Image courtesy of http://www.betterworldbooks.com/lewis-carroll-s-jabberwocky-id-0810935201.aspx |
‘Jabberwocky ‘written
by Lewis Carroll and illustrated by Graeme Base is a beautifully designed pop
up picture book. The images leap out of the book to engage viewers in the story
that is taking place, that is, what can be made with some of the nonsensical sentence
structure. E.g. ‘the sword went snicker-snack!’ and ‘O frabjous day! Callooh!
Callay!’
I enjoy the level of interaction that can be taken from the
book. On surface, it is the tale of a young male hunting down the beast known
as the Jabberwocky much to the delight of the king when the boy returns with
the beasts head in hand. The images reflect this, presenting the youth as a
friendly looking adventurer, with the king slotting nicely into the role of the
stereotypical wise white bearded king. Throughout
the text, the poem warns the reader to beware the claws and teeth of the Jabberwocky
leading to the above representation of the beast as an evil entity. However,
the first page (and cover) represents the beasts of the wild in a lighter, more
social and friendly sense. They wear clothes and appear to be happy and
laughing, this contrasts with the end scene of the king laughing gleefully with
the presentation of yet another beast head to join the numerous heads that
already adorn his wall.
A great modern day working on a classic poem complete with
rich diagrams that are sure to engage any reader.
Joel Blackie.