Dougal's Deep-sea Diary

Dougal has a very boring job but very interesting hobby - deep-sea diving - and some exciting and unusual things happen when he goes on holiday.
I particularily like the way the story is written in diary form along with the dya and the time that events happen, which makes the whole text interesting and gives the opportunity for jokes, such as "9.32 set sail. Hope we don't sink. 9.33 not sunk yet!"
The illustrations are even more imaginative than the text, and so full of detailed pictures, using fantastically vibrant colours, which make the whole book come alive. I knew this was going t be something special just by looking at the cover and I wasn't disappointed.

* eastern Daily Press *
Dougals' Deep-Sea Diary by Simon Bartram takes us to a world where mythical characters greet us like old friends. Although Dougal seems sad on his commuter train, below the waves he soon rediscovers his smile. But will our hero ever notice the teasing mermaid or the ghostly pirate? This book is as colourful and surprising as a coral reef, and children will want to explore it again and again. -- Nicola Bevan * Junior Education *
Dougal is bored with his job and travelling to work every day so he decides to go on a diving holiday. Hidden mermaids and mermen guide Dougal to the lost city of Atlantis. The illustrations in this amazing book are shiny and colourful, bright and bold. There are so many tiny details to spot and so much more is happening on each page that you can read this again and again. -- Toni Nelson * Evening Chronicle *

How refreshing to find a picture book that defies convention both in writing style and illustration.

Written in diary format with the text divided into timed sections the reader accompanies Dougal on his entertaining holiday adventure to find the lost city of Atlantis at the bottom of the ocean. The pictures are rich in detail, vivid and absorbing and will appeal to a broad age group particularly Key Stage 2. The text and selected typeface adds to the effect.

As a teaching resource the book is valuable as the illustrative detail encourages inquisitive minds to identify sealife by opening up the underwater world up as if we were peering beneath the surface with a snorkel. The concept of the week divided by day and the day divided by time allows us to see the holiday time ticking by as Dougal endeavours to complete his mission.

The power of a picture book in terms of demands for rereads often relies on a strong ending and this is executed powerfully - as we discover the empty seat on his typical train journey to work followed by his rich reward - the discovery of deep sea pearls!

-- Hilary Robinson * Write Away *
A book full of gorgeous, funny illustrations. * Blackbird P