#365PictureBooks 12. The Return of the Jabberwock by Oakley Graham, illustrated by David Neale

Graham, O., & Neale, D. (2013). The Return of the Jabberwock: Inspired by Lewis Carroll's famous poem. Heatherton, Australia: Hinkler.

ISBN: 9781743670286
Pages: 24
Age Level: Middle Childhood 7-12
Genre: Picture Storybook
Rating: 5 stars

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Wow!  What an awesome book. 

I've got to admit that when I had to do a study of Lewis Caroll's Jabberwocky poem in high school, I just didn't understand it.  Quite a few years later as an adult ... yeeeeaaaah, nah!  I still don't get it.  But boy, Oakley Graham does!

Setting the scene right from the get-go, this book starts off with Lewis Carroll's 1872 Jabberwocky poem in a two-page spread, surrounded by a misty forest and dark looming trees.  Devoid of much colour the illustrations lend an air of suspense as you read the poem. 

Then starts the story of a young boy who sets off on an adventure into the Tulgey Wood to find his own Jabberwock, just like his great grandfather did.  Will he be brave enough to go into the woods and face the creatures that live there?  And if he is will he find a Jabberwock?  

Graham's use of language, from his rhyming text to his imagery, really help give the story a sense of excitement, tension and relief.  I really love this particular verse:

'It had an ugly beak and a toothless smile,

And it perched in a nest by an old sundial.

The boy started to tremble; the adventure felt real.

Would he end up as the creature's next meal?

Neale's illustrations are just freaking awesome.  They are perfect for the story.  The young boy stands out as the main character with his use of a muted almost transparent background and scary creatures in shadowy relief.  Shafts of moonlight peeping out from behind the clouds and car lights show what the scary creatures really are - just woodland creatures out and about!  The expressions of fear, determination, and dissapointment are shown so well on the young boy's face.  And Neale's depiction of the animals are just so cute - especially the little piggy!  

I'm so glad I purchased this for school.  It will set a new generation of youngsters on the path of discovery of Lewis Carroll's awesome works.  Whether they understand his original poem, or like me have noooooo freaking idea, they will certainly love this story that it inspired.  Actually it's really a poem, and I can see our older students using it for their poetry competition this year - I'll just have to remember to recommend it!

I got my copy of The Return of the Jabberwodk from the Taradale Primary School library where I work. 

Woops!  I couldn't find a copy at our local library but you can order a copy from your local bookseller.