Instructions – Neil Gaiman, Charles Vess
Bloomsbury Allen & Unwin, 2010
40 pages
RRP: AU$24.99
ISBN: 9781408808641

Reviewed by Liz Grzyb

Instructions is a lovely picture book for young children. It takes the reader (or listener) on a journey through a fairy tale world and back again, where some of the instructions are familiar and reminiscent of favourite fairy tales, some are new, and some are just good manners!

(more…)

The Comical Tragedy or Tragical Comedy of Mr Punch – Neil Gaiman and Dave McKean
Allen & Unwin Bloomsbury, 2006
96 pages
RRP: AU$22.95
ISBN: 9780747588443

Reviewed by Nicolee Baxter

The Comical Tragedy or Tragical Comedy of Mr Punch is a moody, mental walk through a man’s memories of himself as a seven year old boy. Recalling visits to his grandparents, the boy regards the conversations and behaviour of the adults around him with simple acceptance. However, recalling those conversations and behaviour with his adult perspective, he begins to question them. The memories insinuate disturbing family secrets.

(more…)