So funny, and so sharp and dark and unguessable. What a book. Katherine Rundell, author of ‘Rooftoppers’ and ‘The Wolf Wilder It was just TOO funny to resist laughter crawling up your throat. The way that Minne says things is hilarious, it's obviously in the name of the book that a 3year-old said that. Graham...*shakes head and grins* A very paranoid, awful cousin-of Fidge- he wont even eat toast, he doesn't like cold water, he hates rain and even cars! But through the story and exciting adventure he changed dramatically. Speaking of Fidge, the daring, reasonable girl, the main character. Honestly, I’m nearly 1000 words into the review and we’ve just about sorted the meat of the plot. Wed Wabbit pretty much defies description in that regard, but in the best possible way. It is an intensely weird premise and there is no point in pretending it is not—but then, Evans knows, and is entirely uninterested in, its level of weirdness. The mechanism by which Fidge, Graham and the toys get into Minnie’s book—much less get out again—is never explained and hardly dwelt upon. Wed Wabbit isn’t about believable world-building; it’s about using the structure of a quest narrative (free Wimbley Land from tyranny!) to intelligently parallel an arc of internal emotional development. Both Fidge and Graham need to let go of something that is holding them captive: Fidge, her refusal to give or receive hugs (which here are metonyms for affection and the vulnerability that comes with being demonstrative), and Graham, his terror of everything and his belief in the superiority of intellect above pragmatism or kindness. Both of them, in other words, have their own Wed Wabbits lurking in their hearts. Fidge needs to discover something about herself on this journey, and when she does, it is very affecting. In this surreal yet deeply sane novel, Evans deftly combines heart with hilarity, emotional intelligence with one-liners. Grownups buying Wed Wabbit for a child might be tempted to keep it for themselves.

If you are planning to read this book, one has to prepare to overlook the quite bizarre plot - I even felt a bit ridiculous explaining it then, let alone reading it - and look instead at the wider subtext and themes.Illustration from Gorilla by Anthony Browne One Christmas Wish by Katherine Rundell, illustrated by Emily Sutton Fact: when Fidge had thrown all Minnie’s toys down the stairs at Graham’s house, the thing that had happened next—the huge soundless static explosion—must have somehow churned them together, and who knew what might— Durrell brilliantly injects absurdity into a stagnant life and shows the magic that can happen (whether the hero is up for it or not.) I love books where the characters are reluctant to deal with what’s happening to them, and in a way Adrian Rookwhistle is like a precursor to my unwilling heroine, Sorrel. (Although there are no elephants in Bloom, which I now realise is a mistake.) 3. The Borrowers, Mary Norton (Puffin) I love this book not just for its fearless heroine but because it touches on that universal truth – that occasionally children yearn for a world that is bigger, and more exciting, than the tiny protected environment they’re boarded up in. Plus its really, really funny. Illustration from Where The Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak Where The Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak

Fidge’s troubles begin during a thunder storm when she falls into the land of the Wimbley Woos. All seems perfect at first, until Graham also arrives (along with his transitional object – Dr Carrot). It appears that a cruel dictator has overthrown Wimbley Land. Fidge and Graham need to join forces to help save the Wimbley Woos from an uncertain fate… Lissa Evans is a marvel, a genuinely funny, clever writer who takes you to the last place you expect to go…Wed Wabbit is a classic in the making. An unmissable literary carrot. The Times Books are absolutely crucial in getting us to think about new worlds': we speak to the award-winning author, Onjali Q Rauf While occasionally sending up modern psychology (“I can’t survive a storm without my transitional object,” says Graham about a toy), Evans does a fine job of demonstrating how to get the best out of yourself and others, comedy slicing through any sentimentality like lemon. Great characters are the engine of comedy, and there are some memorable ones here. Over-the-top, theatrical Ella, toy elephant and life coach, is encouraging, promoting teamwork and openness to new possibilities. Dr Carrot, a giant plastic vegetable on wheels, belongs to Fidge’s cousin, who feels frightened much of the time. At one point Graham asks: ‘“What if I die?”’ Dr Carrot replies: ‘”What if you live?” Lissa went on to study medicine at Newcastle University and worked as a junior doctor for four years. However, she then decided to switch over to radio and television (which was much less scary), during which time she won a BAFTA. Lissa has written five books for adults and three books for children, including Wed Wabbit. She now lives in London with her husband and two daughters – and still reads any books she can get her hands on!

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Yellow are timid, Blue are strong, Grey are wise and rarely wrong. Green are daring, Pink give cuddles, Orange are silly and get in muddles. Purple Wimblies understand The past and future of our land.”

David Almond introduces his new picture book, A Way to the Stars, a story about perseverance and finding a way to make dreams come true. Now imagine you’re reading a line that’s obviously supposed to be funny, but it doesn’t make you laugh. THE WRITER HAS FAILED. One of the people in my reviewing group said that the hidden subtext was this: instead of genuinely travelling to another world, Fidge is in fact having a nervous breakdown due to feeling guilty and heavily missing her sister. This book is very much open to different interpretations as to whether or not Wimbley Woo land is real or not, a connection with Alice in Wonderland.) Let's face it, I never thought I would love this book. However, I did not expect to be so intensely irritated by a book that I wanted to throw it against a wall and start pounding my head on the ground. Literally the moment I finished this I took big gulps of relieved breaths because I was so glad to get out. That irritation has literally masked my whole opinion of this book and I could literally not rate it higher, even if I wanted to.Lissa Evans is a great storyteller and the book is very funny as well as reminding us of the importance of celebrating and valuing the differences which make us all special and unique. Full of humour, Wed Wabbit would also make a wonderful read aloud story for enjoying and sharing. This book is a must for adults and children, and whilst incredibly funny, also carries a deep message about how differences must be embraced and celebrated. In places, it did move me to tears. Wed Wabbit is a story about the importance of family and friendship. Although Minnie only features in a small part of the book, it is her favourite book - The Land of the Wimbley Woos - and her favourite toys - Eleanor Elephant and Wed Wabbit - which are at the heart of the story. Her love for and understanding of her little sister makes Fidge able to achieve her quest and solve the problems facing the Wimbley Woos. In the process, she learns more about the importance of understanding others and playing to people's strengths. Stories about toys coming to life are always about more than a simple fantasy. Children don’t think of play as something frivolous: for them, it’s about finding a voice, understanding the world around you, processing emotion, placing experiences in the hands of fictional characters to better comprehend them. These are always stories about saying goodbye, and learning how to grow up. Here are eight that are guaranteed to make your eyes water and your heart swell. The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams