So, when is a kids' book not a kids' book? This can be quite a poser these days. Okay, so we have the likes of Harry Potter and other such books (The Edge Chronicles by Paul Stewart and Chris Riddell and Terry Pratchett's fantastic Only You Can Save Mankind, for example) but these sorts of books are almost purely text and, as such, naturally draw an adult following. However, when you have something like All My friends Are Dead which is presented in cartoon illustrated format the first thing that goes through your head is “kids' book.”
How wrong you would be.
This book (and it's sequel All My Friends Are Still Dead) provides little scenes of cartoon characters lamenting the demise of their acquaintances and the repercussions that it has on their lives. Hmmm... That makes it sound far too serious. It is anything but. Avery Monsen & Jory John have created a pair of little gems that will have you wickedly chuckling from cover to cover, from the dinosaur of the cover to the tree who realises that his so-called friends would rather be tables right through to The Grim Reaper saying joyfully how his job makes him feel so alive.
I can highly recommend this book to anyone who has that attack of modern life glums. When its raining and your boss is on your back, just open it up, sit back and smile. And, if you're in the shower, just remember this – the angels are watching you (the dirty little pervs...)
My personal favourite, though, had to be the computer guy with all his friends. Just remember this next time you are socialising on Facebook ;-)
Thanks for reading this blog. If you like what you see feel free to visit my website (www.aschambers.co.uk), follow me on Facebook (A.S.Chambers) or stalk me on Twitter (@ASChambersUK) where you can find various bits and bobs regarding books, films TV series and whatever drops into my lap.
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