The Extraordinary Adventures of Mr. Benn

The Extraordinary Adventures of Mr. Benn

by David McKee

Mr Benn lives at 52 Festival Road. He is an ordinary man who visits an unusual fancy dress shop where he tries on an outfit and, as if by magic, enters a world full of surprises and adventure...From the golden age of children's television, this cult classic is back in this beautiful gift collection of four of the Mr Benn books - Diver, Red Knight, Spaceman and Caveman - first published by Hodder in 1993.

Genres: Childrens, Picture Books

128 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 2009

About the author

David McKee was a British writer and illustrator, chiefly of children's books and animations. He also used the pseudonym Violet Easton. He is frequently referenced as David (John) McKee. He has been commended for his gentle, playful but insightful stories.

For his contribution as a children's illustrator he was UK nominee for the biennial, international Hans Christian Andersen Award in 2006.

Reviews

[Dom Conlon · Rating 3 out of 5]

As vividly as I remember watching Mr Benn, both as a child and then again as an adult with my child, this book serves as a lovely nudge back into childhood. The anticipation of what costume Mr Benn would choose is the key piece of magic here and the book does a good job at building it. Of course, the illustrations are pure brilliance.

[Denise Kruse · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had to read a few of these UK stories from the 1990s about a man who changes his identity with his outfits because Fiona Hill in her book Mr. Putin compares the chameleon like qualities to Putin. The stories are sweet (a little dated) and the illustration are cute.

[Sophie Crane · Rating 5 out of 5]

My mum showed me Mr Benn as a child, So when I saw this book one day I Decided to get it & Oh Boy! was I Happy.

This book contains four of the TV episodes. Quite faithfully presented and with artwork that matches the programme.

Spaceman, Caveman, Diver and Red Knight are all well written. Not too much text per page for young children, wonderful colourful illustrations and magical ideas abound.

I love reliving these and introducing my son to the concepts of pretend and imagination.