Read some of the fabulous comments on Alan Gililand’s first book,
“The Amazing Adventures of Curd the Lion (and us!) in the Land at the Back of Beyond.”
Lovereading4 kids review. Louise Weir, April 2009 (biggest promotion ever given to single book by this website: 7+, 9+, 11+, Book of Month, Debut of Month):
"Reminiscent of the writing of Lewis Carroll and Edward Lear, this brilliant debut children's novel is completely unputdownable as well as being almost uncategorisable. The author has succeeded in delivering on a book that incorporates a terrifically funny yet mysterious story, full of larger-than-life highly improbable characters that I couldn’t begin to do justice to by describing them here, other than to say they are wild and wacky and completely original. He’s also delivered a story that is full of tongue-in-cheek humour and skilful wordplay. It’s 174 pages of pure unadulterated pleasure and deserves to be huge. …this book will be loved by anyone from 7 to 107."
Dec. 09. Made one of their Books of the Yea and Debuts of Year. Was top of their chart in the week before Christmas. Prime personal choice of co-founder.
Chris Bond, Yorkshire Post (extracts from full-page review/article, 7 Nov. 08**):
"His wonderfully crafted debut will enchant children and amuse adults in equal measure. Improbable characters leap from the page amid a sea of riddles and rhymes as the tale unfolds and, like so many great works of children’s literature, Gilliland wrote it for his own children. The whimsical story is beautifully illustrated by Gilliland’s own pencil drawings, which hark back to a time when children’s books weren’t part of some huge merchandising drive."
Steve Craggs, Northern Echo (extracts from review, 21 Oct. 08***):
"There’s a hint of Hobbit, a touch of Alice in Wonderland, an echo of Lear and even a nod in the direction of Terry Pratchett in this phantasmagorical fantasy quest which is an epic entertainment for both children and adults alike. Nonsensical and whimsical – and beautifully illustrated – this story is as delightful on the eye as it is dazzling in the imagination. Go with the flow and you’re in a magical world in which impossible creatures leap from the pages, riddles have to be unravelled and a mighty battle looms ominously at the lair of the Great Raven."
Andrew French, Oxford Mail (extracts from full-page review/article, 5Dec*):
"Gilliland’s tale, of a bunch of soft toys that go on a fantastic journey to recover a precious brooch nabbed by a raven, is pitched just right for children of a certain age who are bound to ask: "Do they get the brooch back?" In the wrong hands, a story about a bunch of soft toys going on a great adventure could be sickly sweet, but Gilliland succeeds in making his story funny and mysterious. The grandfather from Billinghurst, West Sussex, has produced such a distinctive story, both in terms of presentation, and imaginative reach, that I feel convinced he has a hit on his hands."
John Cohen, Editor, Reading Time (journal of Children’s Book Council of Australia, Feb. 09, extracts from review):
"This is an extraordinary book from a former graphics editor of The Telegraph, UK. What Gilliland has done is to lift what might have been another toy story onto a literary gold plate. His ability to play on words as well as to keep the story moving is a rare skill. The result is that the story can be enjoyed as a simple adventure as well as for its tongue-in-cheek word repartee that is reminiscent of Lewis Carroll and Edward Lear."
Wednesday of Whimsy #1- Curd the Lion Posted on March 17, 2010
"The first to feature in ‘Wednesday of Whimsy’ and in competition for one of the longest titles in children’s literature is The Amazing Adventures of Curd the Lion (and us) in the Land at the Back of Beyond by Alan Gilliland (author and illustrator) …sound confused? Yes I was too. I think if I explained the story to you, it’s safe to assume you would still be confused but I will tell you this. This is a fantastic book where you really can escape into another world with pets Curd the lion, Pilgrim crow, Sweeney the heenie and O’flattery the snake. I bet you can’t offer any better pet names.
The tale follows twins Henry and Henrietta who live in a cottage near the land at the back of beyond…the sort of place you know nothing about yet stop and stare at everytime you go near it. This place is a place where dodongs and emperors live and promises to offer a wealth of dreams to the children who enter it through Gilliland’s illustrations.
I truly believe the illustrations really set this story apart from others. Because Gilliland is the author and illustrator he has the scope of understanding what needs to be shown through his drawings. His illustrations fill every page and make it a joy to turn the page. A most wonderful, inspiring book. The kids will dream for days about far away lands with talking insects and things with two heads."
Professor John Gray, philosopher & author of ‘Straw Dogs’ and ‘Black Mass’.
"Alan Gilliland's Curd stories are the best thing that have happened to children’s literature since Alice went through the looking-glass. I was particularly taken by the Labyrinth chapter. The whole book seemed to me delightful - in the magical tradition of George Macdonald, but with an extra dimension of nonsense and wit of its own. Gilliland"
HiT Entertainment:
"We really enjoyed the inventive, witty narrative and surreal humour in the book. We can see that Curd the Lion might work very well as a family feature film."
Nobel laureate, Derek Walcott, of the illustrations:
"excellent work…"
National newspaper children’s critic (letter to the author):
"I’ve enjoyed reading it enormously and certainly it has that quality vital in a children’s book, if it is to last, of appealing to different levels of understanding and, onion-like, revealing a little more with each reading. …that’s the beauty of a text such as yours, one which at the same time informs and extends the reading experience. I really like your drawings, with their shades of Heath Robinson, E H Shepard…."
The Book Depository Website Review (Dec 08):
"Alan Gilliland both wrote and illustrated The Amazing Adventures…. It is a wonderful fantasy quest, surprisingly set in Yorkshire, for both children and young adults. Happily, Gilliland’s writing is as strong as his illustrations are delightful. If you like Tolkien, Pullman, Pratchett or even CS Lewis then you’ll enjoy this magical, fantasy adventure."
Literary consultancy: in depth report. (Opening paragraphs):
"I have really enjoyed reading this story. It’s witty, lively, amusing and extremely original. Comparisons that come to mind are of the highest order, such as the ‘Alice’ books by Lewis Carroll, the ‘Oz’ books by Frank L Baum, and 'The Phantom Tollbooth' by Norton Juster – books in which a central character makes a journey through a topsy-turvy land where wit and wordplay assume transformative powers. The many puns, allusions and conundrums scattered through the story are ingenious … (you have the sort of mind that seizes on double meanings and juggles with words to dazzling effect). And the illustrations are simply excellent."
Read some of the great things customers have said about Alan Gililand’s first book,
“The Amazing Adventures of Curd the Lion (and us’) in the Land at the Back of Beyond.”
Emily Tout, aged 9, of Fareham, Hants.
"WOW!!! what a book. i couldn't wait to finish it! [and as i finished it in 24hrs you can see how desperate I was!!!] It had a surprise on each page. The illustrations are fab and made the characters jump out of the pages. It is the best i've ever read and i've read… the whole of harry potter"
Lynne Rothwell aged 10
"This is the best book I have ever read and I have been inspired to do a book similar (not the same)."
Emily Sanders, Dorset.
"The Amazing Adventures of Curd the Lion and us is fab. I can’t wait to read the story of The Ineffable Emperor. I read the book in about three hours! It is really tricky to put the book down and I can’t wait to read it again and again and again. I absolutely loved it. I don’t know of another author that can do really great stories and illustrate their story in such a fantastic way. GET THE BOOK, IT’S GREAT!!!"
Juliette Stuart, 11.
"I loved your Book about Curd the Lion so much! As soon as I got home I read it and I didn't stop until I had finished. I think I read it in about 4 hours flat! Please do the second book quickly. I can't wait until the second book comes out."
Kelly Rose, age 13
"This book was best and is fab and is the best so far out of my collection of roald dahl and this book has beaten him aand it is soo cool and Alan Gillilan is the best author in the history of authors."
Lucy Ferguson, age 12
"Wow! i read this in a day! i couldnt stop reading it! I will start to read it again tomorrow :) thanks to Alan gilliland for writing such a gripping and awesome book :)"
Eleanor Francis, age 9:
"WOW!! That was probably the best book I've ever read!!! The Illustrations were fantastic and it kept me enthralled from the first to the last word!! I will definately try to go to Yorkshire to see Nook and Cranny...!"
Nicholas McDonald, age 12:
"I'm so happy that I met Mr Gilliland. I read it in 5 days, I couldn't put it down, I love it so much!
My favourite characters were Sweenie and Pilgrim Crow because they were both cool and funny. I can't wait till The Ineffable Emperor comes out! The book should be turned into a hollywood movie (i love the place hollywood in the book!) I love the book!"
Penny
"I thought, well, it was the best book I had ever read! The minorbore was very funny: he looked extremely funny without his helmet on! I liked the way he tried to axe Sweeny and O'Flattery. And Curd was always puzzled!"
Alannah Lewis, aged 11.
"I just started browsing until my mum called me and my sister over to have a proper look at the book. We met Alan and he told all about his amazing book and we saw the fabulous illustrations.
I didn't finish it in the super quick time that other Curd fans finished it in as this is during the summer holidays and I am very busy but I do find it almost impossible to put down. I have read Alice in wonderland and it's sequel Alice through the Looking Glass and I thought that was the highest calibre of nonsense but Curd the lion has just taken it up a whole new level."
Benjamin Lewis, age: 6yrs
"Met author bought book. Fantastic, read chapter by chapter at bed-time. Can't wait for next adventure."
Anna Polanska, age: 9
"I really enjoyed it, it was one of the best books i have ever read I could not stop reading it. My favourite part was when they all had a big battle at the corbie stone in the end. My favourite character was sweenie the heenie for he was always getting in trouble with o flattery. Over all I thought it was a great book and for all age groups. P.S I got to meet the author yay."
George Oliver, aged 12.
"Im so glad Mr.Gilliand asked me to take a look at his book. I think its like Alice in wonder land but a million times better of course!"
Lilz, aged 10, Tunis, Tunisia. *****
"Great Book: "This was the best book I have ever read. It’s different to any other book I've ever read. There are animals that talk, men made out of rock and a bird with two heads and fingers instead of wings and scales instead of feathers. I can't wait until the next book."
Alex Keeley, aged 8
"Hi! I haven`t finished yet but I can`t wait to find out what happens in the end. I can`t wait until you publish the next book.My favourite character is Curd the lion because he thinks that he’s so brave when he`s not really. Thanks for writing this book"
Nathan Hutchinson, Bordon, Hants.
"It is great. I love the names "Sweeney the Heenie" "O'Flattery" and "Pilgrim Crow" there so good! Here's one of my drawings of a Minobour!"
Henry Alden (Burpham, Guildford)
"I am writing to you because I love your book. It was brilliant. I hope you make more books soon."
Ethan
"I was just going to buy the second book in a series I have been reading and bumped into him on the second floor. He told me about the book and I decided to buy it as well as the other book.
A few days later, I have lost interest in the book I actually went in for, and have finally finished Curd the lion.
This witty tale was very confusing to me at first but I settled down to it as I read more. This is a great book. I am very happy to have a signed copy of this book, thank you. Star rating /5 = *****- Excellent!"
Steven Ryan, adult, Fareham:
"I have been an avid reader of Terry Pratchett for many years and find it difficult to pick up books from other authors because few seem to combine imagination with wit and ingenious wordplay.
I have to say, humble pie has never tasted so good. I bought a copy of the book mainly, I have to say, at first for the artwork, but when I got home and read the first few pages I couldn't put the book down.
The story is compelling, as good and in places better than any Pratchett book. I loved this book and can't wait for the second. Thanks for the chat we had Mr. Gilliland, you've opened my mind to a new realm."
Elizabeth (adult)
"I bought 2 copies of the book as a present – but read it first and really enjoyed it – can recommend it for young and old!"
Simone Gilson (student).
"Your book detailing Curd’s adventures I could read again and again! The way in which it crosses the boundaries of child and adult imagination was truly inspiring – a magical tour de force through the imagination, that reminds you of what it was to dream as a child and to comprehend as an adult!
The illustrations are amazing and all who I have shared the book with have commented likewise. They captured many of the images I had in my head from the days of reading Lewis Carroll and Enid Blyton’s The Magic Faraway Tree! Plus as someone attempting her own poetry and looking for new ways of reading, the linguistics used within your book are very inspirational. I have also found myself puzzling over and working out the riddles."
Ross Bowles, aged 22.
"I was leaving Waterstones in Portsmouth today, and happened upon this book. The author, Alan Gililand just so happened to be there signing copies. After a very pleasant chat, I decided to buy Curd the lion. So far it is a great book with some great illustrations. I will be looking forward to the next book. Meanwhile I will be hard at work trying to solve The Minorbore's riddle. Keep up the good work."
Finlay Morris, 10:
"I read this book (obviously) and I loved it!! (Obviously) The best part (to me) is probably when Sweenie "pondered" and brought down the hilarious Balloonafuss, that utterly baffles them! It is totally unputdownable.
It was dedicated to me to inspire me to write a book (well, full story was what it was actually for, but I want to write a book, even though I'm only 10 years old). I'm a bookworm, and read the book in a week. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and I now ask everyone I can if they know "why a Wren-drive is like a Sat-king", but nobody can work it out! It's a really good challenge, and, (like the book), I am thoroughly enjoying it!
P.S. I am a budding actor and would love (love, love, love, love, love, love) it if I was given a part in the film that they're going to make of it. I know that it's a stupid request, but I LOVE acting, and would be so (so, so, so, so, so, so) thankful if I was offered a part. Please consider."
Patty (manager, Waterstone’s Witney):
"Thank you again for the signing! If you remember, you signed a book for my friend Adam, who is an illustrator himself, and I had just sent it to him. He absolutely LOVED it! He was thrilled by the story and all the Alice-in-Wonderland style illustrations. So thank you, it made a fantastic Christmas present!"
Anna Davidson, manager, Wadebridge Bookshop, Cornwall
"I can't quite remember how I first got Curd the Lion...I remember why...I liked it...it has been sitting on a shelf in the bookshop for the past several months...un-bought...and then one day last week a boy who used to be very small, came in with his grandmother, he is now quite large (like 11 instead of 5). He bought the book...or rather his grandmother bought it for him.
Then yesterday she came in to say he was quite entranced by the book and wanted the 'other ones'. So I shall order another Curd the Lion from Gardners and look forward to your reply concerning future books and hope I can tell said boy when these other books might be available."
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