Brilliant

Brilliant

by RoddyDoyle (Author)

Synopsis

When Uncle Ben's Dublin business fails, it's clear to Gloria and Raymond that something is wrong. He just isn't his usual cheerful self. So when the children overhear their granny saying that the Black Dog has settled on Ben's back and he won't be OK until it's gone, they decide they're going to get rid of it. Gathering all their courage the children set out on a midnight quest to hunt down the Black Dog and chase it away. But they aren't the only kids on the mission. Loads of other children are searching for it too, because the Black Dog is hounding lots of Dublin's adults. Together - and with the help of magical animals, birds and rodents - the children manage to corner the Black Dog ...but will they have the courage and cleverness to destroy the frightening creature?

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Quantity

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More Information

Format: Unabridged
Pages: 256
Edition: Main Market
Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books
Published: 08 May 2014

ISBN 10: 1447248805
ISBN 13: 9781447248804
Children’s book age: 9-11 Years
Book Overview: A 'brilliant' middle-grade, magical adventure from the world-famous author of The Commitments and The Guts.

Media Reviews
The children of Dublin battle a terrible malaise through the use of a special word, and a good dose of magic realism. The Bookseller This novel is simply brilliant, without wanting to say that I had to say it. Roddy Doyle's trademark dialogue with some really great, entertaining characters for children works wonderfully... I expect nothing less from one of Ireland's finest and am so pleased his children's fiction is as wonderful as his adult's. plasticrosaries.com A sensitive and excellently written portrayal of depression and the effects on not just the individual but those around them. Would be great paired with Levi Pinfold's Black Dog and used as a discussion point. NetGalley In a word? Brilliant! Of course. NetGalley Quite simply, the greatest children's book I have ever read. -- Dubray Books Dubray Books A profound story about the effect of despair on society is touched with magic and humour by best-selling Roddy Doyle. -- Julia Eccleshare LOVEREADING4KIDS.CO.UK An uplifting book with lots of fine Doyle wit -- DAILY TELEGRAPH DAILY TELEGRAPH A heart-warming tale told with the author's trademark humour. The Guardian I really didn't want to stoop to this, but this book really is 'brilliant! mrshbookwork.wordpress.com Doyle is such a masterful storyteller - he captures everyday life just wonderfuly and cleverly combines the mundane goings-on with the magical. The night of the chase and how the children tackle such a tricky subject makes it accessible and relevant for young readers. Manchester Evening News Doyle deals sensitively with the challenges that face ordinary Irish people and portrays depression and the effects it has on characters brilliantly. Your Costwold Family Our economic recession and its impact on individual and nation alike may not seem a likely subject for a children's novel... but, as Roddy Doyle's Brilliant demonstrates, it is possible to deal with such themes in a way that, while acknowledging the seriousness and hardship of the situation, manages to do so with a lightness of touch and a sense of humour. Irishtimes.com Whilst being a story firmly rooted in the harsh reality of mental health, Doyle's inclusion of fantasy elements helps make it more accessible for the young audience, keeping them interested. Add to this Chris Judge's cute illustrations weaving their way around the text and you have one glorious children's book. ChedderValleyGazette.co.uk A quirky, clever story which uncovers the debilitation and angst of depression whilst delivering a delightful, heartwarming adventure story. lep.co.uk
Author Bio
Roddy Doyle is a bestselling author acclaimed across the world. He was born in Dublin in 1958 and still lives there today. He has won many awards for his writing, including the Booker Prize and a BAFTA for Best Screenplay. He has also won the Irish Children's Book of the Year and was shortlisted for the prestigious CILIP Carnegie Medal. His novel The Commitments was turned into a blockbuster film directed by Alan Parker and opened as a musical to rave reviews. Rover and the Big Fat Baby is his eighth novel for children and the fourth book in the series which began with The Giggler Treatment.