I checked this out of the library to read to my 6-year-old, because I’m a NYRB stan, and because the first line of the introduction (by Philip Pullman) said that it’s the funniest children’s book ever. And it is quite funny, but in a very Victorian British sort of way. Here’s a taste of the prose:
“Rather than allow this happy occasion to be marred by unseemly recriminations, let us, while admitting that our admirable friend, Sam, may have unwittingly disturbed the composure of our admirable friend, Bill, at the expense of our admirable Puddin’s gravy, let us, I say, by the simple act of extending the hand of friendship, dispel, in an instant, these gathering clouds of disruption.”
It’s a scream, but to a 6-year-old, it’s borderline incomprehensible. But we gamely forged ahead — mostly because all the other books were packed for the move and, I admit, because I selfishly enjoyed it and he cheerfully tolerated it, probably as a excuse to defer sleep (and I tried to use lots of funny voices for characters). But also, he did get a kick out of some parts. Pullman says in the Introduction that Lindsay’s belief was that children’s primary interests are food and fighting, and so he tried to write a book that centered around both, and that’s pretty much what this is — a (very cantankerous) magic pudding named Albert that can be eaten endlessly, which a dastardly possum and wombat pair are constantly trying to steal from the Noble Society of Puddin Owners (a sailor, a penguin, and a koala). My child was absolutely delighted by ornate descriptions of people getting socked in the snout — it’s a very effective way to build a vocabulary.
Another very charming, and very Victorian, feature of the book is that it’s filled with snippets of poetry and song, much like Alice in Wonderland. I always found this bewildering as a child, but given how many children’s books are written in verse, and how many children’s movies are musicals, I’m actually surprised that it’s not more common. It’s very pleasant!
I think we’ll try to revisit in a few years.
Kasia Reads 