Scan barcode
katykelly's review
5.0
A classic, my son was hooked.
I recall this so vividly from my own childhood, but reading it aloud as an adult is such a different prospect. Ted Hughes' unnatural use of language, short sentences and unusual word choices made it a slightly tricky book to read aloud, I had to think ahead and choose my emphases carefully. There is a lot of description, particularly in the early parts, with little speech, so not an easy read/listen for young children.
I was surprised at how well my 7 year old took to this, the first couple of chapters contain very little actual plot as the Iron Man appears, falls apart and puts himself back together again. There are vivid visual sections later on as traps are built and sprung. And of course, the sections where the Space Bat Angel Dragon appears... those are the parts I remember!
We read two copies, my own version alongside a new illustrated edition, with some eye-catching and novel illustrations and uses of cutouts to convey the size and shape of things in the Iron Man's world.
This took us around the five nights to finish. We both enjoyed reading this together. I saw the language in a whole new way to the last time I read it, when the story was my focus. There is some beautiful language here, a lovely message, an understated but definite hero (or two).
For ages 7-14.
I recall this so vividly from my own childhood, but reading it aloud as an adult is such a different prospect. Ted Hughes' unnatural use of language, short sentences and unusual word choices made it a slightly tricky book to read aloud, I had to think ahead and choose my emphases carefully. There is a lot of description, particularly in the early parts, with little speech, so not an easy read/listen for young children.
I was surprised at how well my 7 year old took to this, the first couple of chapters contain very little actual plot as the Iron Man appears, falls apart and puts himself back together again. There are vivid visual sections later on as traps are built and sprung. And of course, the sections where the Space Bat Angel Dragon appears... those are the parts I remember!
We read two copies, my own version alongside a new illustrated edition, with some eye-catching and novel illustrations and uses of cutouts to convey the size and shape of things in the Iron Man's world.
This took us around the five nights to finish. We both enjoyed reading this together. I saw the language in a whole new way to the last time I read it, when the story was my focus. There is some beautiful language here, a lovely message, an understated but definite hero (or two).
For ages 7-14.
neebo's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- 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
tumsaddict'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? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
ms_gouldbourne's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
This little collection of short stories was very sweet! I don't have much to say about it - it was obviously a very quick read - but it was entertaining and beautifully written.
aliceilis's review against another edition
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
jade_225's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
kaelino's review against another edition
2.0
Short children's novel that was published long before the animated film. If you are looking for similarities to the film, there aren't many. I realize you probably shouldn't judge a book based on its film adaptation, but even by itself, the book fell rather flat for me. The writing is decent and inviting to young readers, but there isn't much of a relationship developed between the giant and the boy (Hogarth), and that was part of what made the film so great. The book has the movie cover, which of course is meant to appeal to fans of the film, but it is pretty misleading, given the book is quite different, both in story and in the appearance of the robot. The use of the word "bat-angel-dragon" (something or other) became repetitive and tiresome. Also, I thought the "solution" the townspeople find for the robot in the beginning was rather unpleasant for a children's book. I found the film a lot more enjoyable overall, but was curious about the origins of the story.
marga1995's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0