I've reviewed a number of CDs from this Melbourne musician, and I've watched him develop over the years, but this latest offering is his biggest departure yet, for this is an audiobook. A children's audiobook. What a godsend for those parents who do not enjoy reading to their young children! You can just pop it in the player and off you go! Ten chapters, each followed by a song about the events of that chapter. I'm way older than the target readership, but I really enjoyed it.
My Review
This is an utterly awesome debut book. In charming and humorous quest story, three children seek the Island in the Sky. It's a tale well told and I enjoyed it very much.
Of particular note is the didactic element, which is always present in a really good children's book, and perhaps in a really good novel for any age. The real test of a writer is how this element is handled; most new writers tend either to labour the point or to omit it altogether. Manning does not fall into either of these traps, but shows us, delicately and with warmth and humour, how the world could be if we lived better. Further, the beautifully developed Ice Tiger character demonstrates the two sides of the coin of strength, showing the reader how a fearsome individual can be seen in two ways - either as a terrible foe, or as a bastion of security.
I really think the Ice Tiger is one of the best characters I've ever encountered in a children's book. He is up there with Pooh and the Psammead. A beautifully developed character who absolutely makes the story.
I can hardly close without a word about the music. Manning is a musician, and I've reviewed many music CDs from him, so it should come as no surprise to find that in this delightful audiobook, each chapter is set off with a song about it. They're charming songs, and some of them are brilliant. I have caught myself singing 'The Ice Tiger' around the house already.
All around, a real treat for any age.
