The story explores the 'friendship' that exists between the two main characters, despite one of them not being real. Their friendship is thrown into chaos by the unsettling arrival of Mr Bunting, a soulless character who hunts imaginary friends and EATS them!
Poor Rudger ends up alone and on the run, trying to survive in a world where he doesn't even really exist. Will Amanda stay loyal to her friend? Will Mr Bunting get his sinister claws on Rudger and bring his very inexistence to an end?
This book for children aged 8 to 13 explores the ideas behind friendship, loyalty and imagination. My son was gripped by the story and read it cover to cover in a little over 2 days, all 220 pages. The illustrations by Emily Gravett added to the mood of the story, creating the mood and setting for a wonderful tale. Sid found the character of Mr Bunting intriguing, why would this man be hell bent on ending the lives of other imaginary friends? Was it to help him keep his own imaginary friend alive? Was it because he was evil? Whatever the reason he brought a real sense of unease to the narrative, his arrival was disturbing and exciting in equal measures. We talked about his motivation and back story at length while travelling to and from swimming lessons.
Don't imagine the pre teen book market should be all adventure, action and superheroes. There is room for a more sensitive and imaginative type of book, A.F. Harrold brings this story to life through excellent writing and a deep understanding of the role imagination and friendship plays in the development of our children.
I really enjoyed reading this book and talking about it at length with my children. They were totally immersed in the characters in The Imaginary and the story as it reached it's exciting climax. The sense of wonder and heart warming exploration of relationships was a joy to read.
Why not get a copy for yourself and your children this Christmas?
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Imaginary-F-Harrold/dp/1408850168/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1450039258&sr=8-1&keywords=The+Imaginary