THE POPPYKETTLE PEOPLE

UK: Pavilion Books, 1999. 1st Edition 1st Printing. Hardcover. As New/As New. Robert Ingpen. CONDITION: As new (it has, I believe, been gently perused on shelf) 1999 Pavilion hardcover (pictorial boards) & dust jacket (in mylar cover), first edition, first printing. Ingpen's color illustrations are fantastic and in most cases historically correct. There are no problems with this book except a tiny bit of edge wear top DJ edge. Decorated end pages. CONTENT: Reviewer: "When two boys discover a box in their barn, the small bundle of papers within starts an intriguing story. Written in an ancient language that takes an archaeologist to decipher, The Poppykettle Papers recount the adventures of a tiny people called the Hairy Peruvians. It seems that the god El Ni-o breathed life into diminutive dolls and gave each one a special gift. This is the tale of five of them as they sail the ocean in a poppykettle, a vessel used to make poppy tea for the gods. At El Ni-o's instruction, the little people go searching for a special feather and a dolphin's egg in order to be provided with a safe harbor. Along the way, they encounter huge iguanas, a terrifying Cunmerrie (part bird, part dragon), and a man-eating clam. Because of their special attributes, they achieve their goals and live happily every after. This unusual novel blends mystery, high adventure, and fantasy. While there are hints of Gulliver's Travels and Robinson Crusoe, the story is highly original. Readers will find this a fast-paced page-turner with plenty of monsters and creepy creatures. More importantly, the author emphasizes the power of individual talents and the spirit of cooperation to reach an objective. While Lawrence's choice of a name for his characters may be offensive to some readers, each Hairy Peruvian has a distinct personality with which young readers can identify. Ingpen's illustrations are painterly, giving the impression of danger and excitement without scariness." This involves several Inka legends and the frontispiece is an illustration from a 400 year old Inka pot. Your kids might learn a bit of Inka/Ancient American history & mythology.