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The Book of Legends: What if all the stories were real?
From comedy legend Lenny Henry comes his incredible new middle grade novel, THE BOOK OF LEGENDS, perfect for fans of outrageous adventures and illustrated throughout by the incredibly talented Keenon Ferrell.
Two ordinary kids are about to go on one extraordinary adventure!
Bran and Fran love living with their mum, who is the storyteller at the Once Upon a Wow bookstore in their small Midlands town. But when mum goes missing and her stories turn out to be a portal to another world, they're going to have a huge, magical adventure on their hands.
Luckily, they have Wilma, the Wizard's Wife, and Zack, the wisecracking Zebracorn, to help them on their journey. And they're going to need help because there are evil princes, mud monsters and Viking armies all standing in their way...
Two ordinary kids are about to go on one extraordinary adventure!
Bran and Fran love living with their mum, who is the storyteller at the Once Upon a Wow bookstore in their small Midlands town. But when mum goes missing and her stories turn out to be a portal to another world, they're going to have a huge, magical adventure on their hands.
Luckily, they have Wilma, the Wizard's Wife, and Zack, the wisecracking Zebracorn, to help them on their journey. And they're going to need help because there are evil princes, mud monsters and Viking armies all standing in their way...
Audiobook
First published January 1, 2022
About the author
Lenny Henry
57 books52 followersLenworth George "Lenny" Henry, CBE is an English actor, writer, comedian and occasional television presenter. Henry is known as the choleric chef Gareth Blackstock from the 1990s television comedy series Chef!, or from his 1999 straight-acting lead role in the BBC drama Hope And Glory. He was co-creator with Neil Gaiman and producer of the 1996 BBC drama serial Neverwhere.
His earliest television appearance was on the New Faces talent show, which he won in 1975 with an impersonation of Stevie Wonder. The following year he appeared with Norman Beaton in LWT's sitcom The Fosters, Britain's first comedy series with predominantly black performers. His formative years were spent in working men's clubs, where his act was as a young black man impersonating white characters such as the Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em character Frank Spencer (whom he impersonated on New Faces). He also made guest appearances on television programmes including Celebrity Squares, Seaside Special and The Ronnie Corbett Show.
He co-hosted the children's programme Tiswas from 1978 until 1981, and subsequently performed and wrote for the show Three of a Kind, with comedians Tracey Ullman and David Copperfield. Also in 1980, he teamed up with The Comic Strip where he met his wife, comedienne Dawn French. She encouraged him to move over to the fledgling alternative comedy scene, where he established a career as a stand-up comedy performer and character comedian. He introduced characters who both mocked and celebrated black British culture, such as Theophilus P. Wildebeeste (a homage to Teddy Pendergrass using the 'TP' initials), Brixton pirate radio disc jockey DJ Delbert Wilkins and Trevor MacDoughnut (a parody of Trevor McDonald). His stand-up material, which sold well on LP, owed much to the writing abilities of Kim Fuller.
The first series of The Lenny Henry Show appeared on the BBC in 1984. The show featured stand up, spoofs like his send up of Michael Jackson's Thriller video, and many of the characters he had developed during Summer Season, including Theophilus P. Wildebeeste and Delbert Wilkins. The Lenny Henry Show ran for a further 20 years in various incarnations.
In the early 1990s, Henry starred in the Hollywood film True Identity, in which his character pretended to be a white person (using make-up, prostheses, and a wig) in order to avoid the mob. The film was not commercially successful.
In 1991, he starred in a BBC drama alongside Robbie Coltrane called Alive and Kicking, in which he played a heroin addict, which was based on a true story.
In 2003, Henry was listed in The Observer as one of the fifty funniest acts in British comedy. In 2004, he was listed in The Sunday Times as the fifteenth funniest black performer of all time. Henry is associated with the British Comic Relief charity organisation, along with his former wife, comedienne Dawn French, and Griff Rhys Jones, and has hosted the show and also presented filmed reports from overseas on the work of the charity.
He was the voice of the "shrunken head" on the Knight Bus in the 2004 movie Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, and read the audio book version of Neil Gaiman's Anansi Boys.
He was introduced to Shakespeare when he made the 2006 Radio 4 series Lenny and Will. Which saw him going "in search of the magic of Shakespeare in performance." In February 2009 Henry appeared in the Northern Broadsides production of Othello. He received widespread critical acclaim in the role.
Henry graduated in English Literature, (BA Hons), with the Open University in 2007. Henry studied for an MA at Royal Holloway, University of London in screenwriting for television and film, where he received a distinction and where he is now studying for a PhD on the role of black people in the media. Henry was made a CBE in the New Years Honours list in 1998 for his services to comedy drama and Comic Relief.
His earliest television appearance was on the New Faces talent show, which he won in 1975 with an impersonation of Stevie Wonder. The following year he appeared with Norman Beaton in LWT's sitcom The Fosters, Britain's first comedy series with predominantly black performers. His formative years were spent in working men's clubs, where his act was as a young black man impersonating white characters such as the Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em character Frank Spencer (whom he impersonated on New Faces). He also made guest appearances on television programmes including Celebrity Squares, Seaside Special and The Ronnie Corbett Show.
He co-hosted the children's programme Tiswas from 1978 until 1981, and subsequently performed and wrote for the show Three of a Kind, with comedians Tracey Ullman and David Copperfield. Also in 1980, he teamed up with The Comic Strip where he met his wife, comedienne Dawn French. She encouraged him to move over to the fledgling alternative comedy scene, where he established a career as a stand-up comedy performer and character comedian. He introduced characters who both mocked and celebrated black British culture, such as Theophilus P. Wildebeeste (a homage to Teddy Pendergrass using the 'TP' initials), Brixton pirate radio disc jockey DJ Delbert Wilkins and Trevor MacDoughnut (a parody of Trevor McDonald). His stand-up material, which sold well on LP, owed much to the writing abilities of Kim Fuller.
The first series of The Lenny Henry Show appeared on the BBC in 1984. The show featured stand up, spoofs like his send up of Michael Jackson's Thriller video, and many of the characters he had developed during Summer Season, including Theophilus P. Wildebeeste and Delbert Wilkins. The Lenny Henry Show ran for a further 20 years in various incarnations.
In the early 1990s, Henry starred in the Hollywood film True Identity, in which his character pretended to be a white person (using make-up, prostheses, and a wig) in order to avoid the mob. The film was not commercially successful.
In 1991, he starred in a BBC drama alongside Robbie Coltrane called Alive and Kicking, in which he played a heroin addict, which was based on a true story.
In 2003, Henry was listed in The Observer as one of the fifty funniest acts in British comedy. In 2004, he was listed in The Sunday Times as the fifteenth funniest black performer of all time. Henry is associated with the British Comic Relief charity organisation, along with his former wife, comedienne Dawn French, and Griff Rhys Jones, and has hosted the show and also presented filmed reports from overseas on the work of the charity.
He was the voice of the "shrunken head" on the Knight Bus in the 2004 movie Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, and read the audio book version of Neil Gaiman's Anansi Boys.
He was introduced to Shakespeare when he made the 2006 Radio 4 series Lenny and Will. Which saw him going "in search of the magic of Shakespeare in performance." In February 2009 Henry appeared in the Northern Broadsides production of Othello. He received widespread critical acclaim in the role.
Henry graduated in English Literature, (BA Hons), with the Open University in 2007. Henry studied for an MA at Royal Holloway, University of London in screenwriting for television and film, where he received a distinction and where he is now studying for a PhD on the role of black people in the media. Henry was made a CBE in the New Years Honours list in 1998 for his services to comedy drama and Comic Relief.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
September 25, 2022
This was cute. A story wrapped around legends, a brilliant family dynamic, a hilarious zebracorn and lots of lovely messages. Loved that there was a lot of talk about signing and a deaf character. Made me chuckle.
October 12, 2022
My thanks to Macmillan Children’s Books for an eARC and to MacMillan U.K. Audio for a review copy of the unabridged audiobook edition, both via NetGalley, of ‘The Book of Legends: What if all the stories were real?’ by Sir Lenny Henry. The book is illustrated by Keenon Ferrell and the audiobook is read by the author.
Following the mysterious disappearance four years ago of their father, twelve-year-old twins Bran and Fran are living with their mum in a small Midlands town. She has always told them wonderful stories and now works as a storyteller at the Once Upon a Wow bookstore. A number of her stories are scattered throughout the text.
Then their mum goes missing in a manner similar to their dad. Yet it turns out that her stories serve as a portal to a another world: the Nine Dominions Along the way they face evil princes, murder fairies, mud monsters and even Vikings! Luckily, they also find allies in Wilma, the Wizard's Wife, and Zack, the wisecracking Zebracorn.
This was such a delightful tale, bursting with magic and adventure. There are also plenty of jokes. Keenon Ferrell’s illustrations were a perfect addition to the text.
In both this and his first children’s book, ‘The Boy With Wings’, Henry focuses upon young black characters, and is consciously addressing the lack of diversity in children’s literature. Here this includes Bran being deaf and both he and Fran attend a British Sign Language school.
With respect to the audiobook, Lenny Henry brings his usual energy and enthusiasm to his reading.
I enjoyed this very much. While intended for readers aged 8 and older, I feel that like many Middle Grade books it will appeal to readers of all ages.
4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
Following the mysterious disappearance four years ago of their father, twelve-year-old twins Bran and Fran are living with their mum in a small Midlands town. She has always told them wonderful stories and now works as a storyteller at the Once Upon a Wow bookstore. A number of her stories are scattered throughout the text.
Then their mum goes missing in a manner similar to their dad. Yet it turns out that her stories serve as a portal to a another world: the Nine Dominions Along the way they face evil princes, murder fairies, mud monsters and even Vikings! Luckily, they also find allies in Wilma, the Wizard's Wife, and Zack, the wisecracking Zebracorn.
This was such a delightful tale, bursting with magic and adventure. There are also plenty of jokes. Keenon Ferrell’s illustrations were a perfect addition to the text.
In both this and his first children’s book, ‘The Boy With Wings’, Henry focuses upon young black characters, and is consciously addressing the lack of diversity in children’s literature. Here this includes Bran being deaf and both he and Fran attend a British Sign Language school.
With respect to the audiobook, Lenny Henry brings his usual energy and enthusiasm to his reading.
I enjoyed this very much. While intended for readers aged 8 and older, I feel that like many Middle Grade books it will appeal to readers of all ages.
4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
October 18, 2022
A superbly fun and witty story about stories and storytelling with wonderfully diverse representation - Twins Bran and Fran attend a British Sign Language school; Bran is deaf. Both kids use jokes, humour and storytelling to help them deal with the grief of losing their father the year before. Their mother works in a local bookstore as a storyteller before going missing. The wondrous stories she weaves turn out to be portals into these fictional tales. The twins travel from their home through mystical lands, facing many adversaries from wicked fairies to Viking warriors, and meet lots of new friends along the way, such as the fabulous Zebracorn. Lenny Henry ensures his stories have strong black representation and this novel has two strong and adventurous heroes with the twins. The audiobook is narrated by Lenny Henry and is vivacious and highly entertaining with Lenny Henry providing a wide array of voices . His impeccable timing adds to the delivery of the jokes. This novel is a bucketload of laughs and fun with lots of heart. Aimed at 8 years plus, but perfect for fans of any age. This was a firm favourite listen for all the family. #thebookoflegends #lennyhenry #netgalley #audiobook
November 4, 2022
The Book of Legends by Lenny Henry Length: 3 hrs and 35 mins was a wonderful and What if all the stories were real? WoW this audiobook was the bees knees I loved it and so did my nephew,
Lenny Henry is just brilliant in so many way. His latest book/audiobook is about two ordinary kids, who are about to go on one extraordinary adventure!
Bran and Fran just love living with their mum, everyday is different as she Loves telling them daily stories., especially as she is the storyteller at the Once Upon a Wow bookstore in their small Midlands town.
But then their mum goes missing, all her stories turn out to be a portal to another world, they're going to have a huge, magical adventure on their hands. WoW.......and their adventure begins and what a brilliant adventure it was.
My Nephew is still chatting to me about it now! Bless him.
I highly recommend this wonderful audiobook and Big Thank you to Lenny for the precious hours I had with my nephew listening to this, He loved it
Big Thank you to Macmillan Children’s Books for an eARC and to MacMillan U.K.
Lenny Henry is just brilliant in so many way. His latest book/audiobook is about two ordinary kids, who are about to go on one extraordinary adventure!
Bran and Fran just love living with their mum, everyday is different as she Loves telling them daily stories., especially as she is the storyteller at the Once Upon a Wow bookstore in their small Midlands town.
But then their mum goes missing, all her stories turn out to be a portal to another world, they're going to have a huge, magical adventure on their hands. WoW.......and their adventure begins and what a brilliant adventure it was.
My Nephew is still chatting to me about it now! Bless him.
I highly recommend this wonderful audiobook and Big Thank you to Lenny for the precious hours I had with my nephew listening to this, He loved it
Big Thank you to Macmillan Children’s Books for an eARC and to MacMillan U.K.
July 14, 2026
Bran and Fran have already lost their dad and now their mum goes missing too...
The Book of Legends is a children's fantasy book about a deaf boy and his sister who go on an adventure.
Bran and Fran are twins and have experienced loss in the past but now their mum disappears following a lightning strike. Her legendary stories provide a portal to another world which give them the opportunity to find and save their mum.
The narrative uses lots of mini stories as a plot device for accessing the magical realm of imagination as well as the portal for the twins. I liked the diversity and inclusive representation but also felt that it reduced the characters to a series of differences rather than cohesive authentic people. The happy ending left me with a smile.
The Book of Legends is an entertaining children's book but the characters fell a bit flat for me.
The Book of Legends is a children's fantasy book about a deaf boy and his sister who go on an adventure.
Bran and Fran are twins and have experienced loss in the past but now their mum disappears following a lightning strike. Her legendary stories provide a portal to another world which give them the opportunity to find and save their mum.
The narrative uses lots of mini stories as a plot device for accessing the magical realm of imagination as well as the portal for the twins. I liked the diversity and inclusive representation but also felt that it reduced the characters to a series of differences rather than cohesive authentic people. The happy ending left me with a smile.
The Book of Legends is an entertaining children's book but the characters fell a bit flat for me.
October 7, 2022
A collection of stories in a story inspired by legends following Twins Bran and Fran.
Bran and Fran's parents have disappeared, feared dead but are they?!!
The twins get pulled into the Nine Dominions and guided by their Mums book of stories.
Set partly in England this story features murder fairies, a very funny zebracorn called Zachary and viking warriors and has very important messages contained.
Not quite sure if I was the right target audience but I really liked it so kids 100% will!
Bran and Fran's parents have disappeared, feared dead but are they?!!
The twins get pulled into the Nine Dominions and guided by their Mums book of stories.
Set partly in England this story features murder fairies, a very funny zebracorn called Zachary and viking warriors and has very important messages contained.
Not quite sure if I was the right target audience but I really liked it so kids 100% will!
October 18, 2022
This book was superb! Not only is is a gripping adventure, it’s narrated by Lenny Henry. Obviously this means the audio book is sooooooooo entertaining. His voices and excitement brings the story to life. I loved the characters and the little rhymes. This book will be so useful for teachers to use as a good example of a modern adventure, with a twist.
July 25, 2024
Znakování, hlavní postavy prakticky celou dobu spolu znakují. Vedlejší některé umí, některé ne a jiné se učí a snaží se komunikovat s Branem.
Diversita nejen s n/Neslyšící postavou, ale i v rase postav. Doplněno ilustracemi a jasně odděleným dějem a příběhy, které vždy mají nějakou poučku.
Zajímavý příběh a nápad
Diversita nejen s n/Neslyšící postavou, ale i v rase postav. Doplněno ilustracemi a jasně odděleným dějem a příběhy, které vždy mají nějakou poučku.
Zajímavý příběh a nápad
December 1, 2024
What a beautiful tale. There are stories with in stories and a great cast of characters. I loved the discussion about diversity also. The main characters are black, one of which is deaf. There is a Zebracorn who is one of the last of his kind. You have dwarves, elves, wizards and many more amazing creatures. Definitely one for the kids with the fun and wild imaginations.
June 17, 2023
A brilliant story about twins Fran and Bran and their parents. Fran and Bran end up on a quest looking for their parents who have disappeared - taken by hooked lightening. A book of magic, story telling, jokes and sign language - an excellent mix of characters.
November 28, 2022
I wanted to enjoy thsi but I found it was too rushed definitely written for ages less than 10.
August 7, 2024
really funny good
April 17, 2024
I read this aloud to my nine-year-old grandson at his request; he had already heard the audio book, and thought I would enjoy it. He was correct.
Fantasy isn't my favourite genre, but the main characters, twelve-year-0ld twins Fran and Bran, are delightful and believable people, and the book begins and ends in the 'real' world.
There is plenty of humour appropriate to children of around eight and upwards, but it's also the kind of book that can be appreciated and enjoyed by adults.
Definitely recommended. Four and a half stars, really.
Longer review here: https://suesbookreviews.blogspot.com/...
Fantasy isn't my favourite genre, but the main characters, twelve-year-0ld twins Fran and Bran, are delightful and believable people, and the book begins and ends in the 'real' world.
There is plenty of humour appropriate to children of around eight and upwards, but it's also the kind of book that can be appreciated and enjoyed by adults.
Definitely recommended. Four and a half stars, really.
Longer review here: https://suesbookreviews.blogspot.com/...
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews