The follow-up to Man on the Moon, featuring Bob's cousin Dougal, who shares the family trait of being unable to see what's going on behind his back. Count the hidden mermaids and mermen guiding Dougal on his search for the lost city of Atlants. Man on the Moon was shortlisted for the Kate Greenaway Award in 2003
The follow-up to Man on the Moon, featuring Bob's cousin Dougal, who shares the family trait of being unable to see what's going on behind his back. Count the hidden mermaids and mermen guiding Dougal on his search for the lost city of Atlants. Man on the Moon was shortlisted for the Kate Greenaway Award in 2003. AGES: 3+ AUTHOR: Simon Bartram studied Graphic Design, specialising in illustration. He has gone on to write and illustrate a number of picture books, including Blue Peter Award-winner 'The Man on the Moon: A Day in the Life of Bob'. He has also written a popular series of illustrated fiction books about the adventures of Bob and his dog Barry.
Dougal has a very boring job but very interesting hobby - deep-sea diving - and some exciting and unusual things happen when he goes on holiday.
I particularily like the way the story is written in diary form along with the dya and the time that events happen, which makes the whole text interesting and gives the opportunity for jokes, such as "9.32 set sail. Hope we don't sink. 9.33 not sunk yet!"
The illustrations are even more imaginative than the text, and so full of detailed pictures, using fantastically vibrant colours, which make the whole book come alive. I knew this was going t be something special just by looking at the cover and I wasn't disappointed.
How refreshing to find a picture book that defies convention both in writing style and illustration.
Written in diary format with the text divided into timed sections the reader accompanies Dougal on his entertaining holiday adventure to find the lost city of Atlantis at the bottom of the ocean. The pictures are rich in detail, vivid and absorbing and will appeal to a broad age group particularly Key Stage 2. The text and selected typeface adds to the effect.
As a teaching resource the book is valuable as the illustrative detail encourages inquisitive minds to identify sealife by opening up the underwater world up as if we were peering beneath the surface with a snorkel. The concept of the week divided by day and the day divided by time allows us to see the holiday time ticking by as Dougal endeavours to complete his mission.
The power of a picture book in terms of demands for rereads often relies on a strong ending and this is executed powerfully - as we discover the empty seat on his typical train journey to work followed by his rich reward - the discovery of deep sea pearls!
Illustrator Simon Bartram is one of the most talented young illustrators working today. He has won several awards for his illustrations including the V&A Award for illustration Simon is available for events in shops and libraries
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