Legend of Kevin

Kevin: Roly-Poly Flying Pony #1

by Philip Reeve, Sarah McIntyre

Max is a young boy living in an ordinary tower block. He longs for adventure in his life - then one day - DOOF! - a flying pony called Kevin crashes into his flat, blown in by a magical storm! The storm causes a huge flood and soon Max's town submerged by water. Luckily for the town, Max has a flying pony to come to the rescue, and luckily for Kevin, he has a new best friend and a constant supply of his favourite thing - biscuits. Together Max and Kevin will embark on many wild adventures together . . . This is the start of a hilarious new series brought to you by the creative and inspiring duo Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre and is packed with amazing two-colour illustrations.

Genres: Childrens, Fantasy, Fiction, Animals

160 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2018

About the author

Philip Reeve was born and raised in Brighton, where he worked in a bookshop for a number of years while also co-writing, producing and directing a number of no-budget theatre projects.

Philip then began illustrating and has since provided cartoons for around forty children's books, including the best-selling Horrible Histories, Murderous Maths and Dead Famous series.

Railhead, published by Oxford University Press, will be published in the UK in October 2015

Pugs of the Frozen North, written with Sarah McIntyre, is out now.

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

My daughter has loved all the books by Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre, including, “Jinks and O’Hare Funfair Repair,” “Oliver and the Seawigs,” “Pugs of the Frozen North,” and “Cakes in Space,” so her anticipation was high, when she received their latest work.

Kevin is a flying pony who loves eating – grass, apples and biscuits – particularly biscuits. One night, during a terrible storm, Kevin is blow away. Max lives in the top floor of a top building in Bumbleford, with his parents and sister, Daisy. Max really wants a pet and so, when plump pony, Kevin, blows into the side of his building, it is not long before Max is digging out the custard creams…

This is a wonderful adventure, with lovely illustrations and a nice, feel good adventure. For the storm, that blew Kevin out of his nest, is not yet finished and, before you get to the end, there are mermaids and some very cheeky sea monkeys, causing a lot of trouble. The whole book is not only a delight, but delightfully designed. Great to read together, or alone, this is a great addition to any child’s bookshelf.

[Kaia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Apparently, my son and I read this together in 2019, but neither of us remembered it at all. Reading it a second time was like reading it afresh! Another fun story with wonderful illustrations from Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre. We have re-read some of their other books several times, too - just delightful.

[Rapolas Stasevicius · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really fun book

[Lisa Wallman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! I read it in one sitting and I will read it to my class at a later date as I know they will absolutely love it!
Read this book as past of the UKLA Book Awards Shortlist for 7 to 10 year olds and the others will need to be pretty spectacular to get my vote after this one!

[Mehsi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meet Kevin! A magical flying pony with a big love for wafers (pink ones please).

One day, during a big big storm, Kevin gets blown away, and lands right smackdab against Max's building. Who is Max? A little boy who would love a pet, and who is getting a new friend send to him like magic. I just adored Max and how he opened up his home for Kevin, how he stole some wafers to make Kevin happy (and even more plump than he already is, really, it surprises me that he can still fly with all that weight).

But this book isn't just about Max and Kevin's friendship (though it is a big part of it), it is also about the storm that is taking over the town. Yup, that storm that brought Kevin with it, also brought tons of water with it. So much water in fact that the town is drowning. Max's parents are opening up their apartment for everyone (they are situated in a high place), but there is also something to do for Max and Kevin. Grocery shopping for instance, and later doing some other important things. I had quite a laugh how they went on to do groceries, and then an even bigger laugh seeing how others were grocery shopping. I had fun watching the mermaids enjoy their time at the hairdresser (and knew from that point what may happen near the end).

I had a bit of a laugh at Max's sister. Who, after seeing Dracula, turned full gothic. She even talked like a few characters I know from anime (like Yoshiko from Love Live). 

I just adore that we see the Sea Monkeys again (in their full annoying glory), but also Mermaids, and other creatures from previous Sarah/Philip books. For instance, in the pile of plushies you can see a cute pug! I had so much fun picking out the references and seeing how everything is connected in a way.

Plus, I do want to live in this world. Yes, the flood wasn't fun (it was pretty terrible), but I love the community (how they all worked together and tried to help each other out) and the idea that this world hosts all sorts of creatures (mermaids, yay!).

Oh, and bonus points to the cute guinea pigs who had an adventure on their own. 

The ending was just the most adorable thing. I am so happy for both Kevin and Max.

Of course I can't forget the fabulous illustrations by Sarah McIntyre! <3

Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/

[Sara Gabai · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely! I read it in Hebbrew, with my grandkids. like all Reev's and McIntyre's books, it is enjoyable by adults, too.

[Josef Komensky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kevin een dikke vliegende paardje die van koekjes houd wordt door een windstorm weg gewaaid naar een onbepaald Engelse stadje Bunbehorn en daar ontmoet hij een jonge Max en zijn zusje Leslie die zichzelf graag Elvira noemd en is een Ghotic.

Het boekje is heel fraai geïllustreerd voornamelijk dei zeemeerminnen en die zee apen vond ik heel erg leuk.

[Kirsty · Rating 3 out of 5]

As expect this book was so much fun. Cute and funny with wonderful cameos from characters of previous books from Reeve and McIntyre.

[Book Gannet · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is pure joy. Not only is the story of a biscuit-loving, tiny winged, roly-poly flying pony great fun, but the illustrations are brilliant and the whole book is beautiful. This hardback is well worth having with it’s shiny cover and silver-edged pages – it’s one to keep and treasure. Everything about it is delightful.

Which is to be expected from a Reeve & McIntyre production. This unstoppable duo have created an absolute winner here. Kevin, the flying pony, is blown out of his nest in a terrible storm and winds up on Max’s high-rise balcony, just as the town of Bumbleford is flooded. But it’s not just loveable Kevin and his need for biscuits (mmm, custard creams), other creatures have arrived in Bumbleford, from some rather helpful mermaids to the truly naughty sea monkeys. It’s fun and funny and the blue, black and white illustrations really sell the story throughout.

Cheeky, clever, occasionally silly and always enjoyable, this book is perfect for readers of all ages who like unusual adventures, naughty sea monkeys and biscuits. There’s never a dull moment and the illustrations are always on hand to hold the attention of less confident readers. It should also appeal equally to both girls and boys – and guinea-pigs, thanks to the Adventures of Neville and Beyoncé. I loved it and I cannot wait to read what Kevin, Max and the rest get up to next.

[Anu-vinkkari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Veikeä tarina keksejä rakastavasta pullukasta pienisiipisestä ponista jonka hirmumyrsky paiskaa keskelle tulvivaa kaupunkia. Pulaan joutuneen ponin pelastaa reipas miehenalku, Max, joka on haaveillut omasta lemmikistä jo vuosikausia. Reaali- ja fantasiamaailma lomittuvat sikinsokin ja absurdeja juonenkäänteitä riittää. Tarinan yksityiskohdat aukeavat vielä paremmin jos tuntee kirjailijan aiempaa tuotantoa, sillä veden valtaan joutuneen kaupungin kaduilla polskuttelee tulvan myötä myös melkoinen joukko aiemmista kirjoista tuttuja, Läntisen äären kesyttömiltä alueilta saapuneita outoja olentoja.
Sopii vinkkaukseen kakkosesta neloseen ja yhdessä luettavaksi iltakirjaksi vaikka jo viskari-ikäisestä ylöspäin.

[Christina Reid · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun adventure, full of quirky characters, magical creatures and unexpected events.
One day a storm blows Kevin, a roly-poly flying pony out of his nest and into town, where he meets Max, a boy who dreams of having a pet. Together Kevin and Max go on adventures proving that a flying pony is just what their town needs!
Lots of fun with cute illustrations - took it into school last week and it's already a hit with my Year 3s!

3.5 stars.

[Veronique Pauwels · Rating 5 out of 5]

Een kaft die me al een tijdje bezig hield. Hier en daar al heel wat over gelezen. Ik hoop deze echt wel te promoten in mijn klas. Die zullen ze zeker leuk vinden.
Wat als het gaat stormen en regenen en door die regen, krijgt men een overstroming. Welke wezens komt Max dan allemaal tegen? Is het een vogel? Nee! Het is Kevin! Kevin de pony...

[Janika Puolitaival · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reeven kirjoissa kaikki on mahdollista, juonenkäänteitä riittää ja hassuja hahmoja. Pullea, keksejä rakastava poni rysähtää kerroslaatikon parvekkeelle ja Max päättää pelastaa hassun ponin.

[Tim Roast · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has great artwork and looks aesthetically great. It is attractive to look at with a silver edge to the pages, a solid hardcover with a glittery silver flying pony on it, and cute artwork throughout the book, from front to back. Lots of little details have gone into the artwork that show that more than the bare minimum went into them. For example there is an open window in one scene where an artist is busy at work, possibly a self-portrait by the illustrator? And also the inner back cover has artwork that picks up part of the story when it didn't need to too - it just provides a little extra.

The story tells the tale of Kevin, the flying pony, who lives in the wild, wet hills of the Outermost West. One day there is a storm. "Kevin flapped his small wings as fast as they would flap, but the wind was too strong for him. It blew him all the way to the places where ordinary people lived - people who didn't believe in flying ponies."

In fact it flies him right into the side of a building in Bumbleford where a boy is inside called Max is desperate for a pet, and had in fact just wished for one. "I so wish I had a pet... It doesn't even have to be a dog or a cat, almost any sort of pet would do."

They befriend each other. Then the town of Bumbleford floods. "This isn't just an ordinary flood, you know. That storm last night blew in from the Outermost West, and that's a very strange place. All sorts of creatures live out there that most people don't even believe in any more. Magical things like mermaids and monsters."

And so, with Max living in the highest flat in town, he and Kevin have to rescue everyone whilst encountering the magical creatures, such as sea monkeys which readers of other books by the author and illustrator may have come across before (nice touch).

The plot perhaps is a bit limited but it is the imaginative things happening (flying pony who eats biscuits) and the comedy that are the driving forces. And it certainly looks the part too.

[readingwithjaney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book to my class, so I thought it only appropriate to have them rate the book together and give me their thoughts:

“I liked it because it was interesting and it was incredible and it was funny”

“It always has a happy ending so I give it 5 stars!”

“I liked it because Kevin gets to get custard creams and I want some!”

“I liked it when they hugged each other on the house because they loved each other so much”

“I liked it because it was funny and it was amazing and we got to see Kevin and the monkeys and Kevin’s tummy”

“I loved it because it was amazing and the monkeys sneezed out the pepper”

“I liked the book because it was funny”

“I loved it when they were sleeping” -

“I loved the book because it was so funny”

“I loved the book because it was funny and fun and I liked when the monkeys sneezed and they went achoo as Kevin put some bubbles and they didn’t wanna get cleaned”

“I loved chapter 5 because it was very wet and they were trying not to get wet”

“I liked the start because Kevin was singing lalalalalalalalalala”

“I loved the book because it was so silly”

“I loved the ending”

Thanks to Angelica (Miss Gaspar) for lending us the book!

[Katy Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Appealing pony story with a difference.

Max longs for a pet, but his parents refuse - he lives in a top storey flat and money is tight. One stormy night, he is surprised to find a fat pony banging into his window... a pony with wings!

And so starts a story about a boy and his new friend who find themselves at the centre of a disaster, and who may be able to become heroes. And beat some sea monkeys.

All very silly, but my son was enthralled over the several bedtimes this took to read. Dotted throughout are illustrations, breaking up the text a little, and the story doesn't try too hard to be funny, it lets the story's own humour speak for itself. I liked the biscuit motif, though I wanted more from the older 'goth' sister. The underwater scenes were good, and keeping Kevin (mostly) silently worked.

A fun standalone, though there is room for a sequel. Nice to see a pony rather than a unicorn for once, as well!

Pretty simple but a story that will draw in boys and girls alike. For ages 6-10.

[Anne Maddock · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book, devouring it in one sitting in preparation to read to a mixed year one/two class. It is an excellent first-chapter book to read aloud to a class, although it does contain some illustrations on most pages.
The story follows Kevin, a ‘Roly-Poly, Flying Pony’ who is swept from his nest in the wild, wet hills of the outermost west in a terrible storm and finds himself landing on the balcony of a young boy named Max and his family. A friendship is quickly cultivated between Kevin and Max with the help of a few custard creams, Kevin’s biscuit of choice. Max realises that the storm has caused havoc in Bumbleford, the town where he lives. He and Kevin set out to put things right, meeting some magical creatures such as the troublesome, stinky sea monkeys.
I read this book in a few sittings to my class, and they were absolutely mesmerised, apart from when they were laughing. It fuelled their imaginations and would be an excellent chapter book for the more reluctant reader to experience.

[Theediscerning · Rating 4 out of 5]

Meet Kevin. He's a flying pony, and he's a little on the plump side. He loves biscuits too much is why, but he's happily living in the middle of nowhere, in the wild, wet hills of the Outermost West. Now meet Max. He's a simple human being, not flying anywhere, and wishing for a pet to share his time in his top-floor flat with, something his Byronically goth sister and parents don't agree with. One night, however, the wild and wet hills are wilder and wetter than usual, and an enormous storm blows Kevin out of his nest, and on to the balcony outside Max's window. The two are bound to become friends, but they might not be able to relax just yet, for the bad weather has not finished…

Please feel free to check the full review, at:-
http://www.thebookbag.co.uk/reviews/i...

[LuCioLe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Je tiens tout d’abord à remercier Little Urban et Babelio pour ce livre reçu dans le cadre d’une masse critique. C’est toujours un plaisir de trouver de nouveaux livres jeunesse pour le lire avec mon fils lors de l’histoire du soir. J’étais assez curieuse de lire ce roman étant donné que c’est Philip Reeve l’auteur (Mortal Engine), je voulais voir si ce genre de romans lui allaient bien et c’est plutôt le cas. Mon fils a adoré cette histoire et je dois dire que moi aussi. Tout d’abord le style de dessins est vraiment sympathique et assez drôle par moment je trouve. Et puis, le choix des couleurs est assez original également puisque ces derniers sont principalement noirs et bleus. Il agrémente parfaitement le roman en lui même et donne un très bon rythme à l’histoire et surtout on visualise assez bien les personnages et les créatures grâce à eux. Une tempête fait rage et le poney volant Maurice se retrouve projeter vers la ville et il se retrouve sur le balcon d’un petit garçon Max. Ce dernier se prend d’amitié pour Maurice et veut qu’il se sente chez lui et il aimerait le garder. C’est vraiment la catastrophe par chez lui, les eaux ont tout envahis et ils se rendent compte qu’il n’y a pas que ce poney volant qui est arrivé en ville mais tout un tas d’autres créatures. Max décide alors d’aider les gens de la ville avec Maurice, une sacrée aventure ! L’histoire est assez simple et plutôt rigolote. C’est original et les personnages sont vraiment bien. Max est très différent de sa sœur et pourtant celle-ci le comprend très bien. C’est avant tout une histoire d’amitié.

En résumé, La Légende de Maurice le Poney volant est vraiment un très bon roman jeunesse. Les enfants peuvent le lire assez facilement et c’est vraiment un très bon moment pour eux. Les personnages sont vraiment bien et l’histoire est drôle. Mention spéciale aux hamsters ! Je ne peux que vous conseiller ce roman pour vos enfants, vous ne le regretterez pas et eux l’adoreront ! Une sympathique histoire qui sortira le 8 janvier 2021 dans vos librairies.

[Timothy Burbage · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable read. I picked it up at the library purely because my son's name is Kevin. I thought Kevin was the boy, in fact he was the roly-poly-flying-pony.

I loved the humour in this book. My son liked it because the animals and magic was silly. I liked it because it involved a world where adults still went to work after their whole town was completely submerged in water. They still went in suits, just with a scuba mask on. We laughed together at the absurdity on show.

I liked Max and Kevin as main characters and I really liked Max's teenage sister Daisy, or Elvira as she wants to be called. Once the plot of the book kicks in with the flood my enjoyment diminished somewhat, but I will definitely look to pick up the sequel when we see it next in the library.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the roly poly flying pony who gets swept out of his next by a terrific storm & onto a little boys balcony at the top of some flats. As the rain breaks the river banks & floods the town more creatures from the magical forest appear. With people heading to the flats for dry & safety. Kevin the flying pony & his new friend to go get supplies ( of which biscuits feature heavily) Mermaids, naughty sea monkeys & a side story of two pet guinea pigs having an adventure keep this tale storming with fun. Friendship & a place to call home gives this a feel good ending and a craving for tea with a custard cream, but not in that order. Great fun.

[Annika Vesteri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aivan ihastuttava lastenkirja aivan ihastuttavalla sinisävytteisellä kuvituksella! En meinannut malttaa laskea kirjaa käsistäni. Kuvitus oli ihanan yksityiskohtainen ja freesi! Tämä on hyväntuulinen tarina rohkeudesta, ystävyydestä sekä kekseliäisyydestä. Tämä kirja näytti sen, kuinka yhteen hiileen puhaltamalla saadaan isoja aikaan ja kuinka ystävyys onkaan arvostettava asia. Hauskakin tämä kirja oli ilkikurisine meriapinoineen. Kirjassa oli suurehkot fonttikoko ja riviväli ja kuvitus toi myös osaltaan väljyyttä tekstiin, joten sanoisin kirjaa helppolukuiseksi. Suosittelisin kirjaa noin 2-4 -luokkalaisille seikkailun ystäville.

[Jakub · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wprowadzenie do historii o małym kucyku ze skrzydłami, który uwielbia herbatniki.
Kiedy potężna burza zdmuchuje Kazika do miasta, ten pierwszy raz widzi budynki i ulice. Zatrzymuje się na balkonie bloku, w którym mieszka Maks z rodziną. Chłopak od zawsze chciał mieć zwierzątko, więc czemu nie od razu pegaza? Kiedy powódź zalewa całe miasto, Maks i Kazik ruszają na pomoc mieszkańcom, a w rezultacie latający kucyk zostaje członkiem rodziny.
Bardzo pogodna i zabawna książka dla dzieci. Mnóstwo absurdalnych stworzeń, które zachowują się specyficznie, zawieszenie niewiary w to co niemożliwe i przyjaźń. Fantastyczna historia dla mojego czterolatka.

[I Read, Therefore I Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Philip Reeve’s and Sarah McIntyre’s illustrated novel for children aged 8+ (the first in a series) is an absolute delight from start to finish, featuring the charming friendship that builds between a boy and a flying horse who, despite his strange appearance thinks he’s perfect as he is and which features cameos from Reeve’s and McIntyre’s previous collaborations (notably the naughty sea monkeys) and plenty of custard cream biscuits.

[Amy Spour (bookish.contentment) · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great story! Kevin is a rather plump, flying pony who gets blown away from his home in a storm. He lands on the balcony outside Max’s bedroom and they become friends over some custard creams. They go on a fabulous adventure together and help save the town from the terrible flood and the pesky sea monkeys.
Brilliantly written with gorgeous illustrations, one for the class story list next year for sure!

[J.K. Keane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book for my granddaughter's seventh birthday. As it turned out, she felt poorly on the day, so we snuggled on the sofa together and began to read. She loved it and we ended up reading the first 58 pages in one sitting, which is unheard of as she usually needs a break after a couple of chapters. The story is engaging, funny and very well written. I am sure we will buy the second book in the series soon.

[Virpi Leinonen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Söpö, kevyt hassuttelu. Kevin on kamalan symppis mutta ehkä vähän ontto hahmo. Tätä kirjaa lukiessa tekee jatkuvasti mieli keksejä.

En tiedä oliko virheitä käännöksessa vai alkuperäisessä tekstissä, mutta päähenkilöt vaihtelevat alkutarinasta muutamaan otteeseen nimiä päittäin mutta kun lukee hitaasti, ehtii kyllä selvittämään itselleen mistä on oikeasti kyse. Myös lopussa oli jotain käännöskukkasia.

[Anu Korpinen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oikein hauska kirja lentävästä ponista ja Max-pojasta tulvan valtaamassa kaupungissa. 9-vuotias luki tämän ensin ja hänen suosituksestaan minäkin lukaisin. Nyt joululahjaksi on tilattu lisää Kevinin seikkailuja.

Kirjassa oli mukavat kuvat, isokokoinen teksti ja se oli helppo ja nopealukuinen. Sopii siis lukemista opetteleville tai laiskemalle lukijallekin. Tosin joissakin kohdin virkkeet olivat hiukan vaikeaselkoisia, mikä johtunee käännöksestä.

[BooksForTopics · Rating 5 out of 5]

his illustrated chapter book about a flying pony is just so endearing and very entertaining.

As you'd expect from this author-illustrator dream team that brought us Cakes in Space and Oliver and the Seawigs, this story is amusingly original at every turn and is overflowing with the feel-good factor.

Kevin is a flying pony who lives on the Outermost West hills and loves biscuits (especially custard creams). One day, a wild storm brings Kevin roly-polying through the air and crashing into Max's flat in the town of Bumbleford. Max has always wanted a pet and is delighted by Kevin's arrival.

As the rising storm waters wreak havoc in the town, Max and Kevin set about to save the day in a hilarious rescue mission. Perfect for the 7-9 age bracket, this book is a real hoot - complete with mermaids, cheeky sea monkeys and plenty of custard creams!


Thank you to the publisher for sending me an advanced copy. This book has been chosen for the BooksForTopics 'Ones to Watch' preview for Autumn 2018.

[A Severs · Rating 3 out of 5]

This really appealed to my three daughters (aged 5, 6, 8) and we enjoyed reading it together as a bedtine story. It is a good bit of fun and the illustrations are excellent - my fav was definitely the one of the mermaid's salon!