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By Terry Pratchett, illustrated by Melvyn Grant (Doubleday)
ISBN: 0-38560-937-X
Here’s a charming little thing. Not strictly a comic strip or a graphic novel, but rather a beautifully illustrated picture book. Originally a plot device from Thud!, one of Terry Pratchett’s Discworld prose fantasy novels, until some bright spark wisely decided to manufacture the thing for real.
Since a few of the novels have been adapted as picture strips (and I’ll get to them in due course) and owing to the sheer quality of this little gem, I’m sure you won’t mind me bringing this book to your attention.
Watch Commander Sam Vimes is the best copper in Anhk Morpork, and his day job ranges from colourful to sheer hell. What makes worth living for him is to get home, kick off his boots and breastplate, and read his baby boy their favourite bedtime story – and do all the noises too.
And so can you if you get this wonderful book which manages to be both an engaging, clever side-bar to the novels of and also a superbly illustrated easy reader for the very young.
If you’re a fan of the Discworld you’ll want this, if you’re not, buy the novels and become one, and if you have small kids get them one of the prettiest picture books on the market. It’s the first sure step to getting them hooked on pictorial wonderment, and a darn fine thing besides.
Text © 2005 Terry Pratchett & Lyn Pratchett. All Rights Reserved.
Illustrations © 2005 Melvyn Grant. All Rights Reserved.