Noisy Outlaws, Unfriendly Blobs, and Some Other Things . . .: That Aren't As Scary, Maybe, Depending on How You Feel About Lost Lands, Stray Cellphone

Some seriously talented writers banding together to assist the future talents of tomorrow. This hodge podge collection of short stories by authors that happen to write for children, but in all honesty are crafting tales more readily enjoyed by adults, certainly has something for everyone, and that's in a good way. From the absurdly silly to the poignant and graceful, to the heart touching and thought provoking, this collection runs a gamut of emotions.

What remains at the center of it all is a freshness, and a fondness for fun, humour, wit and charm, with a children's tale setting. There is some superbly imaginative tales, that only fans of dry, British humour could love. One story, in particular, about a boy whose parents leave him for a week, but not without a bizarre trail of notes and notices of how to fend for himself, reminded me of a Douglas Adams novel, or a Roald Dahl trip, or a Monty Python skit. That same mix of sly wit, coupled with societal commentary, situated in the absurd seems to weave its way throughout the book.

As a whole, it's a lot of fun. Taken bit for bit, equally delicious.

4 out of 5 stars

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