Tollins: Explosive Tales For Children by Conn Iggulden
Tollins: Explosive Tales For Children by Conn Iggulden
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Monday, 16, Nov 2009 04:07
Harper Collins, out now, hardback, 172 pp, £14.99.
What's it all about?
Divided into three stories, Conn Iggulden's explosively funny book tells the tale of Tollins, creatures who have wings but are absolutely not fairies. For one thing fairies can't sing B-sharp and they're much smaller too. Tollins even use fairies to blow their noses.
Although Tollins usually live a relatively quiet life, sunning themselves on flowers or having dancing competitions, part one of the book - How To Blow Up Tollins - tells how Sparkler, a young Tollin and our hero, must stop the humans from using Tollins in fireworks.
In Sparkler and the Purple Death our lead character is to face executive but luckily the executioner's mask is on back-to-front, while in Wind-Bags and Dark Tollins, Sparkler must once again save the flying humanoids.
Lizzy Duncan vividly illustrates these flying creatures, who can't be seen by adult humans, with double-page spreads and colourful maps.
Who's it by?
Although mainly an author of historical novels, Conn Iggulden made his children's book debut with best-selling The Dangerous Book for Boys. This manual for males of all ages, which he co-wrote with his brother Hal, was voted Book of the Year at the Galaxy British Awards in 2007 and has sold more than 500,000 copies in the UK alone.
Tollins: Explosive Tales for Children also sees artist Lizzy Duncan illustrate her first book.
As an example...
"Tollins are also a lot less fragile than fairies. In fact, the word 'fragile' can't really be used about them at all. They are about as fragile as a housebrick."
Likelihood of becoming a Hollywood blockbuster
Next year, there will be five nominations for Best Animated Film at the Oscars, proving there definitely a market for animated movies. This book, with its endearing characters and fun stories, could easily be turned into a film which would attract both children and adults alike.
What the others say
"The three stories in this first instalment: How To Blow Up Tollins, Sparkler And The Purple Death and Windbags And Dark Tollins, provide the definitive guide to these remarkable flying creatures...A beautifully illustrated, full colour gift book, it's perfect for boys and girls who enjoy a bit of mischief and lots of laughs." - Janet Tansley, Liverpool Echo
"There is enough eeeww-yukky-gross humour to satisfy everyone, without overdoing it, and plenty of tongue-in-cheek irony for parents as well. I like the emphasis on curiosity, education, and alertness; after all, (without giving it all away), the plot really rests on all three." - Renee Bush, Good Reads
So is it any good?
Although I'm meant to be an adult, I have a confession to admit - I love children's books. While authors like Roald Dahl and JK Rowling might have written for children, I often can't help but fall in-love with the stories as well.
And this book is no exception. Iggulden has managed to combine a very witty story with lovable characters and even some educational facts. We learn how fireworks are made - it's either with Tollins or some chemicals. And in a round-about way, Iggulden manages to convey the importance of books, knowledge and why hot air balloons rise.
Although this might sound a bit too educational for a fictional book, the witty writing means that that, while you take the facts on board, the story-line is more absorbing.
With its fantastic illustrations and endearing stories, this book would make an excellent present for boys and girls aged seven to ten.
8/10
Attracta M Mooney