Review:- Paul STEWART & Chris RIDDELL - "Muddle Earth"

Publ: 2003
Mine
ISBN: 0 330 42628 1
Genre: Children's Fantasy and humour
Pages: 450p
Found by Serendipity in charity shop
Rating: ***** *


What led you to pick up this book?
The title and the front cover

Describe the plot without giving anything away.
Vaguely reminiscent of Tolkein with the difference that I don't recall anyone being attacked by flying wardrobes in The Lord Of The Rings. Muddle Earth is in danger from a villain - Dr Cuddles. Its three moons, perfumed bog, pink stinky hogs and exploding gas frogs are all threatened. Fortunately a wizard called Randalf manages to summon a schoolboy from earth (and Henry his dog) to aid him and Norbert-the-not-very-big (a friendly ogre) in their adventures. Margot the Drqgon plays her part well. Great fun - the authors definitely have the Wellies of Power to assist them when it comes to writing.

What did you think of the characters?
Typical of what one would expect from a childen's fantasy book.

What did you think about the style?
Easy-flowing prose eminently suitable for the older child.

What did you like most about the book?
The imagination used in creating hazards for the heroes.

Was there anything you didn't like about the book?
No

Thoughts on the book jacket / cover.
The cover and illustrations throughout the book are great.

Would I recommend it?
Yes, to any child around the ten to thirteen age with an interest in fantasy.

Quotations:
Randalf watched the ground hurtling towards him and desperately racked his bran for a not=breaking-every-single-bone-in-your-body spell.


PAUL STEWART (b 1955) is the author of many books for children and with Chris Riddell is the creator of the hugely successful EDGE CHRONICLES series. He lives in Brighton with his wife and two children.


CHRIS RIDDELL (born 1962) is the Kate Greenaway Medal winning illustrator of a broad range of highly successful books for children. With author Paul Stewart he is the creator of the best-selling fantasy series THE EDGE CHRONICLES. He has been the political cartoonist for THE OBSERVER newspaper since 1995. With his wife and two children he lives in Brighton.