Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

The Return Of The Jabberwock

Rate this book
Nothing is quite what it seems when a young boy sets off to find and defeat a real-life Jabberwock. Lewis Carroll's dark and dangerous dreamscape creatures are never far from the boy's mind as he ventures ever deeper into the forest.

Paperback

First published September 2, 2013

2 people are currently reading
10 people want to read

About the author

Oakley Graham

206 books8 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
12 (35%)
4 stars
11 (32%)
3 stars
11 (32%)
2 stars
0 (0%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
Profile Image for Monika Satote ( Monikareads_ on Instagram ).
124 reviews12 followers
November 6, 2020
I read this book with my 6YO nephew.

This book is inspired by a poem written by Lewis Carroll about the killing of a creature named "the Jabberwock". It was included in his 1871 novel Through the Looking-Glass, and What Alice Found There, the sequel to Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.

"A long time ago, before you were born,
Lived a beast with eyes of flame and horns!
Your great grandfather defeated the Jabberwock beast
And returned home to a magnificent victory feast!"

A boy decides to go on an adventure to find his own Jabberwock, inspired by his father’s tale and his great grandfather’s adventures. He arms himself with a sword and makes his way into the Tulgey Wood. As he enters the jungle, he finds some monstrous creatures at every turn, but the brave little boy manages to go ahead. In the end, he finally sees a Jabberwock and the boy freaks out and runs. What happens in the end is insane. The book has an open ending.

This book is adventurous and a little scary ( for kids) with some great creative scenes. This book can also be used as an example that sometimes all we see is an illusion, especially in scary situations.

We enjoyed this book because of the plot and the imaginative illustrations. I must admire the gorgeous illustrations that bring the whole new perspective to the story. Because if someone narrates this story verbally, you will not understand it. And the open ending with “The end?”, the question mark opened so many possible ending opportunities. You won't be able to imagine things without the graphics. So, I give my full score to the illustrations.

My nephew imagined it to end in the cutest yet creepy way whereas my dumb ass imagined very simplistic ending. Trust me, that made me feel old. Kids imagine the craziest things.
Profile Image for Chloe Richardson.
108 reviews1 follower
October 17, 2020
The really enjoyed this book and it’s wonderful and imaginative illustrations, especially all the shadows and the joys armour. I also really like the question mark at the end. It leaves the book open and this could lead to children writing what happens next.

This story is inspired by Lewis Carroll’s poem ‘Jabberwocky’, and the poem is featured at the very beginning of the book. This could be great for looking at in the classroom. For instance you could use this book as inspiration for looking at other poems and writing a follow up story.

I found the note at the back to be very helpful! And could be inspirational in the children, perhaps they could write their own poem using portmanteau words like Carroll did.

The children could also use natural materials to create their own monsters like the Jabberwork. Or they could create its habitat. They can then write a poem about the creature they have created:

The children could write to the local newspaper to describe what they’ve seen in the woods.
Profile Image for Cyndy.
1,785 reviews8 followers
September 27, 2024
This story is based on Lewis Carroll's poem "Jabberwocky" originally published in 1871. It's a cute story with a funny ending. I would recommend it for any kids that have creative imaginations.
Profile Image for Rose English.
Author 23 books183 followers
February 7, 2016
'The Return of the Jabberwock’
by Oakley Graham
Illustrated by David Neale

This is a beautifully illustrated picture book, written around the old classic nonsense poem by Lewis Carroll. The original poem is featured at the beginning of the book ‘Jabberwocky’ written 1871.

‘T’was brillig, and the slithy toves
Did gyre and gimble in the wabe:
All mimsy were the borogoves,
And the mome raths outgrabe.’


What a wonderful way to introduce one of the classics, and share the literature of one of our great masters with new readers.

The story tells of a young boy whose father relates to him the tale of the Jabberwock.

‘A long time ago, before you were born,
Lived a beast with eyes of flame and horns!
Your great grandfather defeated the Jabberwock beast,
And returned home to a magnificent victory feast!

I’m going to find my own Jabberwock!’ the little boy said,
As he marched past his dad towards the garden shed.
‘I’ll need a sword and helmet for my big adventure.
Then into Tugley Wood I’ll venture!’


This is definitely not a book to share with children of a delicate or sensitive disposition; it may evoke nightmares. However, children who love adventures featuring monsters and creatures of the woods, then this is a tale to share with them.

What I loved also about this picture book, is the little English lesson at the back. Explaining all about ‘Portmanteau words’ created by blending the sounds and meanings of two words together i.e. slithy created by mixing ‘slimy’ and ‘lithe’ forming a new word meaning ‘smooth and active’.

This book along with several others is retailed at £5.99 but I found this for 99p in the Aldi Supermarket; fantastic bargain.

I have today been informed that my sister’s grandson (whom I bought the book for) absolutely loves it.

Happy Reading
Profile Image for Scott.
Author 25 books45 followers
December 7, 2016
A humorous rhyme that follows on the adventure of Lewis Carroll's original nonsense poem. A tale of adventure, forest animals and bravery or lack thereof. Amusing twist to end the book. Only let down was some rhymes seemed forced. But a good read nonetheless.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.