I’m a grump who tends to avoid so-called ‘funny’ books. All
too often they are written by celebrity authors and they don’t make me laugh. I
dislike the lazy notion that just by saying bottom, fart or puke you are onto a
winner. But this really isn’t another trashy fart book. It has brilliant
characters, a strong plot and it makes this ancient grump laugh every time she reads
it.
There are celebrity endorsements on the cover from Matt
Lucas and Joe Lycett, but I was powerless to resist the rat holding up a banner
saying ‘Don’t buy this book’.
As someone who works
in art galleries, the notion of Trixie Pickle being an Art Avenger intrigued
and appealed. Throughout the book there are Fact Files providing information on
artists such as Leonardo Da Vinci, Bridget Riley, Keith Haring, Invader, Anish
Kapoor, Chris Ofili, and Banksy.
At the start of the story, twelve year old Trixie Pickle
thinks that art sucks and who can blame her with an art teacher like Mr
Woodhouse. He rips us comics! Her aunt takes her to an art exhibition, not in a
gallery but in a disused warehouse, featuring street artists.
The thing I like most
about Banksy is that he uses art to stick up for people who don’t have a voice.
Also he isn’t afraid to ridicule people in power …its like he’s an art
superhero, and that gave me an idea.
Inspired by various artists, Trixie becomes an Art Avenger
taking on bullies, fast drivers and stupid school rules that stop girls from playing
sport. Every page is filled with Olaf’s hilarious illustrations.
Trixie’s best friend is Beeks; ‘He lives two doors down and
he’s my best friend, although sometimes you wouldn’t know it. It all depends whereabouts
on the Friendship Frisbee™.’ The Friendship
Frisbee™
is one of my favourite illustrations in the book.
This book is a perfect blend of slapstick humour, fun facts
and great characters who are both comic and embody real conflict and anxieties
that we all face.
A story that is both funny and wise is a hard act to pull
off. And you even get a Bum-Faced Snails comic strip thrown in at the end.
ISBN 978-8-241-53764-0
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