Customer Reviews

The Dwindling Party (A Pop-Up Book from Random House)

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The large Victorian family dwindles rapidly; sliding into a mucky pond, carried away by protean birds, dragged into sarcophagi. The shrinking pool of survivors does not notice and is finally reduced to one observer who walks away on the back cover of the book. The entire book is the story; the covers are not simply reinterating something within but are part of the plot. It is somewhat of a triumph of design, although this must be frustrating for librarians. I return to my copy again and again, and try not to think about what bent edges of my psyche rejoice in this twisted tale.

A fantastically haunting visit to a world created by Edward Gorey. It seems oddly familiar and reminiscent of Edwardian times, yet in the background always lurks sinister shadows and creatures. This is my favourite book and has been since I picked it out age 2 from a jumble sale. The pop-up art is inspired and the gazebo on the final page is not to be missed. The book is superb, if not slightly disturbing in places. The words are wonderfully humorous and crafted in such a way to contrast the horrific implications of the drawings. Suitable for children, if they want to see it that is.

I love this book. As we enter the gates of Hickyacket Hall we know something is odd. But then as your family members get carried off by colourful monsters one by one you realize that this isn't your average mid-fall family outing. Infact it's a horrible disaster part Agatha Christie and part Jane Austen. Wonderful.

Another eerie visit into the world of Edward Gorey,This pop-up book is not childs play. Visit a haunting mansion and watch your fellow visitors disappear one...by...one... A wonderful addition to any Gorey collection. Delightfully Dreadful!

I was given this book when I was fairly young (my family having always had eclectic taste in books), and loved it then just as much as I love it now. It occupies an honored spot on my bookshelf, and I hope my own children will find its gruesome yet comedic forms as engaging as I did.

We wore this book out when my children were young, eventually throwing it away. My oldest son was so dissappointed to learn we no longer had it. I purchased this one for his 31st birthday. He has 2 sons of his own he wants to share it with. He will be so surprised when he opens the gift for his birthday Nov 29!!! The book is in excellent condition!!!