I was four when my sister taught me to read. The first book I read by myself was Green Eggs and Ham. Who among us doesn’t remember the rhymes, the whimsy, the host of zany creatures and off-kilter worlds when thinking of Dr. Seuss?
This month’s pick took me back to that same feeling I had when I first read Dr. Seuss. Walter Moers is like a cross between Shel Silverstein and Dr. Seuss for adults. Along with his fabulous story-telling skills, he’s an amazing artist. The author’s detailed pencil illustrations grace the pages of Optimus Yarnspinner’s literary adventure to the fabled city of Bookholm.
Optimus may be young by dinosaur standards, but he is an aspiring writer nonetheless. His godfather has bestowed on him an unpublished manuscript by a mysterious, unknown writer. After reading the manuscript, Optimus is desperate to uncover the author’s identity.
He sets off on an adventure to Bookholm, the City of Dreaming Books, in order to find out. Along the way, he discovers hidden dangers awaiting him at every turn, chasing him deep into the hidden catacombs below the city on his perilous quest. Will he track down the manuscript’s author and what will that discovery teach him with regard to his own future as a Zamonian writer from Lindworm Castle?
This is a fantasy unlike any I’ve ever read. I hope you indulge me on this one. You won’t be disappointed.
The drawings alone were enough to reel me in. I’m itching to read the next Zamonian adventure by this incredible author and cartoonist!
If you pick up this treasure, let me know. I’d love to hear what you think!