Alex, the Dog and the Unopenable Door

by Ross Montgomery

Alex Jennings is a boy with a problem.

His mum's sent him away to boarding school because his father, the most famously failed explorer in the history of the Cusp, has escaped from hospital again, yelling 'squiggles'.

Make that two problems.

Now the evil Davidus Kyte and all his henchmen are after Alex, convinced he alone knows the meaning of the word 'squiggles'.

OK, make that three -

Alex Jennings is a boy with a lot of problems. But with the help of a talking dog and a girl with unfeasibly sharp teeth, he just might have what it takes to cross the Forbidden Lands, escape the evil Davidus Kyte, and find out what lies beyond the Cusp . . .

Genres: Adventure, Childrens, Fantasy, Friendship, Animals

352 pages, Paperback

First published July 30, 2013

About the author

Ross Montgomery has worked as a pig farmer, a postman and a primary school teacher, so writing books was the next logical step. He spent his childhood reading everything he could get his hands on, from Jacqueline Wilson to Beano annuals, and it taught him pretty much everything that's worth knowing. If you looked through his pockets you'd find empty crisp packets, lists of things to do, and a bottle of that stuff you put on your nails to stop you biting them. He lives in London with his girlfriend, a cat called Fun Bobby, and a cactus on every available surface.

Reviews

[Nati · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read it when I was younger and absolutely loved it. Had a great time reading it.

[Bev · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun and quirky but with a surprisingly deep storyline underneath the silliness.

[LudmilaM · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars. What a weird book. I'm glad I've read his other books first (which I loved very much) because I'm not sure I'd pick them up after this one. Definitely an interesting and unique premise for a children's book, but there was no proper pay off in the end, even the themes the author wanted to honour like family, love, and one's humanity fell flat. There are many people who loved this book & this is a personal opinion, so if you like weird unusual books, you could give this one a try.

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brilliant, witty, clever. Brilliant story about the courage of kids and adventure!

[Julie Mayhew · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd already read this book as it shared a place on the Branford Boase shortlist in 2014 with Red Ink - but I've read it again, out loud, to my kids (aged 7 and 9) a chapter a night. (Though they always beg for an extra chapter). Very very funny - especially Mum trying to do the one French accent. But, unlike many funny books, it delves below the superficial. There's a difficult father/son relationship at its heart and it also explores themes of innocence, safety and being an outsider - all wrapped up in a bonkers world and a bucketload of jokes.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's rare to come across a book for younger readers that really feels unique, but this story really is its own thing - very funny, very silly, and set in a fantasy version of our world that feels unprecedented. A brilliant debut, and all the more satisfying in that its a standalone novel, not the beginning of another trilogy!

[Tatum Flynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favourite MGs of the year. Startlingly original, imaginative, pacy, poignant, and funny. One scene featuring two policeman had me laughing so hard I was still thinking about it the next day and chuckling. But it also has a huge amount of heart. Now rushing off to get the author's new book.

[Meg Chaplin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't even realise this was a kid's book, or perhaps I'm too much of a child still. So fantastically written, really quirky and bizarre but still has a really nice heart to it. Had me smiling all the way through, what more can I ask? :)

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Philosophical and surprising, yet strongly influenced by current children's tastes and film humour, this book is an interesting mixture of pop culture, slapstick humour and deep thought for upper primary aged children. I liked it.

[Margaret Madden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to follow

[Nadine Martyniuk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not what I expected at all. I enjoyed it a lot and read it quickly.

[Colin Fisher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this because I gave it the kids for summer reading. Read it in 3 days, squeezed into Madrid metro trains. Which tells you something.