The Wall in the Middle of the Book

'This picturebook from the launch list of Scallywag Press demonstrates how much can be done with few words and simple pictures. A little knight feels safe on one side of a wall, since an ogre is on the other. But when danger approaches, the ogre rescues him by pulling him over the wall, and the other side turns out to be wonderful. Dramas happen in the pictures, so pre-readers can watch the knight mending a hole in the wall, wild animals climbing on top of each other, waters rising, little fish eaten by bigger fish until a monster-sized one approaches, and finally knight, ogre and wild animals sharing an adventure. The images, using washes, texture, collage and autumnal colours, express emotion succinctly. The book also has a wider resonance: about demonising strangers, preconceived ideas and the folly of a wall.' Sunday Times Culture Magazine Book of the Week;'`Jon Agee's latest offering is one of several enchanting titles from the new children's publisher Scallywag Press ... it strikes exactly the right balance between comfort and peril, thanks not least to Agee's gentle illustrations.' Daily Telegraph;'One of the most powerful picture books of the year' Scotsman; 'The contemporary political undertones of Brexit and US borders make The Wall in the Middle of the Book a very timely publication, but Agee's illustration and his spare, unembellished text gives it an instantly classic feel. It is one of the first books from new publishing house Scallywag Press, and a promise of fine things to come in 2019.' The Irish times;'This is a tale, brimming with fun, entertainment and positive messages about freedom of movement, and one that children will want to return to time and time again.' Lancashire Post;'A very topical book that will nonetheless be of perennial interest for illustration fans and those looking for a thought-provoking, simple book about relating to others.' Book Trust, Book of the Day;'A timeless message but also one that, in 2018, will surely strike a chord with many readers. (Picture book. 3-6) Kirkus, starred review;'As ever, Agee nails pacing and punch lines. Most satisfying is his gentle reminder that preconceived notions about things and people, over a boundary or otherwise, are often distinctly wrong.' Publishers Weekls, starred review;'A wall keeping out everything on the `unsafe' other side turns out to be a terrible idea for the knight-hero of this funny, winking book. New York Times Book Review Notable Children's Books of 2018;'A little knight appreciates how a wall protects him from the big ogre on the other side - until he needs a big rescue when his side of the wall floods.' Boston Globe Best Children's Books of 2018