Changes

The feel of the whole piece being a string of fables didn't come fully-fledged to me, however. Some messages – that about the right to a democratic ethos at work, the benefits of a suitable payment scheme, the checking with the colleague first before making a bizarre decision on your own – are there, but certainly aren't the common-or-garden under-elevens reading. That then makes this a quite distinguished little read, and even when the fable is dropped for a fun look at Chinese Whispers in action, or a cameo from a forgetful whatever-it-is-I-can't-remember, there is a strong quality here. The illustrations are on hand to break up, if not every spread then every one in two (although I found two birds popping by the business very unconvincing), and the clarity of the writing makes the work a success for a youngster who doesn't need the immediacy, the high-octane drama, or the obviousness of the majority of junior reads. I can't pretend this will sit well with all potential readers, but a hefty audience should find it has a strong merit.

More arguments from this author, but concerning humans? Try [[Dunger by Joy Cowley|Dunger]].