Imagine

by Norman Messenger

Inspiring, intriguing, endlessly entertaining -- Norman Messenger's interactive book allows us to step out of our everyday lives, shed our preconceptions, and experience a little magic.

IMAGINE . . . a ladder without steps, a clock without hands, a racket without strings, a kiss without a mouth. Imagine a world where the hills have faces and wherever you went, you'd have someone to talk to. Imagine flipping a series of flaps to form fantastical creatures or turning a wheel to fit the top of one face on the bottom of another. Imagine that Norman Messenger's quirky, humorous suggestions, ingenious visual puzzles, and beautifully crafted illustrations will open your eyes and mind and reveal that -- with a little imagination -- the world can become a different and mysterious place, where anything is possible.

Genres: Picture Books, Art, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

First published October 11, 2005

About the author

Norman Messenger is the author-illustrator of Imagine, among other books. A highly regarded illustrator, he is a founding member of the Association of Illustrators in Great Britain, where he lives.

Reviews

[KC · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful book filled with such dramatic artwork, optical illusions, and interactive searches. I believe I may have read this one to the kids when they were young.

[Kirsty · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such an interesting and thought-provoking interactive book. Each page has endless ways to be explored e.g. through considering the 'imagine if ...' statements, turning the book upside down, lifting flaps, turning circles etc! From the first page I was filled with wonder and questions - why have a door in the middle of the countryside which opens up onto more countryside? This book would be great for prompting exploratory talk. It has the power to inspire children to want to use their creativity and shows them the value of their imagination. I think children would need to explore this book many many times before they notice all the details and themes within the pages, feeling they had fully read it.

Many of the 'imagine if ...' statements would make good starting points for science lessons, for Bright Ideas Time. E.g. when looking at materials - imagine a house without windows. The way the pages have been presented and how, for example, lifting the flaps completely changes the image, could be explored in art. Patterns and shape can be explored in maths. I think it would be great for children to come up with their own 'what if ...' statements.

There are also great mini-challenges at the top of most pages for children to try out.

[Cheriee Weichel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been watching students interact with this book over the past few weeks. A group gathers round and they ooh and ahh over it as they turn the pages. Each page is filled with wonder. There are puzzles and creative challenges to keep a reader entertained for hours, and that is before beginning to appreciate the stunning art work!

[Tricia Douglas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here is a wonderful look, see and do book for children. Using your imagination allows the reader to go beyond the usual and experience some out-of-the-ordinary magic. There are visual puzzles and beautiful illustrations to play with the mind. Great for any age, really.

[Marcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A delightful and clever children's book. In addition to the fun drawings, there are lots of terrific brain teaser activities as well.

[Deborah K · Rating 5 out of 5]

life changing shit

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Questions, Puzzles, and fabulous illustrations draw our eyes to the pages for long moments of trying to see what the artist saw, and what the artist wanted us readers to see. A variety of flipping parts within a page reveals fantastic animals. A double-page spread looks like a duplicate until you're challenged to find the differences. My favorite is a forest scene and you need to discover a witch, her cat, and other animals. Amazing!

[Elke Ursin · Rating 5 out of 5]

We loved this book! This would be a GREAT gift for a 5 year old. Really fun and the illustrations are fantastic!

[Serafina Sands · Rating 5 out of 5]

i LOVE, LOVE this book -- for some time, David and I have given it to everyone we know who has a child, because we find it so inspiring and delightful

[İlayda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect!!

[Kari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rory enjoyed the optical illusions...very bright interesting to look at.