When Uncle Ben's Dublin business fails, it's clear to Gloria and Raymond that something is wrong. He just isn't his usual cheerful self. So when the children overhear their granny saying that the Black Dog has settled on Ben's back and he won't be OK until it's gone, they decide they're going to get rid of it. Gathering all their courage the children set out on a midnight quest to hunt down the Black Dog and chase it away. But they aren't the only kids on the mission. Loads of other children are searching for it too, because the Black Dog is hounding lots of Dublin's adults. Together - and with the help of magical animals, birds and rodents - the children manage to corner the Black Dog . . . but will they have the courage and cleverness to destroy the frightening creature?
When Uncle Ben's Dublin business fails, it's clear to Gloria and Raymond that something is wrong. He just isn't his usual cheerful self. So when the children overhear their granny saying that the Black Dog has settled on Ben's back and he won't be OK until it's gone, they decide they're going to get rid of it. Gathering all their courage the children set out on a midnight quest to hunt down the Black Dog and chase it away. But they aren't the only kids on the mission. Loads of other children are searching for it too, because the Black Dog is hounding lots of Dublin's adults. Together - and with the help of magical animals, birds and rodents - the children manage to corner the Black Dog . . . but will they have the courage and cleverness to destroy the frightening creature?
A 'brilliant' middle-grade, magical adventure from the world-famous author of The Commitments and The Guts.
Bestselling author Roddy Doyle is acclaimed across the world. He was born in Dublin in 1958 and still lives there today. Much of his work, including Brilliant, is set in the city and is about the unexpected, and often challenging, lives of ordinary Irish people - but it appeals to readers all over the world. Roddy Doyle has won many prizes for his writing. These include the Booker Prize (for which he has also been shortlisted), and a BAFTA for Best Screenplay. He has also won the Irish Children's Book of the Year and was shortlisted for the prestigious 2013 CILIP Carnegie Medal. His novel The Commitments was turned into a blockbuster film directed by Alan Parker. It will open as a musical in Dublin and in London in 2013, directed by Jamie Lloyd. His latest adult novel, The Guts, a sequel to his renowned Barrytown trilogy was published to critical acclaim in summer 2013.
The children of Dublin battle a terrible malaise through the use of
a special word, and a good dose of magic realism.
*The Bookseller*
This novel is simply brilliant, without wanting to say that I had
to say it. Roddy Doyle's trademark dialogue with some really great,
entertaining characters for children works wonderfully. . . I
expect nothing less from one of Ireland's finest and am so pleased
his children's fiction is as wonderful as his adult's.
*plasticrosaries.com*
A sensitive and excellently written portrayal of depression and the
effects on not just the individual but those around them. Would be
great paired with Levi Pinfold's Black Dog and used as a discussion
point.
*NetGalley*
In a word? Brilliant! Of course.
*NetGalley*
Quite simply, the greatest children's book I have ever read.
*Dubray Books*
A profound story about the effect of despair on society is touched
with magic and humour by best-selling Roddy Doyle.
*LOVEREADING4KIDS.CO.UK*
An uplifting book with lots of fine Doyle wit
*DAILY TELEGRAPH*
A heart-warming tale told with the author's trademark humour.
*The Guardian*
I really didn't want to stoop to this, but this book really is
'brilliant!
*mrshbookwork.wordpress.com*
Doyle is such a masterful storyteller - he captures everyday life
just wonderfuly and cleverly combines the mundane goings-on with
the magical. The night of the chase and how the children tackle
such a tricky subject makes it accessible and relevant for young
readers.
*Manchester Evening News*
Doyle deals sensitively with the challenges that face ordinary
Irish people and portrays depression and the effects it has on
characters brilliantly.
*Your Costwold Family*
Our economic recession and its impact on individual and nation
alike may not seem a likely subject for a children's novel... but,
as Roddy Doyle's Brilliant demonstrates, it is possible to deal
with such themes in a way that, while acknowledging the seriousness
and hardship of the situation, manages to do so with a lightness of
touch and a sense of humour.
*Irishtimes.com*
Whilst being a story firmly rooted in the harsh reality of mental
health, Doyle's inclusion of fantasy elements helps make it more
accessible for the young audience, keeping them interested. Add to
this Chris Judge's cute illustrations weaving their way around the
text and you have one glorious children's book.
*ChedderValleyGazette.co.uk*
A quirky, clever story which uncovers the debilitation and angst of
depression whilst delivering a delightful, heartwarming adventure
story.
*lep.co.uk*
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