'The best books, reviewed with insight and charm, but without compromise.'
- author Jackie French

Monday 21 October 2013

Children's Week: My Favourite Book: Manfred the Baddie


We're celebrating Children's Week with a series of reviews, articles and interviews by or with kids! To see all our Children's Week posts, click here.

What is this story about?
It’s about a baddie named Manfred who steals things and kidnaps inventors, and he is not nice, but he becomes nice at the end of the story.

Who are the main characters? 
Manfred, his henchmen, the doctor, the inventors.

What problems or challenges do these characters face? 
One of the inventors was eating dinner when Manfred threw a lasso at him and took him to his hideout. Manfred told the inventor that if he didn’t build Manfred ships to help him steal gold, he would feed them to his piranha. Manfred got very sick and the doctor told him that if he became a goodie, he would make Manfred better.

What is the climax of the story, when things get the most problematic or exciting? 
When Manfred took the inventor (who was eating his dinner) to his hideout. This was exciting because it was spooky!

Were there any shocks, twists, turns or surprises? 
I was surprised when Manfred became a goodie. There is also a funny surprise at the end!

Can you describe the illustrations? 
Colourful. Sometimes a bit scary but funny too.

What do you like about the illustrations? 
I like that they are spooky!

What was your favourite part in this book? 
When the policeman got thrown off his motorbike — because it was funny.

Is there anything you didn’t like about this book? 
No.

Did you learn anything new from this story? 
I learned that if you are a baddie you have to become good so you can have a happier life.

This review brought to you by Finn, age 5, NSW

Title: Manfred the Baddie
Author/Illustrator: John Fardell
Publisher: Quercus, $20.99 RRP
Publication Date: October 2009
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781849160445
For ages: 3+
Type: Picture Book