Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #44019 in Books
• Published on: 2007-10-01
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 40 pages

Customer Reviews

Dark, deep and epic
I first spotted this book in Waterstones, and immediately picked it up because of the cover with the cute little creature. However when I turned the first two pages I knew this wasn't going to be like ANY children's illustration book I've ever read...

The story is about creatures who love nature and take care of plants in the fields, but then an industrial city is built over this peaceful landscape. However there is one creature who won't give up on looking after one, small plant.

The narration is very deep and definitely makes you think. The story in general makes you think too. This means that this book can be enjoyed by adults. But it's not just the story that shines, it's the illustrations aswell! Probably the best I've ever seen, they are dark, detailed and epic, but also feature these cute, simple characters, possibly the only lighthearted aspect of the book. The cute characters mixed with the industrial, dark atmosphere is very unique.

Overall a brilliant read not just for children, but for adults too. And it's a great book to look through, because these illustrations are just incredible.

Slight but profound...
Presented in paperback form this book seems slight, a large format but with only a few pages, but spend a little time admiring the dark, glowering illustrations and you find the substance. The story is poignant and relevant as one sole creature, whose peaceful pastoral life gets swept away in a tidal wave of urban development, tries to save one small part of his former life. The illustrations and typography are moody, dark and beautiful and will probably charm and intrigue adults more than very young children.

Compared to the wonderful Varmints animated film made by Marc Craste (with a beautiful soundtrack by Jóhann Jóhannsson) the story presented here is more spare and poetic but just as touching. If you love the book you really have to see the film - and vice-versa. Unfortunately the film's not available from Amazon or on DVD, but it is available to download from the iTunes Store. Both book and film very highly recommended!

varmints review
lovely drawing. story poetic although sometimes not too clear. overall a very interesting and atmospheric book.