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En bok full av spenning og mysterier fra forfatteren og illustratøren av Stormhvalen.
Benji Davies er en britisk illustratør og animatør som har skrevet og illustrert flere bestselgende bildebøker.
gjennom huset ditt en natt ...
En bok full av spenning og mysterier fra forfatteren og illustratøren av Stormhvalen.
Benji Davies er en britisk illustratør og animatør som har skrevet og illustrert flere bestselgende bildebøker.
34 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2017
4 people are currently reading
245 people want to read
About the author
Benji Davies
256 books267 followersBenji Davies is the illustrator of the Bizzy Bear books, Bizzy Bear: Let’s Go and Play and Bizzy Bear: Fun on the Farm. As a child, Benji knew that when he grew up he either wanted to make films or draw pictures in books. He is still working out which he likes best, and currently divides his time between illustrating children’s books and directing animation.
He has worked on a huge range of subjects and platforms, with clients as diverse as such Waterstone’s, Sainsbury’s and Oxfam, and in countries as different as India and Australia. He’s illustrated for several major publishers and is pleased to be working on Nosy Crow’s start-up list.
He lives in Hackney in London.
He has worked on a huge range of subjects and platforms, with clients as diverse as such Waterstone’s, Sainsbury’s and Oxfam, and in countries as different as India and Australia. He’s illustrated for several major publishers and is pleased to be working on Nosy Crow’s start-up list.
He lives in Hackney in London.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
December 28, 2017
A beautiful, charming and funny book about a series of mysterious occurrances in a Victorian town that rewards reading and re-reading. There's so much to look at here, and the text is wonderful - I loved it! (2+)
*Please note: this review is meant as a recommendation only. Please do not use it in any marketing material, online or in print, without asking permission from me first. Thank you!*
*Please note: this review is meant as a recommendation only. Please do not use it in any marketing material, online or in print, without asking permission from me first. Thank you!*
December 28, 2021
Un tenero libro illustrato per bambini con una narrazione in rima.
La storia è molto semplice, ma le illustrazioni e i colori riescono a creare ottimamente un’atmosfera misteriosa che mantiene alta l’attenzione.
Semplice, ma carino.
La storia è molto semplice, ma le illustrazioni e i colori riescono a creare ottimamente un’atmosfera misteriosa che mantiene alta l’attenzione.
Semplice, ma carino.
May 16, 2020
Το αγάπησα!!
August 21, 2019
The Grotlyn tells as much of its story through the hugely detailed illustrations as it does through the text. There are in fact points in the story where the reader has more information than the story teller - a child- as we see in the illustrations a hint of what is happening.
Because this mystery story is told through rhyme, it has a pace that drives you on further into the story quite quickly. I think that this technique heightens the feeling of suspense.
This story is a good example of ‘all is not as it may appear’.
Things that seem one way under a cloak of darkness may turn out to be different in the light of day...
Whilst I enjoyed reading the story, it was pouring through the illustrations, noticing all of the detail, that captivated my imagination.
Because this mystery story is told through rhyme, it has a pace that drives you on further into the story quite quickly. I think that this technique heightens the feeling of suspense.
This story is a good example of ‘all is not as it may appear’.
Things that seem one way under a cloak of darkness may turn out to be different in the light of day...
Whilst I enjoyed reading the story, it was pouring through the illustrations, noticing all of the detail, that captivated my imagination.
November 16, 2020
A beautiful rhyming mystery book where a mysterious monster called the Grotlyn is vandalising areas of the town. Until the very end when the true face of the Grotlyn is revealed!! Can be used in KS1 or KS2
December 22, 2018
Great book with rhyming text that builds suspense. Gorgeous illustrations too.
June 18, 2022
Brillant beginning, beautiful illustrations, but I was a little let down by the resolution.
August 30, 2018
The Grotlyn is good for introducing children to rhyming words. It also sparks the imagination of what the Grotlyn could look like or what it might be making with the things that it took from others. It portrays the message that things aren't always as bad or as scary as they might seem.
January 9, 2020
Μια μοναδική ιστορία, γραμμένη με έμμετρο στίχο, γεμάτη μυστήριο και αγωνία, που όλοι θα αγαπήσετε. Ένα όμορφο παραμύθι με εξαιρετική εικονογράφηση, με μοναδικό στόχο το όνειρο στην ελευθερία.
November 19, 2017
Slightly disappointed by this but that probably just says much of the hopes and expectation I have for a new Benji Davies book. 5 stars for illustrations but 3 for story. Expected more after mystery of opening.
October 6, 2017
Benji Davies did it again, yes, he did. He made another gorgeous, beautiful, and also mysterious, picture book about a mysterious creature, thefts, and nightly activities.
When I spotted this book on Twitter I ran immediately to Bookdepository to get it. And then the wait begins (why can't they just ship it faster!), and then even more wait as I wanted to save this one for October when I read all sorts of mysterious books as Halloween draws nearer and nearer.
There is a creature lurking in the night, stealing your knickers, stealing your lights, your food, anything. Is it random? Is there purpose to the thefts? As the book continues we see things take shape, and we see what the creature is up to.
I knew pretty much right from the bat who the Grotlyn was. There were a lot of hints available, not to mention that at times you could see most of the mysterious creatures. Still, I had a ton of fun seeing what the mysterious creature was up.
Of course this being a picture book, it is filled with gorgeous, beautiful illustrations. I am sure this book could survive on the illustrations alone. There are little details strewn throughout them, plus you can easily see what is going on, the expressions on the characters often convey well what is going on. From Rubi's frightened looks, to the police officer's shocked one. I am definitely sure I can find more details as I re-read this book, and I am looking forward to it.
The ending was terrific, be sure to check those roofs. :P
Also bonus points for the hardcover and what is under the flap on the real book cover.
All in all, a wonderful book by Benji Davies. And I would highly recommend this book to everyone young and old!
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
When I spotted this book on Twitter I ran immediately to Bookdepository to get it. And then the wait begins (why can't they just ship it faster!), and then even more wait as I wanted to save this one for October when I read all sorts of mysterious books as Halloween draws nearer and nearer.
There is a creature lurking in the night, stealing your knickers, stealing your lights, your food, anything. Is it random? Is there purpose to the thefts? As the book continues we see things take shape, and we see what the creature is up to.
I knew pretty much right from the bat who the Grotlyn was. There were a lot of hints available, not to mention that at times you could see most of the mysterious creatures. Still, I had a ton of fun seeing what the mysterious creature was up.
Of course this being a picture book, it is filled with gorgeous, beautiful illustrations. I am sure this book could survive on the illustrations alone. There are little details strewn throughout them, plus you can easily see what is going on, the expressions on the characters often convey well what is going on. From Rubi's frightened looks, to the police officer's shocked one. I am definitely sure I can find more details as I re-read this book, and I am looking forward to it.
The ending was terrific, be sure to check those roofs. :P
Also bonus points for the hardcover and what is under the flap on the real book cover.
All in all, a wonderful book by Benji Davies. And I would highly recommend this book to everyone young and old!
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
September 25, 2018
Love the rhyming sequences in this children's poetry book!! I believe it is much easier to engage children in text that rhymes. It seems more enjoyable to read and to listen to because of its flow and rhythm. The mysterious element of this poetry is effective as the children/reader are reading the text not knowing what is about to come. They are continually questioning what the Grotlyn could be. The poem creates an uneasy atmosphere whilst reading it as it is constantly builds up tension. The colours in the book: dark and gloomy, fit in with the theme of the mysterious poetry. I enjoyed how the poetry travels to different people and their experiences of the Grotlyn... causes the children and reader to ask: what did the Grotlyn want from all of these individuals? Historical element is also included within the poetry as it is set in Victorian time in a dusty old town. The moral of the poetry is also effective amongst children, informing them that not everything is always as bad as it seems. Cross-curricular elements: History, to learn about the setting/Victorian era. Art, draw what they believe the Grotlyn to look like. English: write their own version of a poem, which is about their very own Grotlyn.
December 27, 2020
"Across the rooftops peppered black, she hoped it wasn't coming back. But don't be scared to sleep-to dream! For things are not quite what they seem"(2018 ,Davies, The Grotyln , Ltd, Harper Collins , P.7-8)
When reading this book, there is a lot of rhyme and rhythm within the written text which captures the readers' attention and allows the reader to change tones in their voice and bring the book to life. The illustrations are clear, which can help children describe what is taking place in the book, supporting those who are visual learners to clarify the picture and bring their meaning.
The story shows images of what may take place in the streets at dark, and throughout the story, small pictures of the Grotyln are shown, which can allow young readers to guess what the Grotyln may look like and what it animal it could be. In the story, the Grotyln takes objects, food and clothing from characters, and this can also give a clue to young readers on who the Grotyln could be. It can support the reader's memory of the different characters from the book and the items stolen from each character, such as the little boys' toolset.
The recommendation is for children 4 to 6 to use their imagination to imagine what The Grotyln may look like and create their creature that could be travelling through the streets helping or causing mischief in the late hours of the night.
When reading this book, there is a lot of rhyme and rhythm within the written text which captures the readers' attention and allows the reader to change tones in their voice and bring the book to life. The illustrations are clear, which can help children describe what is taking place in the book, supporting those who are visual learners to clarify the picture and bring their meaning.
The story shows images of what may take place in the streets at dark, and throughout the story, small pictures of the Grotyln are shown, which can allow young readers to guess what the Grotyln may look like and what it animal it could be. In the story, the Grotyln takes objects, food and clothing from characters, and this can also give a clue to young readers on who the Grotyln could be. It can support the reader's memory of the different characters from the book and the items stolen from each character, such as the little boys' toolset.
The recommendation is for children 4 to 6 to use their imagination to imagine what The Grotyln may look like and create their creature that could be travelling through the streets helping or causing mischief in the late hours of the night.
October 30, 2021
🕸️ Στο Λονδίνο της βικτωριανής εποχής, ένα σκηνικό εικονογραφημένο με βάση το χρώμα του σκότους και του φόβου, το μαύρο. Ο πολυγραφότατος Benji Davies, συνθέτει μια ακόμα υπέροχη ιστορία που θα καθηλώσει τους μικρούς, μα και μεγάλους με παιδική καρδιά ακροατές.
🕸️ Πρωταγωνίστριά η μικρή Ρουμπίνη, ένα κορίτσι που ενώ ετοιμαζεται να πέσει για ύπνο, ανασύρει στο μυαλό της ένα τρομακτικό τραγούδι που άκουσε από μια λατέρνα στον δρόμο. Άραγε όλα όσα βλέπουμε είναι αληθινά ή μήπως κάποια είναι αποκυήματα της φαντασίας μας; Το μάτι βλέπει ό,τι σκεφτείς…Τι είναι όμως άραγε αυτό το Γκρότλιν; 🐒
🕸️ Μια ιστορία γεμάτη σασπένς, πολύ γέλιο,εύθυμη και παιχνιδιάρικη διάθεση εξαιρετικά μεταφρασμένη από τον Αντώνη Παπαθεοδούλου, ο οποίος παρά τις δυσκολίες που παρουσιάζει ο έμμετρος στίχος, πόσο μάλλον η ακριβής μεταφορά από τα αγγλικά στα ελληνικά, κατορθώνει να διατηρήσει τη ρυθμικότητα και την αίσθηση που ήθελε να δώσει ο συγγραφέας εξαρχής, της εποχής εκείνης, του μυστηρίου και των ιστοριών τρόμου. 🕸️
Στα ελληνικά αποδόθηκε εξαιρετικά από τον Αντώνης Παπαθεοδούλου (εγγύηση!)
🕸️ Πρωταγωνίστριά η μικρή Ρουμπίνη, ένα κορίτσι που ενώ ετοιμαζεται να πέσει για ύπνο, ανασύρει στο μυαλό της ένα τρομακτικό τραγούδι που άκουσε από μια λατέρνα στον δρόμο. Άραγε όλα όσα βλέπουμε είναι αληθινά ή μήπως κάποια είναι αποκυήματα της φαντασίας μας; Το μάτι βλέπει ό,τι σκεφτείς…Τι είναι όμως άραγε αυτό το Γκρότλιν; 🐒
🕸️ Μια ιστορία γεμάτη σασπένς, πολύ γέλιο,εύθυμη και παιχνιδιάρικη διάθεση εξαιρετικά μεταφρασμένη από τον Αντώνη Παπαθεοδούλου, ο οποίος παρά τις δυσκολίες που παρουσιάζει ο έμμετρος στίχος, πόσο μάλλον η ακριβής μεταφορά από τα αγγλικά στα ελληνικά, κατορθώνει να διατηρήσει τη ρυθμικότητα και την αίσθηση που ήθελε να δώσει ο συγγραφέας εξαρχής, της εποχής εκείνης, του μυστηρίου και των ιστοριών τρόμου. 🕸️
Στα ελληνικά αποδόθηκε εξαιρετικά από τον Αντώνης Παπαθεοδούλου (εγγύηση!)
September 4, 2017
When The Grotlyn arrived through my door I was very curious to know what the book was about. This was not only a surprise book, but was also an author I had not read before.
The Grotlyn was a quick read, only 32 pages long, but it packs so much into it. I loved the front cover design, the atmosphere it portrays and the artwork, and this continues throughout the book as we read about shadows, and scuttling, and things disappearing.
The illustrations within the pages were amazing, and I love the detail that went into them. Another thing I also loved was the rhyming aspect to it and how it really draws you in and has you wanting to know more.
The ending of the book was unexpected but I loved getting to see what was stolen and why.
Final Verdict
I really enjoyed reading The Grotlyn and I can't wait to pass this book along to my niece to enjoy.
The Grotlyn was a quick read, only 32 pages long, but it packs so much into it. I loved the front cover design, the atmosphere it portrays and the artwork, and this continues throughout the book as we read about shadows, and scuttling, and things disappearing.
The illustrations within the pages were amazing, and I love the detail that went into them. Another thing I also loved was the rhyming aspect to it and how it really draws you in and has you wanting to know more.
The ending of the book was unexpected but I loved getting to see what was stolen and why.
Final Verdict
I really enjoyed reading The Grotlyn and I can't wait to pass this book along to my niece to enjoy.
March 30, 2021
As Ben Davies fans, my daughter and I looked forward to reading this after finding a translated copy on the local library.
A mystery set in a Victorian city in the late 1800. A series of thieving accidents happen all over town, with the perpetrator (boogeyman?) being revealed in the last pages. The illustrations are at the same (high!) level as Benji's previous books, although in this one, the whole book is more dark and gloomy than the others. With the only bright piece of color coming from the few glimpses we're offered of the thief.
What we were not expecting, though, was a story told through rhymes, and at times, we felt like we were reading two stories at the same time. The one we interpret from the verses and another from the illustrations.
A different way to tell a children's story.
A mystery set in a Victorian city in the late 1800. A series of thieving accidents happen all over town, with the perpetrator (boogeyman?) being revealed in the last pages. The illustrations are at the same (high!) level as Benji's previous books, although in this one, the whole book is more dark and gloomy than the others. With the only bright piece of color coming from the few glimpses we're offered of the thief.
What we were not expecting, though, was a story told through rhymes, and at times, we felt like we were reading two stories at the same time. The one we interpret from the verses and another from the illustrations.
A different way to tell a children's story.
September 11, 2019
What is sneaking around after dark and making things disappear? People say it is the Grotlyn, but what exactly is a Grotlyn?
Everyone has experienced hearing strange things in the night or having items go missing. Is a monster responsible, or is there a more logical and less sinister reason? The Victorian era city in this book is in for a surprise when they discover just what the Grotlyn is. Told in rhyme and with atmospheric (but not too spooky) illustrations. See if little ones are observant enough to figure out what the Grotlyn is before the characters. A fun mystery picture book for kids, and a great opportunity to talk about the logical answers for what goes bump in the night.
Everyone has experienced hearing strange things in the night or having items go missing. Is a monster responsible, or is there a more logical and less sinister reason? The Victorian era city in this book is in for a surprise when they discover just what the Grotlyn is. Told in rhyme and with atmospheric (but not too spooky) illustrations. See if little ones are observant enough to figure out what the Grotlyn is before the characters. A fun mystery picture book for kids, and a great opportunity to talk about the logical answers for what goes bump in the night.
November 17, 2019
This is an excellent story to use to introduce children to rhyming words. It also enables children to use their imagination and creative skills to imagine 'The Grotlyn'- a creature that the readers and the characters in the story do not know but borrows things from everyone. We see at the end of the story the identity of the Grotlyn is uncovered and they used everyone's possessions to escape in a hot air balloon. I love how the illustrations tell much of the story as much of the words. In some cases, the readers know more than the characters in the book through the illustrations chosen. This can give readers a sense of power whilst reading.
February 28, 2020
Among Benji Davies' picture books, I think this one is in tune with me the most. It worths a read when you want to explain all the dark fears children may have and turn the darkness into a captivating adventure with their imagination.
Moreover, it paves a path to let every child know that they can navigate their perception to positive sides rather than letting a challenging situation bring them down. The illustrations have that quirky Victorian vibe which is excellent to capture the mood for this story. I also love how the intricate visual part makes it more exciting to re-read since the clues are hidden everywhere for the last surprise. Those rhyming words are a plus!
Moreover, it paves a path to let every child know that they can navigate their perception to positive sides rather than letting a challenging situation bring them down. The illustrations have that quirky Victorian vibe which is excellent to capture the mood for this story. I also love how the intricate visual part makes it more exciting to re-read since the clues are hidden everywhere for the last surprise. Those rhyming words are a plus!
July 4, 2019
Qui est le Gristiti? Tous les enfants en ont peur, mais personne ne sait vraiment qui il est. Et c'est ce que Benji Davies nous propose de faire dans cet album aux couleurs sombre, mais à l'ambiance très claire et douce: trouver le fameux Gristiti et ses intentions. Un album tendre qui joue sur les éléments qui troublent habituellement les enfants pour faire comprendre qu'il n'en est rien. Mieux encore: que quelque chose d'extraordinaire peut-être se cache derrière toutes ces petites craintes...
November 10, 2020
The Grotlyn is going around different people stealing things at night. Nobody knows what it is that is taking everything. It turns out that a monkey has escaped and is collecting things to make a hot air balloon out of in order to get out of the city.
There are lots of opportunities for children to predict what is taking the objects and what they might be doing with them. The illustrations are great and have lots of hidden clues in them. A lovely read-aloud story for KS1 children with the potential to be used to base a unit of work around.
There are lots of opportunities for children to predict what is taking the objects and what they might be doing with them. The illustrations are great and have lots of hidden clues in them. A lovely read-aloud story for KS1 children with the potential to be used to base a unit of work around.
November 6, 2021
Benji Davies resimli çocuk kitapları dünyasının bence süperstarlarından. Muhteşem çizimlerinden gözümü alamıyorum. Üstelik ölüm temasını hiç çaktırmadan incelikle işliyor oluşuna da bayılıyorum.
Grotlin baskısı ve boyutuyla harika, çizimleri olağanüstü, yarattığı karanlık dünyaya bayıldım ama diğer Benji D. kitapları arasında hikaye ve anlatım olarak (tamamen kafiyeden oluşuyor) zayıf kaldı. Bir “mutlaka” değil.
Grotlin baskısı ve boyutuyla harika, çizimleri olağanüstü, yarattığı karanlık dünyaya bayıldım ama diğer Benji D. kitapları arasında hikaye ve anlatım olarak (tamamen kafiyeden oluşuyor) zayıf kaldı. Bir “mutlaka” değil.
September 5, 2023
Engraçado que a primeira vez que lemos o livro, não gostamos. Agora tornou se um dos nossos preferidos! É incrível como uma segunda e terceira leitura podem fazer mudar a perspectiva, já temos inclusive uma pequena música “Ai ai e se o Olharapo vem e estás em casa sem ninguém”
Ilustrações fantásticas a fazer lembrar um Londres antigo, para onde a imaginação voa!
Sim, recomendamos e se não gostar à primeira, leia uma segunda ou até uma terceira … primeiro estranha se, depois entranha se!
Ilustrações fantásticas a fazer lembrar um Londres antigo, para onde a imaginação voa!
Sim, recomendamos e se não gostar à primeira, leia uma segunda ou até uma terceira … primeiro estranha se, depois entranha se!
January 25, 2018
I really liked this book because it has a different feel from other picture books. I think children can be mildly scared and the dark and mysterious illustrations were amazing. I only marked it down as I feel it could have exaggerated The Grotlyn a bit more to really build up the suspense. However, it is a fabulous book with intriguing illustrations.
August 3, 2018
I read this book to my younger brother (3 years) and he very much enjoyed it, attempting to guess what the 'grotlyn' may be throughout. The rhymes were very entertaining and the narrative throughout was very both interesting and funny. As usual in Davies' books, the illustrations are superb, loved by both adults and children alike.
March 1, 2019
📖 The Grotlyn
By @benjidavies
Mamá says:
Benji Davies has done it again. I do love a good rhyme. I can basically sing the entire story. And the details in those illustrations are 🙌 If you look carefully, you might find out more about the Grotlyn!
Eva says:
I must admit that the first read was scary -not knowing what this Grotlyn creature was and if he lived in Australia. But once the terrifying mystery was solved, it became our little secret. Can’t wait to share this with the older babies in my story time class on Thursday. They’ll be impressed.
By @benjidavies
Mamá says:
Benji Davies has done it again. I do love a good rhyme. I can basically sing the entire story. And the details in those illustrations are 🙌 If you look carefully, you might find out more about the Grotlyn!
Eva says:
I must admit that the first read was scary -not knowing what this Grotlyn creature was and if he lived in Australia. But once the terrifying mystery was solved, it became our little secret. Can’t wait to share this with the older babies in my story time class on Thursday. They’ll be impressed.
July 6, 2019
- Good rhyming book to introduce children to rhyming and poetry.
- Teaches children that things arn't always as scary as they may first appear to be.
- The illustrations are very good and help to tell the story of the Grotlyn.
- Could get children to make up a couple of rhyming lines about what they think the Grotlyn would need to take from them.
- Teaches children that things arn't always as scary as they may first appear to be.
- The illustrations are very good and help to tell the story of the Grotlyn.
- Could get children to make up a couple of rhyming lines about what they think the Grotlyn would need to take from them.
September 17, 2019
Don't listen to rumors, don't jump to conclusions. Often what you imagine is worse than what is real. This book has a creepy feeling all the way through until someone sees what is causing all the talk through the town. A good little lesson then and now.
Based on an actual song? Not sure, but it does have that folklore feel.
Based on an actual song? Not sure, but it does have that folklore feel.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews