Scan barcode
A review by katykelly
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang by Ian Fleming
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.