The Tale of Admiral Benbow

by D.A. Holdsworth

So who was Admiral Benbow and why does the Sea still whisper his name?

Outside, a bitter sou’westerly lashes a creaking country tavern. Inside, before a glowing hearth, a traveller begins his yarn — a story of sea, salt, and pitiless destiny. For on this Christmas Eve, the legend of Admiral Benbow is told once more: England’s finest sailing chimp, driven by a doomed obsession to seek out the one adversary he cannot defeat.

Witty, lyrical, and steeped in old-world charm, The Tale of Admiral Benbow is a fireside ballad of courage, adventure, and the eternal pull of the sea.

Richly illustrated and perfect for fans of Treasure Island, The Wind in the Willows, or the heartfelt stories of Charlie Mackesy, The Tale of Admiral Benbow is set to become a children’s classic.

For all great chimps and noble deeds
With time will die or fade,
’Tis but through us who tell their tale
The hands of time are stayed.

Genres: Poetry, Childrens

Kindle Edition

Published December 5, 2025

About the author

Scorpio - resident of Oxfordshire - writer of political satire. In my first two novels the satire happened to emerge in the form of sci-fi - but next time, who knows. Could be fantasy, could be something else.

Am feeling a bit pigeon-holed by Goodreads, because I actually come on here for other people's books, not my own. Reviews are my hobby - reading yours, writing mine. I spend a silly amount of time on them - thinking about what I'm going to say, saying it, and then reflecting on what I've said. It's pointless work, but someone's gotta do it.

I'm a slow reader, so still working my way through the classics. I take 'em one at a time and try to wring out every concealed meaning, spotting all nine out of three things the author's hidden. I branch out occasionally into areas of personal interest. Books on trauma have been a big thing for me lately. Before that it was books on bankers (Why you may ask. Indeed.) Not sure what'll be next. Maybe travel.

Feel free to friend me. I enjoy interaction on GR and absolutely guarantee I won't ask you to review any of my own books or nonsense like that. Friend requests from other slow readers particularly welcome. We're rare as rubies here, we need to stick together.

Oh, and my ratings system. It's a bit unconventional:
⭐ I never give stars out in singles, they give authors a turn (even the ones in their grave)
⭐⭐ Ditto
⭐⭐⭐ Hasn't really impressed me, but okay.
⭐⭐⭐⭐Works nicely.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Hell yeah. This'll be anything from pretty-damn-good to thank-you-for-changing-my-life.

Books do change lives, don't they? It's been happening to me quite a lot lately.

Reviews

[Kealyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Tale of Admiral Benbow by D.A. Holdsworth

5/5 stars

I want to thank Dom for sending me an early reviewer's copy of his new book The Tale of Admiral Benbow. I am forever grateful.

This book completely blew me away. I expected it to be a children's book. And while it truly is a captivating tale for children, it is also written in a lyrical and poetic way that speaks to older people as well. It felt like this book was one long poem. I could almost hear the voice that tells this beautiful story. The stunning artwork made it easy to picture everything visually and vicereally. It felt like I went on a sensory journey that completely drew me in from the first to the last word.

The book starts with an old chimp telling the brave story of Admiral Benbow who sailed The Jolly Ape. Benbow is after Alfons and he wants to defeat him. He gathers his crew and goes on this epic journey to find his enemy.

And while this story is being pushed forwards by the captivating storyline. I was ensnared by how poetically this book is written. The prose really spoke to my soul and that was the true highlight of the book for me. Just look at how magnificent this part is:

You say your life's a living Hell
With bullies all around.
But please stand tall - and never drag
Your knuckles on the ground!

And I kept rereading this one:

You know what silence is, my boy?
The lack of noise perhaps?
How wrong you'd be, for silence is
The sounds you never catch

It just makes you think. Think about your own pain, your own struggles. What does it mean to you? Personally?

Benbow's storyline made my heart ache with pain but I also understood him on a level that connected him directly with my own anguish and past and the things that haunt me to this day. 

This sentence. It encompasses so much truth. It connects fear and hope, it connects pain but pure joy, it connects it all..

The closer unto Death you be
The more you feel alive.

I really wanted to share another part, but that part has a huge spoiler in it and I don't want to spoil this book for anybody. I love how deep this story was. How it made me feel. I couldn't run away from it. I just had to go through it all. 

I love how Dom explains at the start of the book what the inspiration was. How his great-uncle Abraham is woven through the lines. The words and feelings. And I actually felt him. It was just a joy and such an honor.

I also want to give a huge shoutout to Mick Thornley. He illustrated this stunning story, this elongated poem. And he truly brought the characters to life. I love how some drawings felt like they were drawn for the kids. And others held a pain within them. A truth within them. Some looked a bit scary in the most positive way and others made the sentences echo even more through my mind. 

I am just in awe of this book. I have spoken to Dom personally and I could also feel him within this book. And because of that it feels like I have a deeper understanding of what lies behind the words, behind the prose, behind the message. 

5 HUGE stars from me for The Tale of Admiral Benbow.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

“And none forgot that silent night
What none could scarce believe,
It was amidst the tropic heat
A silent Christmas eve.”

This is not your typical Christmas story. I first heard about this book when I read the delightful heart-felt review provided by Goodreads friend, Kealyn. Her review is here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

So, when the author contacted me, I was more than thrilled that he was willing to send his book for me to read and make available in my Little Free Library Shed.

How could one not be enchanted by this beautifully illustrated (Mick Thornley), imaginative tale?
It is inspired by papers discovered among the belongings of the author’s Great Uncle Abraham. Like so many childhood memories of older relatives, this story embraces mystery, adventure, and the magic we often assign to those who came before us—figures we imagine as wiser, braver, and almost larger than life. That sense of wonder clearly appears to have shaped the author’s vision. Especially when a sea chest left behind after Great Uncle Abraham’s passing revealed just enough to set the author’s imagination sailing.

And thus, this book was born.

Told in a poetic, rhythmic voice, readers are introduced to the infamous Admiral Benbow, his ship The Jolly Ape, and a great battle with Alfons—all recounted by an unexpected and enjoyable narrator: an aged chimpanzee. What follows is a sea-bound adventure brimming with pirates, treasure, danger, and anticipation.

What could possibly happen along the way?

While the illustrations may initially suggest a children’s book, the storytelling itself carries a depth and maturity that makes it more rewarding when shared between adults and children. The playful poetic feel adds charm and momentum. But the heart of the story lies in the camaraderie of the crew and the profound respect they hold for their captain, the Admiral.

Beneath the whimsical surface are thoughtful themes of teamwork, loyalty, bravery, and reflection. The story captures the essential tenets of leadership, conflict management, and what truly matters in life. One passage in particular remains long after reading:

“His eyes are soft as if they see
A world of peace not trial,
A world where nothing’s left except
A calm transcendent smile.”

At just 58 pages, this novella is a quick and joyful read. Its heart and message resonate well beyond the final page—reminding us of the true value of life, friendship, and the bonds we form along the way.

Lastly, this story is a charming, thoughtful, and deeply heartfelt adventure with much to appreciate at any age.

I want to thank the author for this complimentary signed book. I am providing an honest review.

[Rosh · Rating 3 out of 5]

In a Nutshell: An illustrated epic ballad aimed at children but better for adults. Innovative in concept and implementation. Great language and rhymes, good structure, quirky simian characters. Had I been a poetry person, I might have enjoyed this more. Recommended.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I never knew epic ballads are still being written, that’s how much of an ignoramus I am when it comes to poetry. The only epic ballad I have read is Coleridge’s ‘The Rime Of The Ancient Mariner’, and that too, with a lot of hesitation. As such, I was a bit apprehensive when this book came my way. Given my aversion towards anything poetic, I didn’t trust myself to be able to focus on a lengthy piece of poetry. Keep this in mind because the rest of my feedback is influenced heavily by this regrettable shortcoming.

This ballad poem comes to us from a first-person narrator who bumps into an aging chimpanzee at a tavern. Nudged by the narrator’s feeling of moroseness, the chimp begins narrating the tale of the greatest sailing chimp of England, the legend of the acclaimed Admiral Benbow and his battle with the pirate Alfons.

The entire poem vibrates with old-world feels, right from the setting to the language to the characters. Of course, the characters are not humans but our closest DNA relatives – apes and monkeys. There’s such a whimsical effect created when we read of navigational achievements and pirate battles with a variety of primates.

I am not too comfortable with poems that are written in random meter and have no rhymes at all. My meagre-sized poetic bone needs those comforts to hold on to while reading poetry. Hence I am happy to report that this ballad worked perfectly on those two counts. Every four-line stanza is in perfect meter and has a proper rhyming scheme (varying across ABCB, ABAC, and ABAB.)

Despite the above, I did struggle somewhat, and this is because of the sheer length of the poem. The epic ballad lasts 58 pages, with at least half of those pages containing 5 stanzas each. I can barely read two pages of poetry before zoning out. So chalk this down entirely to my discomfort with this format of writing. It helped that the poem was peppered with illustrations, offering my brain an illusion of relief.

Of course, as an epic ballad, this isn’t just a poem but a story as well. In that form, it did capture my interest, though perhaps the poetic appearance made me miss out on deep-diving more. Regardless, there are some beautiful quotes within the stanzas that not only enhance the story but offer some nice brain fodder.

The illustrations are as quirky as the cover indicates. The poem being a serious one, the graphics are also serious rather than comical. It’s strange to see monkeys doing no monkeying around in the graphics but indulging in human stuff. I liked the art style, though it would perhaps appeal more to children.

I can't forget to mention the author’s foreword at the start – it is fascinating! I am impressed by the source of this poem, and also understand why the language and the events of the work feel so crisp and authentic.

The blurb calls this a potential “children’s classic”, perfect for fans of “Treasure Island” and “The Wind in the Willows”. I think “children’s classic” is a slight misnomer. The two classics mentioned alongside provide a better insight into the kind of book this is. The book has alcohol and violence, so just as is applicable for “Treasure Island” and “The Wind in the Willows”, tweens can read this but older readers will better appreciate the content. I think age 11+ could still be a good option. At the same time, the language might be a turn-off for this age group. The vocabulary is somewhat complex not just because of difficult words but because of the topic itself. Further, the poetry is *proper* poetry, with several lines taking poetic license with grammatical sentence structure. What I am trying to say is, children like me might find this challenging. 🤭

Recommended to those who enjoy epic ballad poems, classics and pirate stories with larger-than-life heroes.

3 stars.


My thanks to author D.A. Holdsworth for providing me with a complimentary copy of “The Tale of Admiral Benbow”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

The digital version of this book is currently available on Kindle Unlimited.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I follow the Goodreads rating policy:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Lifelong favourite!
⭐⭐⭐⭐ - I loved the book.
⭐⭐⭐ - I liked the book.
⭐⭐ - I found the book average.
⭐ - I hated the book.
The decimals indicate the degree of the in-between feelings.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog || The StoryGraph || Instagram || Facebook ||

[Brooke (B for Books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I smiled, I got chills, and I fell in love with Benbow. The illustrations invited me to linger. This felt like an old lyrical sea tale told with vibrato.

"...silence is
The sounds you never catch.

Thank you very much to the author, Dom for sharing your work. This was a delight!

[Werner]

This newly-published narrative poem, by my Goodreads friend British author D. A. Holdsworth, can fairly be described as an unusual work. I read it in paperback, having been gifted with an ARC in that format by the author, because he knew that I prefer paper books over e-books. (That was an act of particular generosity, considering that the print copy had to be shipped from England at a price that I surmise was not cheap; and I appreciate this enormously!) I want to definitely state that I did like this book, and would recommend it to any readers who might be intrigued by this review.

As the author states in his Foreword, this tale has its roots in his childhood relationship to his great uncle (or possibly multiple "greats" --as a kid, the number of generations wasn't really clear to him) Abraham, a former seafarer, by then retired and living at Milton, a village near Oxford. D. A. went along on his mother's infrequent visits to the old gentleman, who took a liking to him and greatly impressed his youthful imagination. After Abraham's death, it fell to D. A.'s mom to deal with his effects, including his old sea-chest. According to the author, this story was in a sheaf of papers at the bottom. (That may be purely a fictional conceit, or may have a grain of truth --but if the latter is the case, the germ of the tale was considerably reworked, with significant changes to both setting and characters.)

Our setting here is, or at least somewhat resembles, the early 18th century, in a British inn modeled on the apparently real-life Admiral Benbow tavern in Milton. (At the back of the book, there's a short note In Memoriam to its late landlady, Doris Belcher; and readers familiar with Treasure Island will also appreciate the allusion.) On a cold. stormy Christmas Eve, the despondent narrator of the frame story makes his way to the inn, where he hears an aged guest tell the main story-within-a-story to his little grandson. That tale will relate the voyage of Admiral Benbow and his crew to bring to justice his nemesis, notorious pirate Alfons the Red, which will take us all the way to the Caribbean. But this is not your typical 18th-century adventure; all of the characters are non-human primates (Benbow, for instance, is a chimpanzee, and Alfons an orangutan), who talk, wear clothes, and generally engage in human-like activities. As with, for instance, the Berenstain Bears or the "critters" in Mercer Mayer's Little Critter books, you as the reader have to just accept this on its own terms and go on (and with primates, who have opposable thumbs, that's easier to do than with some animals).

I've shelved this as a children's book; and on Amazon, this book is designated as appropriate for readers aged nine and up. That's because Amazon required some sort of age designation; by his own statement (in a personal message), in writing it, D.A. simply spun the sort of story he wanted to tell, without giving a lot of thought to the age of the readers. My own guess is that it would appeal more to kids aged about 12-14 than to nine-year-olds; but I'd say it actually might be better appreciated by adults. It's kid-friendly (at least for older kids), in that it's heavily illustrated, has a fairly simple and linear plot, is a quick read with just 58 pages of actual story, and has relatively sanitized content. There's a fair amount of ale drinking and pipe smoking, but that would be inevitable in this setting (particularly given that the tale is being told in a tavern!); a single d-word is used, but observers listening to actual 18th-century pirates and Navy tars would have heard a lot more; and while older readers spotting the scantily-clad young female chimp looking out of an upstairs window at the inn in Kingston Town would likely form a pretty accurate conjecture about her probable occupation, that would probably be over the heads of younger kids. The main message of the tale, about standing up to bullies and about the importance of loyalty and courage in doing the right thing, is one kids need and can appreciate. But adults need and can appreciate it too; and they would be more likely to understand some of the vocabulary, and to pick up on some of the emotional nuances and secondary themes (like the interaction between older and younger generations).

Despite the Christmas Eve setting of the frame story, and the fact that the climactic action of the main story also happens to take place on Christmas Eve, readers looking for Christmassy content will be disappointed. Considered as poetry, the four-line stanzas making up the work are crafted well, almost always having at least two rhyming lines and always having meter (the author does make some use of slant rhyme). But though I would consider it good poetry (and probably better than a considerable body of modern poetry that's more self-consciously "literary!"), the poetic content is secondary to the storytelling. (That's generally true of the ballad tradition in English-language poetry, and this best fits into that tradition.) I also wasn't satisfied with a key aspect of the denouement here; no spoilers, but I felt that a key action by the Admiral lacked a convincing motivation. (By his own statement, the author found this story "not easy to start, nor to finish;" he wrote two alternate beginnings and an alternate ending, though those aren't included here.)

I was able to appreciate this nautical yarn on its own terms, and don't regret reading it! Hopefully, this review will give you some idea of whether or not you (or kids on your Christmas list) would like it too.

[Ana Novković · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Stars – A Thrilling, Nostalgic Adventure!

Thank you so much to D. A. Holdsworth for sending me an early reviewer’s copy of The Tale of Admiral Benbow. I feel incredibly lucky to have had the opportunity to read it ahead of its December 2nd release, and I hope everyone will check it out because it is truly a wonderful and exciting story.

This book brought back so many memories of my childhood and reminded me of the magic of discovering adventure stories for the first time. The action scenes are thrilling, vividly described, and full of energy, making it impossible to put the book down. The writing style is clear, engaging, and immersive, and I found myself completely drawn into the world that Holdsworth has created.

The illustrations in The Tale of Admiral Benbow are absolutely stunning. Each one feels alive, as if it is part of the story itself, capturing the characters, ships, and landscapes with incredible detail and energy. The artwork perfectly complements the writing, bringing the adventure to life in a way that makes you feel like you are right there on the deck of the ship or exploring hidden coves alongside the characters. The colors, expressions, and movement in the illustrations are all so vibrant and engaging that they enhance the reading experience and make the story even more immersive and unforgettable.

I am also very excited to explore the two alternative beginnings and the alternative ending when they are released. Even just knowing they exist adds another layer of anticipation and makes me even more eager to dive back into the story and see how these different versions might change the experience.

Overall, The Tale of Admiral Benbow is a beautifully written, exciting, and nostalgic adventure that I thoroughly enjoyed. I give it five stars without hesitation and I highly recommend you check it out!

[Sommer Aweidah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well that was such a joy to read

And ended way too quick.

I loved every word! I lost myself in the tale, it felt like I was in the tavern too.

[Skip · Rating 5 out of 5]

“BENBOW” is without a doubt one of the most remarkable books I have ever read. It is short and can actually be read in one sitting if you are so inclined but it will stay with me forever. The first thing that hit me were the illustrations so beautifully done and very pertinent to the story. If the words weren’t so completely perfect the pictures would be worth the price of admission. But the story is told in rhyme which blew me away from the start and the theme is a universal one that never gets old. I read the book yesterday and still can’t stop thinking about it. This is one person who was completely captivated by the words and the poetry involved in telling the story. I recommend it highly and thank the author for having given me a copy of the book for an honest review. If you haven’t already gleaned my reaction to this book my honest review is “definitely get it”. You won’t be disappointed. I actually read it twice in two days because I wanted it to stay with me forever.

[Dugald Craig · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate enough to receive an advance copy to review and these are my honest thoughts.

The story of Admiral Benbow is written in sea shanty styled rhyme and told by two chimps sitting in a Public House drinking beer. As with all good raconteurs the older chimp attracts the interest of the other patrons who listen spellbound throughout. This is a charming, beautifully illustrated story with a strong moral compass which will appeal a wide range of readers. The book can be read in its entirety or in portions and definitely merits further visits to pick up on all of the nuances.

[C I KESZEI · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an author of fiction, which I have greatly enjoyed, I now discover that Mr Holdsworth also has a talent to write in rhyme.

I read this work by way of an advanced reader copy, for which I am grateful.

The story is really well written and beautifully illustrated - and it even has a moral in the tale.

Each of the detailed illustrations stand out and support the story. I particularly like the sailing chart with an arrow pointing the way to Didcot, from the Carribbean.

As I was reading this, aside from being suitable for all ages, I thought how it would make a great bedtime story for children. There are enough cliff hangers / stopping points for parental convenience too.

In summary, if you want something different, or are looking for a gift, this book should be at the top of your list.

[Maria Carosella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced reader's copy, and would like to say that I found it to be both well written and engaging. The visuals were immersive, as well as different from the mainstream. To sum it all up, I think it was a lovely read, that has the potential to become an instant classic. And I see it as being something kids, as well as adults, would be likely to reread time and time again!

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stories of a vanished world. I remember the story of my great-grandfather's telephone, the first house phone installed on his block in Brooklyn. For a time, neighbors received or made phone calls from this very phone. Author D.A. Holdsworth tells of his Great Uncle Abraham, a Cornish seafarer with piercing, blue eyes. Abraham’s pitted sea chest contained items of sheer magic. Of special interest was a sheaf of papers discovered at the bottom of the chest…an epic ballad.

It was a bitter Christmastide. Warming drinks did not alleviate the gloom at the tavern until an aged chimpanzee, an old sea dog, captivated the attention of a smaller chimp by recounting the tale of Admiral Benbow.

“I knew Benbow, when I was young
A midshipman at sea
No taller than my own grandson
As you stand next to me.

They posted me aboard his ship
Aboard The Jolly Ape
And so I gave the land the slip
The sea closed round my wake.”

“Benbow told us we had been picked,
The finest sailing primates,
To trail and then attack the ship
Of that most cruel of pirates.

We shuddered then, like waking dead,
We feared the task in hand,
To fight to death Alfons the Red
That bold orangutan!”

“Each wondered whom the Hand of Fate
Would claim back for His own.

And yet if you offered all
The chance to flee that night
Not one chimp there would have you spare
Them from the morrow’s fight.”

Admiral Benbow was arguably the greatest sailing chimp of England. He treated his simian crew with respect and kindness. They became team players, willing to sacrifice life and limb to successfully complete this mission for their commander. It was delightful being a fly on the wall (of the ship) alongside the whimsical cast of primates creatively drawn by Mick Thornley. Having not read many epic ballads of late, it was refreshing to encounter a tale written in this format. It would seem that the poetic presentation of this novella would work best with middle grade students or above, as independent readers, or those younger reading with an adult. The excitement of seafaring adventures, pirates and treasure chests will always have a captive audience, starting with me!

Highly recommended.

Thank you D.A. Holdsworth for the shout out and Print ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Adam Snook · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC for this book and what a delight it turned out to be.

Written in a gentle, lilting sea shanty style, you get pulled into the daring, chaotic tale of chimp Admiral Benbow with ease and are soon hoping the journey doesn’t end any time soon.

It fits easily into the timeless tradition of pirate and adventure stories as though it had always been there, on the shelf and ready to be told, only now has it actually been brought to life.

Alongside the words of D. A. Holdsworth are absolutely stunning illustrations by Mick Thornley, who uses vivid colours and exceptional depth and detail to bring Benbow and other characters storming off the page and into your imagination.

Words and images combine powerfully so you can feel the warm glow of the tavern fire, hear the ceaseless creak and sway of the ship cutting through the waves, recoil from the unsheathing of a sword.

This is a book that makes you want to go outside and try to live the kind of life where people might gather round to listen to the tales that result.

Something to inspire younger readers perhaps, but equally able to coax one more adventure out of an older, cynical soul.

[L A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author D.A. Holdsworth for the beautiful signed copy for our middle school library. It is inspired by the discovery of the author’s Great Uncle Abraham's papers in an old sea chest. "And so I came to see how hope can be present itself in the strangest form and at the darkest hour-and how old Abraham found some measure of peace at the end. Even here, miles and miles from the sea to which he belonged." It is beautifully illustrated and brought to life by Mick Thornley. The story is a fast-paced adventure, and adds magic beyond our imagination creating a larger than life pirate on a mission through a ballad. The author’s vision of sailing is whimsical and rhythmic told through the eyes of an older chimpanzee. The Admiral Benbow battles with other pirates for treasure and leadership with a camaraderie of crew members that have the utmost respect for him. This epic journey speaks of the true value of life and friendship.
"You say your life's a living Hell..." Come aboard for this adventure.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was on my radar because I'd enjoyed the author's previous two books so much, but still I was a bit skeptical. Rhyming books aren't usually my thing, and I'm not overly fond of most primates, either. Pirates, though, I do like, and this turned out to be a fun adventure story. Also, the whole framing story conceit was fun, as were the "lost papers"/"this really happened to my grandpa" tropes. It had a very early 20th-century adventure tale feel to it, although there wasn't any set date assigned to it other than the pirate part of the story seeming to take place in the late 17th/early 18th century. Still, the undateable aspect just added to the fantasy.

I usually much prefer ebooks to paper, but in this case, I was lucky enough to receive a paper ARC and I can definitely recommend this format since it makes it easier to appreciate the illustrations.

[Tammy Williams · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is a book for children?

Was not impressed at all. Don't know how a 9 year old would enjoy reading this book. I, as an adult, had a hard time understanding it. Also, there were parts of the book that I feel that it is not appropriate for young children. First of all, I mentioned drinking beer in it, then to top it off, some of the pictures of the women are tasteful at all. In my opinion, I feel this book is for adults.

[Stephen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whimsical

This was a fun read that I would recommend for any reader. I won it on Goodreads and I was delighted reading it through. I don't read much poetry these days but this got full attention. My compliments to the author.

[Stephanie Cleaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Utterly charming!

Well this was a different kind of read for me, but it was still compulsive reading.

An charming, whimsical tale in which to lose yourself completely for a short while

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prose and Illustrations

The story is written in prose that is very easy to read. The illustrations were enjoyable and added much to the overall experience of this story.