ReadItDaddy's Third Picture Book of the Week - Week Ending 20th September 2019: "The Misadventures of Frederick" by Ben Manley and Emma Chichester-Clark (Two Hoots Books)

We just can't get enough of the amazing books that have arrived, Autumn is definitely our favourite time of year for book releases - and there are just so many books that deserve top honours. So with that, here's a book that pulls rather a nice little bait-and-switch on you as you begin reading.

In "The Misadventures of Frederick" by Ben Manley and Emma Chichester Clark" you'll meet the titular young boy who lives a life of quiet and protected bliss. At first you might be mistaken for thinking this is a book about over-protective parenting. But as you read, and re-read this one you pick up the delicious visual clues that tell you that Frederick is, for want of a better way of describing him, a happy go lucky klutz (see if you can spot the crutch propped against a wall, or even the big blaring clue on the cover of Fred penning a letter and spilling ink all over everything).

Frederick's mother tends to like to keep an eye on him to ensure he doesn't get into more trouble. So the poor fellah spends a lot of time mooching around in his room, making his own entertainment.

That is, until, a little girl comes along who loves to play outdoors, go on adventures, and wants a friend to join her in her games. She spies Frederick while playing, and comes up with an ingenious way to catch is attention, inviting him to come outside.

Frederick knows though that his mother would definitely NOT approve (and sure enough she very quickly puts the kybosh on Frederick's plans to escape).

Frederick is SO bored though. Why should he spend all his time indoors, leading a sheltered life when there's so much more to do outside - and a new friend to play with?

Mother maintains that it's much, much better to stay safely indoors. But Emily is a girl after our own heart - not one to take no for an answer.

Will she win the day for Frederick after all?

The book is unique in picking the story out in a series of beautifully written, brilliantly funny and evocative letters between Frederick and Emily as the story unfolds. 

Frederick's mum is a bit over-protective to say the least (ooh, almost a cameo from Plumdog there, has he changed colour?)

Ben's brilliantly atmospheric story works beautifully with Emma's gorgeously rich and detailed visuals to bring the story perfectly to life. 

All the toys in the world can't make up for being stuck in the house without a friend

Sum this book up in a sentence: An absolutely gorgeous little tale of a misadventurous little boy quite rightly protected (over-protected) by his mum, and one determined little girl who wants a new playmate, accident-prone or not!

"The Misadventures of Frederick" by Ben Manley and Emma Chichester-Clark is out now, published by Two Hoots Books (kindly supplied for review).