Wednesday 10 October 2012

"Rumbelow's Dance" by John Yeoman and Quentin Blake (Andersen Press)














A busy, fizzing whizz-bang of a book that has nothing to do with shonky 80s electrical goods retailers, "Rumbelow's Dance" is proof positive that Quentin Blake's energetic scribbly drawings can turn just about any children's book into an instant classic.

The man behind the fantastic illustrations of Roald Dahl's timeless children's books is on top form. The story, about a young boy named Rumbelow who cheers up travellers making their way to market by encouraging them to "dance, dance, dance to market" is the children's literary equivalent of a good bum-wiggling tune. It's so easy to get caught up with the rhythm of the story and it's a real joy to see how children react to Rumbelow's effervescence.

John Yeoman's rhyming text bounces as much as Blake's drawings, to make a really pleasing little book discovery nestling amongst the shelves in Abingdon's extremely well stocked library.

Charlotte's best bit: The flower lady ("She's me" said Charlotte).

Daddy's favourite bit: Blake's flowing, scribbly but absolutely perfect drawing skills.