AGAIN!

How is it that Emily Gravett manages to create in every book she produces something that is creative and charming and beautiful that leaves you smiling and wanting to read it all over again?

Well in AGAIN! we have not only a book that has all of the aforementioned qualities, but it happens to be about the experience of loving a book so much you want to hear it over and over. Once is never enough for Cedrick the tiny green dragon who is the star of the story. Each night he settles down with mum (or perhaps dad, it’s hard to tell with dragons) to hear his favourite story about Cedric the red dragon. He is crazy about this book. When it’s over, he asks to hear it again. This pattern continues all the way to the end. And there’s a surprise at the end that is completely delightful and is guaranteed to make every kid laugh (and be a lesson about the dangers of temper tantrums). My eyes went wide with delight. Honest.

As with all of Gravett’s books, she takes a simple concept and executes it brilliantly by letting her illustrations tell most of the story. Even though the illustrations are not overly detailed, with a clean white background on every page, you’ll notice new things the more you look. Kids will like that. This book is completely winning. It proves that Gravett is a master of the picture book form. Her books are sure to be enjoyed again and again and again for years to come.

Here she is sharing how to draw a dragon like Cedrick:

AGAIN! is published by Macmillan Children’s Books.