In "A Very late Story" by Marianna Coppo, the characters actually turn up in this fun picture book before the story itself.
One rather impatient bunny is not at all happy with this state of affairs though, and begins to surreptitiously steal the show as the other characters hang around, getting rained on (and worse - bird-pooped on) - not realising that an actual story is unfolding around them.
It's such a simple idea, but beautifully effective thanks to some fantastic use of the initial white space, engaging characters and of course that rather naughty bunny.
Children who love books like "The Book with No Pictures" will thrive on a story that..late or otherwise...gets going with such brilliant comic timing and charm that it's impossible to resist.
C's best bit: She loves the unicorns that turn up later on as the story begins to get busy.
Daddy's favourite bit: A very clever idea that hangs on brilliant comic timing, superb illustration and engaging characters.
"A Very Late Story" by Marianna Coppo is out now, published by Flying Eye Books (kindly provided for review).