The Quite Remarkable Adventures of the Owl and the Pussycat [Hardcover]

Eric Idle (Author), Edward Lear (Author), Wesla Weller (Illustrator)

Book Description

A story based on the characters, poems, and drawings created by Edward Lear chronicles the journey of the Owl and the Pussycat as they try to save the walking and talking Bong Tree.

Editorial Reviews

From Kirkus Reviews

When a Monty Python alum offers a novelization of an Edward Lear poem, it's practically guaranteed to be a Silly Walk. Evolution's very governor, the fabulous Bong Tree, has disappeared from a museum on the shores of Lake Pipple-popple, and two parties are out to track it down: the nefarious Fire Lord with his sulfurous but inept minions, and the familiar furred and feathered sweethearts. It's a long chase, over sea, the Great Gromboolian Plain, and the Land of Water, past Pie-rats, reanimated dinosaur fossils, and the Mulberry Jam Pits, with all sorts of Learian flora and fauna to be met along the way--some of it ready to burst into song. The Fire Lord imposes an Ice Age that leaves Owl frozen solid, but Pussycat's kiss melts bird and climate too; all rush off just in time to save the Bong Tree (which closely resembles a wilted leek) and bombard the Fire Lord with pies. The wedding proceeds, to the tune of the ``Wedding April'' (March is too cold for weddings), and Owl and Pussycat are last seen ``hand in hand on the edge of the sand,'' dancing by the light of the moon. Illustrated with a mix of Lear's sketches and new pen-and-ink drawings in the same spirit, this delivers the kind of funny business for which Idle is known, and will probably appease adult Python fans who wish to pass on a gentler form of the lunacy to their children. (Fiction. 10-12) -- Copyright ©1996, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

From AudioFile

Eric Idle, a former member of Monty Python's Flying Circus, adapts Edward Lear's poems and drawings into a delightful retelling of the tale of "The Owl and the Pussycat." Filled with jokes for adults and children alike, this is a delight to the ear. Idle exuberantly performs a dozen different silly voices, sings at least as many silly songs, and has the tone just right. Idle breaks the chapters frequently, often commenting on the title, and even integrates the instructions to turn over the tape into his narration. Puns, social commentary, gentle humor, and old-fashioned storytelling are woven into a well-paced whole by this comedic veteran. G.T.B. © AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 123 pages
• Publisher: Dove Books (Juvenile) (October 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0787110426
• ISBN-13: 978-0787110420
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 6.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,636,157 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars BRINGS THE WORK OF A GREAT HUMORIST TO CHILDREN, July 8, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: The Quite Remarkable Adventures of the Owl and the Pussycat (Hardcover)

In an age when children are all fed the same diet of movies and TV shows, Eric Idle's work speaks to the individual, the special creative person in each child. The story, the style, the humor lets me laugh while reading it to children, and lets them laugh while hearing it (not to mention the laugh they get watching me laugh). The point? This is a wonderfully written story that pleases and amazes children and adults. If there is a person on AMAZON who hasn't already enjoyed Eric Idle's other work (not to mention his Monty Python work), then this is a great start

5.0 out of 5 stars Fun for all ages!, May 4, 2011

By 

KatBar - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Quite Remarkable Adventures of the Owl and the Pussycat (Audio Cassette)

We purchased this tape set for an extended driving vacation with three children of elementary to middle school ages. We ALL enjoyed it thoroughly. Who knew that a simple silly poem could spur such story-telling? Just writing this review makes me want to pull out the tapes and listen again!