mehsi's review
5.0
Benji Davies did it again, yes, he did. He made another gorgeous, beautiful, and also mysterious, picture book about a mysterious creature, thefts, and nightly activities.
When I spotted this book on Twitter I ran immediately to Bookdepository to get it. And then the wait begins (why can't they just ship it faster!), and then even more wait as I wanted to save this one for October when I read all sorts of mysterious books as Halloween draws nearer and nearer.
There is a creature lurking in the night, stealing your knickers, stealing your lights, your food, anything. Is it random? Is there purpose to the thefts? As the book continues we see things take shape, and we see what the creature is up to.
I knew pretty much right from the bat who the Grotlyn was. There were a lot of hints available, not to mention that at times you could see most of the mysterious creatures. Still, I had a ton of fun seeing what the mysterious creature was up.
Of course this being a picture book, it is filled with gorgeous, beautiful illustrations. I am sure this book could survive on the illustrations alone. There are little details strewn throughout them, plus you can easily see what is going on, the expressions on the characters often convey well what is going on. From Rubi's frightened looks, to the police officer's shocked one. I am definitely sure I can find more details as I re-read this book, and I am looking forward to it.
The ending was terrific, be sure to check those roofs. :P
Also bonus points for the hardcover and what is under the flap on the real book cover.
All in all, a wonderful book by Benji Davies. And I would highly recommend this book to everyone young and old!
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
When I spotted this book on Twitter I ran immediately to Bookdepository to get it. And then the wait begins (why can't they just ship it faster!), and then even more wait as I wanted to save this one for October when I read all sorts of mysterious books as Halloween draws nearer and nearer.
There is a creature lurking in the night, stealing your knickers, stealing your lights, your food, anything. Is it random? Is there purpose to the thefts? As the book continues we see things take shape, and we see what the creature is up to.
I knew pretty much right from the bat who the Grotlyn was. There were a lot of hints available, not to mention that at times you could see most of the mysterious creatures. Still, I had a ton of fun seeing what the mysterious creature was up.
Of course this being a picture book, it is filled with gorgeous, beautiful illustrations. I am sure this book could survive on the illustrations alone. There are little details strewn throughout them, plus you can easily see what is going on, the expressions on the characters often convey well what is going on. From Rubi's frightened looks, to the police officer's shocked one. I am definitely sure I can find more details as I re-read this book, and I am looking forward to it.
The ending was terrific, be sure to check those roofs. :P
Also bonus points for the hardcover and what is under the flap on the real book cover.
All in all, a wonderful book by Benji Davies. And I would highly recommend this book to everyone young and old!
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
thunguyen's review
4.0
Probably because the first word was "twas" that I could make up a song to sing the whole book instead of reading aloud for my kid. He loves it.
mikayla_k_b's review
adventurous
dark
funny
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
3.0
michalice's review
4.0
When The Grotlyn arrived through my door I was very curious to know what the book was about. This was not only a surprise book, but was also an author I had not read before.
The Grotlyn was a quick read, only 32 pages long, but it packs so much into it. I loved the front cover design, the atmosphere it portrays and the artwork, and this continues throughout the book as we read about shadows, and scuttling, and things disappearing.
The illustrations within the pages were amazing, and I love the detail that went into them. Another thing I also loved was the rhyming aspect to it and how it really draws you in and has you wanting to know more.
The ending of the book was unexpected but I loved getting to see what was stolen and why.
Final Verdict
I really enjoyed reading The Grotlyn and I can't wait to pass this book along to my niece to enjoy.
The Grotlyn was a quick read, only 32 pages long, but it packs so much into it. I loved the front cover design, the atmosphere it portrays and the artwork, and this continues throughout the book as we read about shadows, and scuttling, and things disappearing.
The illustrations within the pages were amazing, and I love the detail that went into them. Another thing I also loved was the rhyming aspect to it and how it really draws you in and has you wanting to know more.
The ending of the book was unexpected but I loved getting to see what was stolen and why.
Final Verdict
I really enjoyed reading The Grotlyn and I can't wait to pass this book along to my niece to enjoy.
ellalouise99's review
5.0
The Grotlyn is going around different people stealing things at night. Nobody knows what it is that is taking everything. It turns out that a monkey has escaped and is collecting things to make a hot air balloon out of in order to get out of the city.
There are lots of opportunities for children to predict what is taking the objects and what they might be doing with them. The illustrations are great and have lots of hidden clues in them. A lovely read-aloud story for KS1 children with the potential to be used to base a unit of work around.
There are lots of opportunities for children to predict what is taking the objects and what they might be doing with them. The illustrations are great and have lots of hidden clues in them. A lovely read-aloud story for KS1 children with the potential to be used to base a unit of work around.
drewmay97's review
4.0
Listened to the audiobook read by the lovely Peter Capaldi and it was a very short and sweet story.
iseefeelings's review
4.0
Among Benji Davies' picture books, I think this one is in tune with me the most. It worths a read when you want to explain all the dark fears children may have and turn the darkness into a captivating adventure with their imagination.
Moreover, it paves a path to let every child know that they can navigate their perception to positive sides rather than letting a challenging situation bring them down. The illustrations have that quirky Victorian vibe which is excellent to capture the mood for this story. I also love how the intricate visual part makes it more exciting to re-read since the clues are hidden everywhere for the last surprise. Those rhyming words are a plus!
Moreover, it paves a path to let every child know that they can navigate their perception to positive sides rather than letting a challenging situation bring them down. The illustrations have that quirky Victorian vibe which is excellent to capture the mood for this story. I also love how the intricate visual part makes it more exciting to re-read since the clues are hidden everywhere for the last surprise. Those rhyming words are a plus!
thisknife's review
4.0
This reminded me so much of The Babadook just looking at the cover, that I had to read it. Much less frightening, and more child friendly of course. An enjoyable read!
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