Fierce Bad Rabbits: The Tales Behind Children’s Picture Books

Pollard, Clare

£9.99

Takes us on an eye-opening journey in a pea-green boat through the history of picture books. From Edward Lear through to Beatrix Potter and contemporary picture books like ‘Stick Man’, Clare Pollard shines a light on some of our best-loved childhood stories, their histories and what they really mean. Because the best picture books are far more complex than they seem – and darker too. Monsters can gobble up children and go unnoticed, power is not always used wisely, and the wild things are closer than you think. Sparkling with wit, magic and nostalgia, this title weaves in tales from Clare’s own childhood, and her re-readings as a parent, with fascinating facts and theories about the authors behind the books. Introducing you to new treasures while bringing your childhood favourites to vivid life, it will make you see even stories you’ve read a hundred times afresh.

Peek Inside

Available on backorder

Publish Date: 06/08/2020

Description

What is The Tiger Who Came to Tea really about?
How is Meg and Mog related to Polish embroidery?
And why does death in picture books involve being eaten?

Fierce Bad Rabbits explores the stories behind our favourite picture books, weaving in tales of Clare Pollard’s childhood reading and her re-discovery of the classic tales as a parent. Because the best picture books are far more complex than they seem – and darker too. Monsters can gobble up children and go unnoticed, power is not always used wisely, and the wild things are closer than you think.

‘A gem . . . hard to put down. Thoroughly enjoyable’ Spectator

‘Essential reading for every thinking parent’ Penelope Lively

‘An enlightening, perceptive analysis of the books that build us’ Sunday Telegraph, 5 star review

‘A happy way to reconnect with old friends’ Times

Additional information

Weight 224 g
Dimensions 198 × 129 × 17 mm
Author

Publisher

Imprint

Cover

Paperback

Pages

xi, 288

Language

English

Edition
Dewey

002.083 (edition:23)

Readership

General – Trade / Code: K