The Imaginary

by A.F. Harrold

Hardcover

Published March 1, 2015

About the author

A.F. Harrold is an English poet. He writes and performs for adults and children, in cabaret and in schools, in bars and in basements, in fields and indoors. He was Glastonbury Festival Website's Poet-In-Residence in 2008, and Poet-In-Residence at Cheltenham Literature Festival in 2010. He won the Cheltenham All Stars Slam Championship in 2007 and has had his work on BBC Radio 4, Radio 3 and BBC7. He is active in schools work, running workshops and slams and doing performances at ungodly hours of the morning, and has published several collections of poetry. He is the owner of many books, a handful of hats, a few good ideas and one beard

Reviews

[Karrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet young reader novel an out the value of imagination. Rudger is Amanda’s imaginary friend, but is accidentally being forgotten which makes him likely to fade away. Or be devoured by Mr. Bunting - who for some Oder rasp wears Hawaiian shirts.

I liked that there was a place for forgotten friends to go and become new friends. I just didn’t like that the adults all forget their childhood companions - I haven’t Big Blue!

[Chandler Pittman · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Imaginary" is a middle-grade fantasy novel by A. F. Harrold. The story follows a young girl named Rudger, who is the imaginary friend of a young boy named Amanda. When Amanda's family is threatened by a sinister man named Mr. Bunting, Rudger sets out on a dangerous journey to save Amanda and protect his own existence as an imaginary friend.
Along the way, Rudger meets a variety of other imaginary friends, each with their own unique personalities and abilities. As he tries to unravel the mystery of Mr. Bunting and his evil plans, Rudger discovers that the line between imagination and reality is more blurred than he ever imagined.
The book explores themes of friendship, identity, and the power of the imagination. Harrold's writing is both playful and poignant, and the story is full of inventive twists and turns that will keep readers engaged until the very end. The illustrations by Emily Gravett add to the whimsical and magical feel of the book, making it a delightful and memorable read for children and adults alike.

As "The Imaginary" is a middle-grade novel, it could be used in a reading lesson as a read-aloud or independent reading for students in fourth to sixth grade. Here are some possible ways the book could be used in a reading lesson: Imagery and Figurative Language: "The Imaginary" is full of vivid imagery and figurative language, which could be used to teach these literary devices. Students could identify examples of similes, metaphors, and personification in the book and discuss how they contribute to the story's mood and tone. They could also discuss how the author uses sensory details to create a vivid and immersive world.
TEKS addressed: 4.6(E), 5.6(B), 6.6(B)

[Elisa Salamini · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Imagination is slippery, Rudger knew that well enough. Memory doesn’t hold it tight, it has trouble enough holding on to the real, remembering the real people who are lost.’