The Lunchtime Read – day 11

Reading Janet and Allan Ahlberg, It was a dark and stormy night & Jeremiah in the Dark Woods

Listening to Alison Goldfrapp, Silver Eye

I spent the weekend with family. I was reminded of a time, a few years ago, when I bought my sister a special edition of the Jolly Postman by the Ahlbergs. I also remember loving the book with it’s tiny illustrated envelopes and other bits and bobs. Many of the books I’ve been reading have been a mixture of text and illustration. Whether these are complex cityscapes or individual character shots the effect doesn’t seem to be lessened. Rather the style lends something to the storytelling that’s difficult to articulate. With Quentin Blake and Roald Dahl the illustrations add a jaunt and scribble that appeals to me unreservedly and often because of their comic quality.

So today, after a break from picture books, I decided to return to the Ahlberg’s. The illustrations carefully merge into the text, and what I really liked is how the creatures seem to pay attention to the action. Again, there’s that comic wink. It’s ridiculously charming. Imagine the the Ahlberg’s illustrated a book with Raymond Briggs (maybe they have, I didn’t research this!) ahhh.

Raymond Briggs received a lifetime achievement award recently; I watched a clip of when the award was given to him by Chris Riddell. Briggs was emotional as he related a story about his readers and their experience of reading his work with an elderly relative who suffered from dementia. It was a heartwarming tale of life, fringed with sadness. I’m lining up Ethel and Ernest next. For some reason it’s making me think about the film Anomalisa by Charlie Kaufman. Hey, why doesn’t he do books?

Over and out.

The Lunchtime Read – day 10

Reading Shaun Tan, The Arrival, Daniel Pennac, Eye of the Wolf, Philip Reeve – Mortal Engine

Listening to Vaults – Caught in Still life

I’ve felt like the Lunchtime read has made me look at things differently. There have been flashes of recognition whilst browsing Dave’s Comics in Brighton – Blackcat, noir cat detective; the front splash of incredible perspectives and suave felines. Whilst at the Brighton Graphic Novel Symposium 2016, I listened and watched in awe as Bryan Talbot gave a masterclass, talking us through the construction individual panels. He shared a vast list of graphic novelists, and then he paused for a second as he said the name Shaun Tan – does anyone know him? My hand nearly shot up. Then there was the time I was in Waterstones and it seemed extra busy with lots of children and parents – I enquired what was happening and found out that Chris Riddell was due to visit. I was lucky enough to get his newest book signed. So there is this intertwining of reading and real life.

Also, when you see that book you read, or mention it and someone else’s face lights up, it’s a bit like the feeling you get when you see an old friend. There are a number of books on the list that I’ve read since my last post, and I’ve found the books I carry around with me are no longer just luggage but an instant insight into imagination; one which helps tire an overactive mind, or pass time in a waiting room. Reading concentrates the spirit. That sounds a bit nineteenth century, but what I probably mean is it helps me notice the world around me.

I’m back to a familiar pattern of reading a number of books at the same time, – really reading them, not with the half-hopeful expectation of finishing them. Since my last post I’ve worked my way through several Roald Dahl books. I’m stuck on The Great Glass Elevator… I’ve enjoyed Philip Reeve’s books and the weighty-tome The invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick. Daniel Pennac also delivered with the Eye of the Wolf.

It feels like time to reach for some more substantial classics. So I’m beginning Ursula Le Guin’s Earthsea Trilogy.

The Lunchtime Read – day 9

Reading The Reluctant Dragon by Kenneth Grahame

Listening to Avenged Sevenfold, The Stage

Today, another book that looked like it has arrived from my past. It had yellowed paper, a dog-eared spine and a faded front cover; it’s just the book I’m looking for. Kenneth Grahame is, of course, most famous for The Wind in the Willows, a children’s classic and famously adapted for film. Grahame wasn’t a prolific author but his books have stayed with us. I re-watched the Wind in the Willows film fairly recently and still enjoyed it, probably more so that I did as a child.

illustration_to_the_reluctant_dragon_in_dream_daysThe Reluctant Dragon is an enjoyable read. It’s hardly aged and is a testament to Grahame’s brilliance as a storyteller. I was curious to find out a little about the author, so after finishing the book I took to the internet for background information. Grahame was born in Edinburgh, he started university but couldn’t afford to complete his studies. He married and his only son committed suicide at 19. He worked at the Bank of England and retired in 1908. He published work over a period of twenty years. There are mysteries written into the Wikipedia entry.

The Reluctant Dragon is really very good; the characters can be likened to Roald Dahl’s in books like Matilda or George’s Marvellous Medicine. Full of charm and beguiling honesty. It begins with a precocious child who we learn is encouraged to read by his parents. The boy reads widely and it’s this knowledge which helps him decide what to do when I dragon is spotted, living nearby. The is seemingly docile and residing in a nearby cave, the child is not phased by the idea of visiting him. The child’s standpoint is both curious and diplomatic.

He insists on visiting the dragon and won’t be dissuaded, his parents give in. It’s this risk and leap of the imagination which draws you into the story. The story unfolds with some perfectly placed illustrations which document  key moments. When St George arrives I would have guessed the game was over – with my basic knowledge of the myth of St George and the dragon. But it isn’t. In the same way that Neil Gaiman turns familiar fairy tales on their head, Grahame plays with the well-known stories, injecting wit and humour. There is also a 1941 Disney adaptation of the book. This brings to life the charm of the story in the way that Disney films do, but the familiar comment ‘it’s not as good as the book’ holds true here.

Next up is author Daniel Pennac. He’s the teacher I never had and a bestselling author in France. I’ve read his non-fiction and I’m excited to read his fiction for children.

I was listening to the fast-paced, frantic and elegiac sounds of Avenged Sevenfold, their tracks alternate between heavier sounds  and focused intricate guitar solos. I am really getting into this album, particularly Exist, this prog sounding pounding track is just superb. The band have said that the album is inspired by AI. I reckon in the 1970’s this band would have been writing about dragons.

The Lunchtime read – day 8

Reading Shirley Hughes – various titles

Listening to Bon Iver, 10 d E A T h b R E a s T ⊠ ⊠ and 22 (OVER S∞∞N)

dogger

In the last few weeks, I’d had some conversations about the children’s author Shirley Hughes. Having not really thought about her for at least twenty years this was kind of strange. I do remember her illustrations from childhood. There was something slightly messy about her style in a comforting way, and a consistent brown palette. Her characters were permanently in Autumn. I was discussing her work because she featured in the BBC series A day in the life of an Artist.

The episode was filled with bumbling jazz music and followed Shirley on a typical day. Now as an office-hog the idea of working at home is appealing and as an aspiring artist, I was curious (see: jealous) about how she spent her day.

Shirley Hughes lives in Notting Hill, a widow, in the house she raised her family in. It seems doing what you love pays off, her home and her routine were beyond charming. There was something effortless about her.  She continues to work on new books and is almost a nonagenarian! It’s not just work, it’s her passion.

She was also inspiring, probably because she was a stay at home mum who led a successful career as a storyteller and illustrator. But there is more. She is charismatic. She just goes against the grain. I read a few of the books in the Dogger series and a couple of the Alfie books. She very clearly articulates the challenges and compromises that young children make as they get to know the world and her books are filled with kindness and surprises.

I was listening to Bon Iver today. He’s the kind of singer who might be known by a handful of people – because his music feels personal, and his persona is not that of an international superstar. The music still stands for itself. I have been listening to 22 (OVER S∞∞N) on repeat, and it feels a little Moby-esque in the era of Play. Bon Iver brings together this sentiment of living in the present and adds a melancholy touch – it might be over soon – the lyrics swoop and dive with epic background vocals and brass solos. It is awesome.

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The Lunch Time Read – day 7

Reading Blacksad by Juan Díaz Canales (writer) and Juanjo Guarnido (illustrator)

Listening to Ravyn Lenae, Moon shoes (2015)

Blacksad was beautiful because of it’s detailed illustrations and muted palette. The perspective used in some of the panels was amazing. However, I didn’t really get on with the story. Maybe I should back-up… Blacksad is a cat and he is a detective, suave and trench-coated. His boss is an Alsatian (who brought to mind actor Idris Elba). The heavies that approached him include a rhino. The anthropomorphism worked well under the artist’s hand, the narrative didn’t match up to the images though.

bsThis graphic novel is for adults, all good, the story was more parody of a noir drama. Maybe it’s that something really innovative and creative (like the drawing) matched with a formulaic narrative would also make you question – if the images are innovative, why can’t the story be too?

Today, I was listening to Moon shoes, at times this felt like an album of  percussion; song after song she lulls the listener with clicks and drums of her vocal chords. When I read about the singer I was surprised to learn she is just 17 years old. The album has had high production thrown at it, now sure how it would work live but it is a happy sound.

The Lunch Time Read – day 6

Reading Outlaw: The legend of Robin Hood by Tony Lee, Sam Hart (Illustrator), Artur Fujita (Illustrator)

Listening to Dinosaur Jr, Give a glimpse of what yer not (2016)

outlaw-sam

Well, this was awesome. I love Robin Hood anyway. It was part of my childhood. It brought me Alan Rickman, and occupied after school TV and the Disney version was great. The Robin Hood myth was taken in a new direction by the graphic novel Outlaw. I was listening to the new Dinosaur jr album. One of those bands that I might have loved, had they had the airplay they were due when I was growing up. The band formed in 1987, and reformed just over ten years ago. There is a sense of ‘if it ain’t broke’ about the album and actually I did enjoy their grungy, woozy guitar sound. I did know about them because they were on the soundtrack to Reality bites. That was one of those Generation X films starring Ethan Hawke and Winona Ryder. Must watch again.

Outlaw fluffs out the edges of the story, beginning some years before Robin of Loxley was provoked to become an outlaw, form the Merry Men etc. Instead, the book begins with Robin as a child, before he becomes the expert archer and leaves England, on bad terms with his father, to fight in the crusades. You know, I would have liked a little more on the crusades…

The art work is epic. Although I knew the story inside and out I just loved every single panel, it was dark. Dark like medieval England, dark like a kingdom in disarray because their God-like King is held to ransom and the shades of right and wrong are blurred by the actions of middle management. That last bit is a more familiar a scenario, isn’t it? The tone of the book was in keeping with a comic book, by that I mean there wasn’t so much time for reflection and analysis luckily I’m all in favour of dialogue-led storytelling and the enjoyed reading between the lines. I wish it hadn’t finished. Boo.

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The Lunch Time Read – day 5

Reading The Firework-Maker’s Daughter by Philip Pullman

Listening to ?

I read this before I went on holiday. Holidays, if they are good, have the capacity to bend time, heal the anxieties and mend the frustrations… but they also make me forget some things. I have forgotten who I was listening to at the time I was reading this book.

A few years ago, there was the fizz of excitement around Pullman not dissimilar to Rowling. He is an Oxford graduate, influenced by comics and William Blake, if Wikipedia is to be believed. The His Dark Materials trilogy resulted in a several awards and a Hollywood film. It wasn’t a great film alas, more style over substance, it really shouldn’t have failed…

PullmanI had particularly looked for Pullman’s books having read ‘the book he is famous for’. I did enjoy this little book, it was mythological and magical and the characters were memorable. Particularly, a white elephant that could speak… the illustration didn’t quite cut it, back to something truly graphic for my next choice I think. This book was adapted for opera which gives you an idea of the spectacle the book seeks to evoke. I think it needed colour illustrations to match the text, which in fact they might have done in other editions. Onwards…

The Lunchtime Read – day 4

Reading Corpse talk season 1 by Adam Murphy and The boy who sprouted antlers written by John Yeoman and illustrated by Quentin Blake

Listening to Gojira, Magma

I sat facing the South Downs again, everything was dark green, the sky was wide and the brightest blue. It looked serene. There was repair work going on in the building so the pin-drop silence was punctuated by drills, hammers and the snap of the measuring tape. It seemed to make sense to listen to the new Gojira album Magma which was bold and kiboshed the din of activity.

Murphy’s book was a series of interviews with dead famous people in graphic novel format. Each dead person was interviewed as if raised from the grave and discussed their most significant achievement or their untimely death. Slightly dark, but then history is? I guess it was a bit like the Horrible Histories books or Parkinson for kids; somewhere between the two. CTThe excellent illustration was often integral to the comic delivery. The front cover made me think of Alex Hirsch, (Gravity Falls) which is why I picked it up. I read Blackbeard, Nikola Tesla, Anne Bonny, Amelia Earhart and a couple of others. It was a different take on what and how you might learn in history lessons, books and TV programmes. The interviewer was occasionally threatened – evidencing pirates are violent and menacing… we all know this but situating it as a modern day interview scenario is pretty clever.

Retro maybe or just old; Yeoman’s book was first published in 1961. It’s illustrated by Quentin Blake. The story had this ‘just go along with it’ feel, a little bit of make believe/magic. It had the fantastical edge of a dream, like reading something intently just before sleeping. TBWSHThe best thing about it is the interspersed drawings which crawl across the page lifting the events of the story into a messy and jaunty visual.

Gojira’s album Magma feels a bit like alternative army marching music at times. You know – for an army of orcs. Gojira show off their extraordinary drummer in the opening track and the vocals continue, throughout the album, to be dark, hollowed and harmonious with an energising fury unleashed with every track.

The Lunchtime Read – day 3

Reading Fortunately, the milk by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Chris Riddell

Also reading Tales From Outer Suburbia by Shaun Tan and Helen Cresswell Mystery at Winklesea

Listening to Bat for Lashes, The Bride

I had to spend two lunchtimes reading Fortunately, the milk. This was because I tried to do ‘more than one thing’ and ruined the reading experience! Back on to the priority then with this bright, bubbly book. Two lots of fifteen minutes of reading to unravel the story which opened with a really simple beginning: a family  are preparing for Mum to go away to a conference. 15016849._SY540_.pngDad was left instructions of what to do, but there is no milk in the house for breakfast. So it’s the first thing he did; he left the house. The kids waited and waited and when he returned the story began.

The illustration was wonderful and at times was 50/50 text and illustration on the page. It kind of swayed towards a graphic novel in places. The characters really came to life under Riddell’s pen. The Dad character is def modeled on Gaiman. It was another charmer. It reminded me of the times that I really loved to devour books, one after another. I’m not sure what I was looking for on the book shelves of my primary school, but the teachers had coloured each level and I was desperate to move to the next colour. I picked out a couple of other books for the remainder of my lunchtime.

The illustration for Shaun Tan’s Tales From Outer Suburbia got my attention. I read the first story about a small smoky shadowy visitor to a family home. The visitor kept to himself and lived in a teacup in the pantry (who still has a pantry??). The narrative is undemanding and vivid, mainly owing to the brilliant pictures. As I was thinking back to reading when I was about seven I decided that perhaps I should look to read some of the books that I (probably) read when I was that age. Roald Dahl is sure to feature but there was many other tales of kid’s wit and adventure that I was thoroughly engaged by and I’m sure, in part, later influenced my own adventures in my teens and early twenties.

So I picked up a worn and faded penguin book, below the blurb there was the guidance ‘first reader, builds confidence’ so I thought these words probably were read by primary school me. The book was written by Helen Cresswell (who Wikipedia also tells me was screenwriter to some of my favourite childhood programs) I read the first chapter of the book. It starts with an outing of a brother and sister to the beach. There was a lot of eating crisps, which I empathised with. The children picked a present for their Mum. Everything cost 40p or less! I think it might be back to the drawing board with a new title next time though.

I listened to Bat for Lashes new album, The Bride. It was awesome in its ethereal fairy-like hemisphere of sound. Bloody wonderful and I think Natasha Khan gets better and changes so much with every album.

The Lunchtime Read – day 2

Reading Ottoline and the yellow cat by Chris Riddell

Listening to Ólafur Arnalds: Late Night Tales

Today was slightly more hectic than usual. This was partly due to last night’s prosecco. But also because my diary just exploded with things to book and write and do, and lists to make. Exciting, but it’s never just one thing for more than ten minutes.

So to lunch, 30 minutes of reading (and listening), today I chose another children’s book. I think it’s going to be kids’ books for me so that I can finish them in one sitting. Although, you know, The Brothers Karamazov is on my list too. I read this book ‘Reads like a novel’ about 10 years ago by Daniel Pennac, who was once a teacher. He taught me that reading a book was a choice and after the demands of the education system it was a battle to believe that. This was probably down to hefty neuroscience textbooks rather than slim novellas. Nevertheless I stopped reading and part of my belief about my reading habit was that I’m not a good reader. The reading spell got broken somewhere along the way, but I’m hoping I can get into books again. For a long time I’ve been better at buying books (to the point of obsession). So as the weeks go by perhaps I’ll try something that doesn’t have pictures. We’ll see.

ottoline-prv-7-590734So to Ottoline – Riddell drew on pre-occupations of a precocious child to lead us through the story. Her Mother and Father parented her from a distance, whilst they travelled the world. She periodically received postcards which as well as telling of their adventures, also relates snippets of advice. Their house is full of their collection of objects from travelling the globe. So how do you relate to an over-privileged lead character? Through eccentricity. Riddell’s imagination leads us through a crime story and his illustrations once again carry you  through urban spaces and across oceans. He made a visit to the washing machines brim with charm and gently poked fun at the parent’s collections of paintings and masks. It also crossed my mind that Ottoline was alone, except for Mr Munroe a small hairy creature. Perhaps as a kid it’s a dream to be left to your own devices, but it also made her a little vulnerable. Mother hen that I am.

I was stunned by the music of Ólafur Arnalds’ Late night tales, which fizzed, beat and sung whilst I read.