Zagazoo

Blake, Quentin (SIGNED)

ISBN 10: 022404723X / ISBN 13: 9780224047234

Published by Jonathan Cape Ltd, 1998

Quentin Blake's story of a new baby in the family (it came by post!). Hardback book, first edition/first impression, pictorial laminated boards with Quentin Blake illustrations front & rear. Size: 23 x 32 cm, colour illustrations by Quentin Blake. SIGNED in blue ink by Quentin Blake on the title page. The only fault found within this book is on two pages in the middle section of the book. The pages appears to have been separated from each other at some point leaving small surface abrasions at the point of separation (see photographs). Otherwise though, the boards and remaining pages are in fine/VG condition. Seller Inventory # 000123

Synopsis:

A little creature, pretty as can be, arrives one day at George and Bella's happy home. Its name is Zagazoo. The Zagazoo is, truth be told, not perfect, yet his little smile brings the couple joy. But Zagazoo never stays the same for long. In time, the little darling becomes a screeching vulture (whose cries are especially piercing at night), then an accident-prone elephant, and later a mud-loving warthog. On it goes, until, finally, Zagazoo is transformed into the most surprising creature of all!! Renowned for his exceptional picture books, Quentin Blake offers his own zany take on the stages of childhood in this story that all Zagazoos, current and former, will relish. Quentin Blake is one of the most popular children's book illustrators of our time.

Review: George and Bella are a happy couple who spend their days making model airplanes, cleaning house, and eating strawberry and vanilla ice cream. When one day a mysterious package arrives with a cute little thing inside called Zagazoo, George and Bella are mystified but happy. He may not be perfect, but his smile makes up for occasional wet diapers. But one day they wake up to find that Zagazoo has turned into a baby vulture with terrifyingly loud screeches, especially at night. Then another day he is a small elephant knocking everything over. And then a warthog, rolling in anything that looks like mud. Then a bad-tempered dragon. Every day, it seems, Zagazoo is metamorphosing, and George and Bella don't know how they can keep up. What more does this changeling have in store for them?

Quentin Blake is one of the most popular children's book illustrators of our time. A long-time collaborator with Roald Dahl (and many other acclaimed authors) in such picture books as the Whitbread Award-winning The Witches, Blake's eminently recognizable style is humorous and deliciously sly. His utterly charming allegory of childhood's wonderfully horrible (or horribly wonderful) stages will ring true to Zagazoos former and present. (All ages) --Emilie Coulter

Bibliographic Details

Title: Zagazoo
Publisher: Jonathan Cape Ltd
Publication Date: 1998
Binding: Hardcover
Illustrator: Quentin Blake
Condition: Very Good
Signed: Signed by Author(s)
Edition: 1st Edition