The Five of Us - Hardcover

Quentin Blake taught for many years at the Royal College of Art, where he was head of the illustration department from 1978 to 1986. His collaborations with writers such as Russell Hoban and Roald Dahl, as well as his own creations, such as Mister Magnolia, have established his reputation as one of the world’s leading illustrators, and made him an inspiration for artists everywhere.

PreS-Gr 2—Once upon a time, not long ago and not far away, there lived five friends. And they were all amazing. Angie could see things five miles away. Ollie could hear them. Simona and Mario could lift anything. Eric was "just as amazing," but readers have to wait until the end of the story to find out how. One day, these five otherwise perfectly ordinary friends decide to go on an outing in a large yellow bus driven by Big Eddie. After a lovely lunch beside a remote country road, Big Eddie is taken ill and the friends must find a way to get help quick. Simone and Mario carry him a long way until finally Angie and Ollie see and hear people they hope can help. Alas, a river gorge separates them by miles. This is Eric's opening. Up to this point mostly mute, Eric lets out a gargantuan "HELP!" that results in a speedy helicopter rescue. In his inimitable style, Blake has once again crafted an allegorical tale sure to be understood by even the youngest of readers. With a refreshing simplicity of design and not a smidgen of superfluous text, this book grants readers the freedom to focus on the enchanting illustrations. VERDICT A fine addition.—Lynn Van Auken, Oak Bluffs School, Oak Bluffs, MA