Into the Jungle

A meaty book in which many archetypal images are challenged without the reader ever feeling that it's contrived. This title has been returned to a lot of times so it clearly appeals to children, too. When Mr Stallebrass moves next door, Jonathan Jones is thrilled to hear that he's a Jungle Explorer. Reality is a paunchy, ageing and infirm gentleman whose gift to Jonathan is invaluable: he teaches him how to use his imagination. The story delicately covers their relationship; we see what is actually happening through his parents' eyes but we share in the wonderful world of fantasy through Mr Stallebrass and Jonathan. We also share in sadness when Mr Stallebrass becomes more and more ill and finally moves away to live with his sister - but his gift to Jonathan remains.