The Boy Who Sprouted Antlers by John Yeoman, illustrated by Quentin Blake

This is a recent find of mine, casually scooped up on Bookmooch because sometimes Yeoman is very funny. And it's illustrated by Quentin Blake.

So, you know how teachers and other well-meaning people are always telling kids they can do anything if they just work hard enough...live up to your potential....and so on and so on? Well, this little boy TOTALLY BELIEVES his teacher. But while her idea of doing anything he wants if he just works hard enough is improving his schoolwork (specifically his basket-weaving in art)....He's got something a little more interesting in mind.

Yeoman's characterization is absolutely perfect - I can completely see kids talking like his characters! I laughed and laughed and laughed. Never mind the publisher's blurb on the back saying it's a book about "being different." Nope, this is a totally wacky book that's just FUNNY. And what more do you need?

Verdict: Sadly out of print, and while used copies are readily available, they are generally paperbacks. If they ever republish this one in the US, I would pounce on it.


ISBN: 978-1903015193; Published August 2002 by Barn Owl Books (out of print and there are several editions, but this one is most readily available used); Received through Bookmooch