Customer Reviews

The Magic Pudding (Dodo Press)

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

This book is part of the wonderful new series of republished children's books from the New York Review of Books. Over 80 years old, "The Magic Pudding" describes the adventures of a koala bear, named Bunyip Bluegum - the kind of koala who wears a high collar and spats - who falls in with a crazy cowboy sort of fellow named Bill Barnacle and a penguin named Sam Sawnoff.

Bill and Sam are possessed of a magic pudding (named Albert, if you can believe this), who regenerates every time you take a bite of him and changes into whatever flavor you like. Albert the pudding is much coveted by two evil villains who are constantly tricking our Heroes into giving up the Pudding, whereupon they must go and re-re-re-rescue it.

The characters and style are very reminiscent of "Alice in Wonderland," with Bunyip seeming a little White-rabbitish to me, and Bill and Sam sort of Mad Hatter and Dormouse-y. The effect is somewhere in between "Alice" and an old Loony Tunes in which Bugs Bunny constantly bewilders Elmer Fudd.

The whole narrative is punctuated with many whimsical song lyrics, like the poetry in Carroll's book. The lyrics make it a great read-aloud for the younger set, although older kids might be a bit puzzled by its style. However, everyone will be charmed by the Pudding himself and want one of their very own.

Bunyip Bluegum the Koala leaves home because he can't stand the sight of his uncle's whiskers in the soup any more. He meets Barnacle Bill the sailor and Sam Sawnoff the penguin, who own a remarkable pudding. Every time you cut a slice from the pudding, another one grows in its place, you can eat as much as you like, the pudding lasts forever. What's more, you can change the pudding to any kind you like, it can be steak and kidney or plum duff or jam roly poly. The pudding is apt to get discontented and starts complaining if it isn't eaten enough. Such a desirable pudding is naturally at constant risk from pudding thieves, and the three friends have their work cut out trying to outwit the sneaky Possum and Wombat who are always trying to steal it. This is a very funny story with lots of action and a great many fights, it should appeal to anyone who likes humorous fantasy.

I first discovered "The Magic Pudding" when I was in fourth grade. I found it amid a bunch of books given to me by my grandparents. I read it for a school free choice reading project, and since then I must have re-read it over 10 times. It is just a phenomenal book. It has none of that "Harry Potter" commercialism and is 30 times better to boot. It is whimsical, fantastical, funny, exhilarating, and overall joyful to read. It is a short book - I had my friend read it on a short plane flight, and he loved it - but it is absolutely amazing.

The Magic Pudding is a fun-and-nonsense tale that has become my nine-year-old son's favorite book. It deserves to be published in the US so that American children can enjoy what has become a classic in Australian children's literature. If you enjoy Roald Dahl's books, "The Phantom Tollbooth," and "Alice in Wonderland" you'll enjoy this.

A wonderfully witty study of the Australian character, seen through the eyes of Bunyip Bluegum, the koala, and his rough-and-ready travelling companions Bill Barnacle and Sam Sawnoff (and of course Albert, their Magic Pudding). Set at the beginning of the 20th century, it pokes fun at pomposity and stupidity, is marvellously literate and gloriously illustrated, and its humour is multi-layered. Lindsay had the great gift of entertaining his adult readers without talking over the heads of his younger readers. Read it aloud!!!

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It's over 80 years since this classic children's book first appeared.

With the recent release of an animated movie version, a new edition of the book will hopefully soon be in Amazon's catalog.

It's one of those books that should be read aloud. You will have to be in good voice since many of the characters often burst into song. Can a Broadway musical be far away?

The illustrations are also by the book's author Norman Lindsay, one of Australia's greatest artists of the early 20th century. Each page is graced with his masterful charcoal drawings humorously depicting the action. The pictures perfectly depict the quirky and amusing antics of the "Magic Pudding" characters.

Some young readers may find the language a little difficult. It's a combination of high Edwardian with sometimes archaic (but very colorful) slang. However it's the hilarious imagery, both written and pictorial, which will captivate children's attention.

Some of the language is almost Shakespearian but it's worth persisting. Take for example Bunyip Bluegum's burst of oratory..... " Base, indeed, must be the scoundrels, who, lost to all sense of decency and honour, boldly assume the outward semblance of worthy citizens".

Lindsay's writing includes some beautiful political social satire with observations like ... "you only have to wear a top hat to be a respected pillar of society".

No doubt the animated movie version of "The Magic Pudding" will introduce a new generation to this classic story. Hopefully many of the children (and their parents) will be encouraged to read and enjoy Norman Lindsay's original.

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Phillip Pullman recently chose this as his favourite children's book - above Alice in Wonderland. No wonder. It's one of the funniest books of all time. I wish it would get a proper release in the US so that American kids could get to enjoy this classic.

My family's copy of this is falling apart, because everyone has read it many many times. It is the most surreal, feelgood, quotable book (involving a penguin) that i have read. I've taken to quoting the kerazy verse at appropriate moments, especially the uncle's boundin and plunging song. To know the wonder of this song, which relieves aggravated emotions wonderfully, u must find a copy of this book, and read it.

A book bought by my grandmother on a trip to Australia when I was 6 years old (30 years ago). I enjoyed it thoroughly as a child and have just finished reading it to my seven year old daughter who couldn't wait to get through it. I highly recommend for anyone who loves well written fair.

My father bought this book when he was a little boy, he loved it so much. It is the hard bound edition and so old that it does not have a publishing date in it.

My father read the book many times. When he had children, he read it to us. And now, we are reading it to our children.

This is a great book for children. It sparks their imaginations and you can see as you are reading it to them, that they too are with Bunyip, Bill Barnacle, Sam Sawnoff and Albert, The Pudding.

For the best in reading adventures for your kids, get The Magic Pudding.