are not to be forgotten; this book is maybe a third down to the illustrations. I adore her style. I'd like to read some more books with her illustrations. And I already have some more AF Harrold!
Excellent.
janebranson's review against another edition
3.0
A beautiful package of a book, with heavy paper and gorgeous illustrations. It's creepy and quite funny and tender too. I just wonder if children of the target age (it's on the UKLA book award shortlist in the 7-11 category) will read it?
ellalouise99's review against another edition
4.0
This story follows Amanda and her imaginary friend, Rudger, as they become separated and fight Mr Bunting to be reunited and safe again. The book tells a story of the world of imaginary friends in an inventive but also believable way. The bond between Amanda and Rudger is so strong that her mum manages to believe and see her imaginary friend again.
I think this book would be best suited to lower KS2 children as either a whole class read-aloud story, individual reader or group guided reading book. I think the child-like style to the story would be relatable to children. As well as them enjoying the aspects of adventure and suspense.
The illustrations are very dark, mainly black and white, which gives a sense of fear to the story. The use of these illustrations, as well as some black pages enhances the emotion and suspense of the reader. Because of this and the realistic sense of the story (from a child’s point of view), I think the book could be quite scary for some younger children (FS/KS1?). However, I do think some children this age could enjoy this aspect of the story.
I think this book would be best suited to lower KS2 children as either a whole class read-aloud story, individual reader or group guided reading book. I think the child-like style to the story would be relatable to children. As well as them enjoying the aspects of adventure and suspense.
The illustrations are very dark, mainly black and white, which gives a sense of fear to the story. The use of these illustrations, as well as some black pages enhances the emotion and suspense of the reader. Because of this and the realistic sense of the story (from a child’s point of view), I think the book could be quite scary for some younger children (FS/KS1?). However, I do think some children this age could enjoy this aspect of the story.
aimeelm21's review against another edition
4.0
This is a charming middle grade tale about a boy named Rudger who was imagined by a little girl named Amanda. After Amanda gets hurt and forgets him, the imagined boy meets other imagined creatures who want to help him find a new real friend. Rudger, however, is determined to get Amanda back.
I'll probably forget aboutThe Imaginary in a few years, but I did enjoy reading it. The pictures are mostly in black and white, but the splashes of color give the book some extra personality. It's wittiness and whimiscal-realism reminded me of Roald Dahl... and although I wouldn't say Mr. Harold is even close to Dahl's level, he can definitely imitate him in a way that should appeal to 21st century kiddos.
I'll probably forget aboutThe Imaginary in a few years, but I did enjoy reading it. The pictures are mostly in black and white, but the splashes of color give the book some extra personality. It's wittiness and whimiscal-realism reminded me of Roald Dahl... and although I wouldn't say Mr. Harold is even close to Dahl's level, he can definitely imitate him in a way that should appeal to 21st century kiddos.
lockurovens's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
yiluna's review against another edition
4.0
Además de las hermosas ilustraciones una historia entrañable con mucha fantasía
skyepieonthefly's review against another edition
5.0
What a gorgeous book! Loved every minute of it. Think of it as a mix between A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness and The Witches by Roald Dalh. Such a lovely look into childhood and the wonders of believing. It was exciting, creepy, creative and funny all at once. The illustrations are beautiful. Definitely buying this for my book collection. It is a little scary at times so probably not a good choices for very young children.
starnosedmole's review against another edition
3.0
In The Imaginary a girl and her imaginary friend struggle to save each other. Personally, I found this middle reader harrowing. It offers a dark, if somewhat hopeful, take on the need for imagination and acknowledges the inevitable loss of innocence as people age.
wisteria_may's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars
It’s quite scary for a lower middle-grade book.
It’s quite scary for a lower middle-grade book.