The Imaginary

by A.F. Harrold

Rudger is Amanda's best friend. He doesn't exist, but nobody's perfect.

Only Amanda can see her imaginary friend - until the sinister Mr Bunting arrives at Amanda's door. Mr Bunting hunts imaginaries. Rumour says that he eats them. And he's sniffed out Rudger. Soon Rudger is alone, and running for his imaginary life. But can a boy who isn't there survive without a friend to dream him up?

A brilliantly funny, scary and moving read from the unique imagination of A.F. Harrold, this beautiful book is astoundingly illustrated with integrated art and colour spreads by the award-winning Emily Gravett.

• ISBN10: 0606392807
• ISBN13: 9780606392808
• Publish Date: 6 September 2016 (first published 23 October 2014)
• Publish Status: Out of Print
• Out of Print: 6 April 2021
• Imprint: Turtleback Books
• Edition: Bound for Schools & Libraries ed.
• Format: Hardcover (Library Binding)
• Pages: 240
• Language: English

Reviews

[Kelly]

http://www.divabooknerd.com/2014/11/the-imaginary-by-f-harrold-emily-gravett.html
It's not often we find a book that will not only mesmerise children, but enchant adults alike. It was simply magical. Rudger is an imaginary friend, seemingly appearing in Amanda's wardrobe just when she needed a friend the most. Although Amanda seems overly self absorbed at times, their friendship was incredibly charming, heartwarming and a realistic representation of the importance of imaginative play with children. But with all great children's stories, there must be a villain and Mr Bunting is downright awful. He hunts imaginary friends and if the stories are accurate, he inhales them to extend his own life. His companion is an imaginary girl who does his bidding. They are after Rudger, and the easiest way to find Rudger is through Amanda.

Wonderfully written, The Imaginary is a brilliant middle grade book that both children and adults will adore. Not only was I invested in the storylines, but Rudger was so adorably charming that I found myself emotionally attached to the imaginary boy. Scattered throughout the storyline are not only beautiful, but impeccable illustrations that only add to The Imaginary's charm. Artist Emily Gravett is an incredible talent, and provided a story within a story with stunning black and white sketches with brilliant washes of colour, nothing short of immaculate.

It's simply a magical story about the power of creativity, friendship and believing in the impossible. A must have for avid book collectors, middle grade enthusiasts or adults that want to recapture their imagination. I adored it.