19 Nov 2011

THE WORLD'S BELLYBUTTON.

THE WORLD'S BELLYBUTTON by TANYA LANDMAN.

William Popidopolis is in a race against time!

Has William got to Greece in time to help Zeus retie the knot that secures the world?

He may be a god, but the bossy swan urgently needs William's help.
.... Outer back cover.

FIRST SENTENCE (Chapter 1): When the fattish, greyish, balding swan waddled into his father's taverna, William Popidopolis thought it must be an usual pet.

MEMORABLE MOMENT (Page 42): For a few moments there was nothing but a lot of splashing and squawking. Then the swan began to lift out of the water. He was running across the surface. He was airborne. He soared upwards ...... THUNK.
Zeus crashed into the harbour wall just below William.

KEEP IT OR NOT?: Yes, I'm sure I'll enjoy reading this to Little Plum when he gets older.

Who could resist such a wonderful cover and as for the title - intriguing isn't it?

Set in Greece, The World's Bellybutton tells the story of William, a modern day hero (though he doesn't at first know this) and a host of Greek mythological characters and creatures including Zeus (who isn't quite himself), Pegasus and the sisters of the Gorgon.

A great read designed for fluent readers aged 7 to 11 years, this novel is funny, very funny and quite inventive. And as for the illustrations by Ross Collins - simple and yet charming, I'm sure most adults will find them just as delightful as younger readers.

Ex-library stock, this was the 93rd book read for my 100+ Reading Challenge.

10 comments:

anilkurup59 said...

URrrr Greek names, the ones you mentioned are common. But I'm sure there are names in Greek as terrible as Greek itself- I mean pronouncing and reading.

Joan said...

great review i might buy it for my 11 year grandaughter and read it before wrapping for xmas ha ha
bty have tried to sign up to be a giver for wbd but some problem will try later tho. I remember last years and we happened to be in waterstones for a book signing and wondered them how i can be a giver

The Bookworm said...

This does sound like a fun read :)

Karen said...

Sounds adorable and like something I could get for my nieces and nephews.

Melissa (Books and Things) said...

Oh I know the perfect cousin for this book! Thanks!!

Kelly said...

I'll agree the title is intriguing, though I'm not sure I would have picked it up based on that. You do make it sound very appealing.

Suko said...

Petty, this does sound like a darling book. Wonderful review!

Jenners said...

This sounds so charming!

Betty Manousos said...

i've always loved to read books on greek mythological characters. i don't mind if the book is for adults or for kids/younger readers. it'd be useful for all ages i think.

that one sounds such a delightful read!

brilliant review as usual.

big hugs
betty

BookQuoter said...

This would be a perfect read for our grandson who loves greek mythology!
Thanks