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The Owl and the Pussycat (Mini Treasure)

By: Edward Lear
Binding: Paperback
Publisher: Corgi Childrens
ISBN: 0552548820
ISBN-13: 9780552548823
Released: 04 Nov 2002
RRP: £1.50
Average Rating:

Customer Reviews

A superb mini book - By: Victoria Craven, 16 Feb 2004
Covering Edward Lear’s most famous nonsense rhyme, The Owl & the Pussy-Cat mini book has been enchantingly illustrated by the hugely talented Ian Beck. From page one, the opening line of the verse, “The owl & the pussy-cat went to sea in a beautiful pea-green boat” sees the text set out in wiggly line, reminiscent of a wave. The use of colour is particularly pleasing – with an intense blue for the sky, & a mellow, subtler shade for the sea.

One of my favourite parts is the double page depicting the twelve months it takes the owl & the pussy-cat to sail over the ocean, with twelve individual oval windows portraying each stage of the journey. As a child I frequently wondered what exactly a Bong Tree would look like, & I wasn’t at alll disappointed upon viewing Ian Beck’s splendidly imaginative Bong Tree garden – the trees greatly reminding me of huge tiered cakes. In fact, this particular section reminded me of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, such was the level of inspired nonsense.

The charming map (present on the front & back pages) was another nice touch – alllowing the reader to see the full journey undertaken by the owl & his feline companion. Ian Beck has also leant his illustrations to another of Lear’s classic rhymes, ‘The Jumblies,’ which is worth a look. This is a wonderful little book, & well worth the asking price.