Book

Book by John Agard, illustrated by Neil Packer (Walker Books)

HC RRP $16.95

ISBN 9780744544787

Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

Every now and then I come across a book that electrifies me because of its uniqueness. This extraordinary book created by John Agard presents the origin and evolution of the book through a light-hearted point of view of Book.

Within its twenty small chapters, we learn about the incredible history of writing and the before and after of Book’s inception. This brilliant feast of words is a treasure trove of facts and thought provoking quotes. It journeys from oral storytelling to markings on clay tablets, hieroglyphics, and onwards. It informs and entertains as it reveals all the types of materials used for writing, and the surrounding history that accompanies each era’s progress.

So much information in such a compact book! This is an extremely well-researched compilation that is historical, informative and highly entertaining all at once. Suitable for 8 to 108 year olds, it is a delight to read, a rich resource, and a valuable addition to any book lover’s shelf. 

Goldilocks on CCTV

Goldilocks on CCTV by John Agard, illustrated by Satoshi Kitamura (Walker Books)

PB RRP $ 16.95

ISBN 9781847804990

Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

Award winning playwright, poet and children’s author (a few of his many talents), John Agard is an overall performer of the written word; a master of language. This is reflected in his new edition of poetry which follows his wicked The Young Inferno, which updates to modern, Dante’s magnificent work.

In Goldilocks on CCTV, Agard transmogrifies in a surprising and eloquent way, familiar childhood fairytales into rap, or hip hop rhythm, with a new slant on each tale. He begins by stripping away the original framework of the tale, to build a new one with the same basic equipment for modern verse lovers. Imaginative mixes, wordplay, role reversal, imitation, and re-evaluation of all you read in your childhood takes place here.

Totally magical and creative, he brings the past into the now and assuredly will draw further on the new audiences that are drawn to this modern style. This out-there verse is perfect for performance when captured or spoken in the correct rhyme and rhythm.

The fantastic, bizarre and inventive art/illustrations in black and white by Satoshi Kitamura, are shadows to the clever lyrics/text.