Instructions
by Neil Gaiman

Release Date: 1st Jun 2010
Publisher: Bloomsbury
ISBN: 978 1 4088 0864 1
RRP: £9.99

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Ever wondered how you'd cope in a magical world? You need Instructions...

The inimitable duo Neil Gaiman and illustrator, Charles Vess, join forces once more to bring us a breathtakingly original children’s book.

A peculiar title, you might think, for a children’s book; and certainly, in true form, it is not until you open the book that you discover just how incredibly smart Gaiman is. Instructions is exactly what it says it is: a comprehensive, easy to assimilate compilation of instructions, words of wisdom and generally crucial elements to remember when entering a fairytale world. Its short, snappy one-liners and more rounded out explanations encompass everything you might possible encounter in a magical wonderland – and more importantly, how to deal with them.

It’s like a Travellers’ Guide To Magical Places; answering those all important questions such as: what is safe to touch and what may bite you; what is the answer to the ferryman’s questions (and when to give it to him); why the tower will not stand and who you can and can’t trust.

Calm, soothing and melodic; Instructions has a mesmerising quality to it that is almost trance-inducing. Vess brings his incomparable style and flair to the party, with his aptly whimsical illustrations that define Gaiman’s text rather than overpower it. And it won’t just appeal to the kids – no, brimming with nods to practically every fairytale that ever was – it will also bring a wry, nostalgic smile to your own lips.

Stunning in every aspect, Instructions is awe-inspiring in its simplistic beauty; from the understated wisdom to the gorgeous imagery. This is a book that deserves its place on your bookshelf.