Il paese che non c'è

by Norman Messenger

"Quando misi piede sull'isola ne fui subito ammaliato. Probabilmente non esiste un altro posto come questo sulla Terra. C'erano alberi, piante, creature e persone così interessanti da non poterli immaginare. Era un luogo che dovevo esplorare e documentare." Norman Messenger scoprì inoltre con stupore che l'isola in cui si era imbattuto aveva la capacità di spostarsi di tanto in tanto! Si stava rivelando un'isoletta fantastica, piena di cose magiche, incantevoli e anche spaventose. Questo libro documenta tutti i suoi incontri affascinanti. Età di da 5 anni.

Genres: Picture Books, Fantasy, Childrens, Fiction

Hardcover

First published October 1, 2012

About the author

Norman Messenger is the author-illustrator of Imagine, among other books. A highly regarded illustrator, he is a founding member of the Association of Illustrators in Great Britain, where he lives.

Reviews

[Petra X · Rating 5 out of 5]

This island, unlike mine, has legs and gets up and walks to different places. I wish mine would, just a little closer to Puerto Rico for Christmas shopping would be nice.

It's full of fanciful illustrations that at first sight look normal, but look again, and they are anything but. Look at the parrots, snakes and other rather strange wildlife here I don't like gif-ridden reviews myself, I rather they were links. Or check the 'trees' out here.

I don't really know who the book is for, maybe an older child with a vast appetite for any kind of book, maybe an adult with a playful imagination who loves beautiful illustrations (me). I never found anyone I could recommend the book to but it sold anyway to, of all people, a construction worker from St. Vincent who normally buys rare Christian books dated 1880-1920. You never can tell!

[Jenni Zeller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Während seiner Entdeckerreise stößt der Abenteurer Norman Messenger unerwartet auf eine eigenartige Insel, der gelegentlich Beine sprießen und deren Bewohner wunderlicher nicht sein könnten. Fasziniert macht Norman sich daran, das Land „ManGlaubtEsKaum“ zu kartografieren, seine Flora und Fauna zu erforschen und Skizzen anzufertigen. Da gibt es zum Beispiel den Kohlmottenbaum, auf dessen schotenförmigen Zweigen Motten blühen, den uralten vielflügligen Papagei, der wie ein Regenbogenphönix durch die Lüfte gleitet, den Alphabetbaum, von dem man Buchstaben pflücken kann oder den Bücherberg, zu dessen Fuße ein verschlafenes Dorf und der Kugelbaumwald liegen. Nach Normans Erkundungstour verschwindet die Insel so plötzlich wie sie aufgetaucht ist. Die surrealen Erinnerungen und phantasmagorischen Mitbringsel sind aber in seinem Buch erhalten geblieben.

„Das Land ManGlaubtEsKaum“ ist ein fantastisches Sachbuch – im wahrsten Sinne des Wortes. Norman Messengers unglaubliche Berichte werden von wunderschönen Zeichnungen ergänzt. Die Beschreibungen der Bewohner und Orte der Insel ziehen in ihren magischen Bann und regen die Fantasie an. Man beginnt wie von selbst, sich wie ein Kind Geschichten auszudenken und wünscht sich, mehr über diese merkwürdige, wunderschöne Welt zu erfahren.

[Marika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Norman Messenger introduces readers to the stunning flora and fauna of Neverbelieve in his fantastical atlas. Exquisitely detailed illustrations, diagrams, and maps invite readers to take a trip to another world. This stunning book for imaginative readers is sure to be poured over by lovers of the fantastic and may inspire readers to use the guide for their own pretend adventures.

[LudmilaM · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. With so many books for children, it't hard to find something truly original and imaginative. This book stands out and deserves more attention in my opinion. In the land of "Neverbelieve" you'll find curious things like trees with horrible hands at the end of branches, birds that walk on horizon like on tightrope, fish made out of sea shells, bleeding mountains, or mountains shaped like piles of books that crack open in the night and whisper you stories while sleep... And many many many more! Also, the illustrations are GORGEOUS.

[Sadhia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is perfect for exploring children's imagination. The Land of Neverbelieve speaks for itself. The island is full of extraordinary creatures you would not believe existed. Norman Messenger does a great job in story telling as there is so much for the children to discover. This provides the opportunity for the teacher to be experimentative in their lesson planning as the children can be given some freedom in their thinking. This book will be suitable for Key stage 2.

[Gretchen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantasy book made to look like non-fiction, the author writes about a place he discovered called Neverbelieve. Like Lewis and Clark, he documents the people, animals, & plants on the island and shares them in the book with full color drawings and descriptions. Combining map building skills and a great imagination, this book would be a great model for a book a student could write.

[Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written in a peculiar way, full of crazy creatures and unusual plants, stuffed with imagination. Will be wonderful to use at primary school.

[Jeff Lewonczyk · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautifully rendered guidebook to a surreal fantasy world - this is like a riff on the Codex Seraphinianus for young readers. Not a tremendous amount of substance, but exceedingly lovely.

[Cushla Dragon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun, imaginative book. Extremely detailed and very entertaining. :)

[Jason C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Flicked through and was underwhelmed, until I read it properly. It's all about the illustrations which are beautiful with lots of hidden things linking to the texts.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't say it better than Marika's review:
"Norman Messenger introduces readers to the stunning flora and fauna of Neverbelieve in his fantastical atlas. Exquisitely detailed illustrations, diagrams, and maps invite readers to take a trip to another world. This stunning book for imaginative readers is sure to be poured over by lovers of the fantastic and may inspire readers to use the guide for their own pretend adventures."

This is a book to pore over and revisit, and readers of all ages will be intrigued by its contents.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This highly detailed and imaginative book describes the fantastical, moving island of Neverbelieve. The narrator of the book had a brief opportunity to explore this island and document the amazing aspects of the it. The book contains a complete map of the island as well as detailed descriptions of specific regions. The book is designed as a journal with numerous foldouts and illustrations made from watercolor and colored pencil. This is a very interactive book that deserves a close read. I would recommend it for pleasure reading to anyone who enjoys fantasy books.

[Julia March · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fascinating and peculiar record of the discovery of "Neverbelieve". I love the beautiful illustrations and seriously original creations. It was fun to dive into Norman Messenger's unique exploration of this world and kids will love exploring it too.

[lily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely not for all children. The images can be frightening to sensitive children; my 7 year old and I read this one night before bed and he struggled to fall asleep after. I loved it, LOVED Norman Messenger, but read with caution.

[Benji Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was ok.

[Lindsay]

Great for kids who want to believe in fairies and other magical creatures and lands.

[Laura Madsen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gorgeous illustrations but the text was clunky.

[Rusty Gregory · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very interesting. I loved the creativity and the ideas. Illustrations, once again were awesome!

[Nisah Haron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully illustrated.
Fantasy world with fantastical flora and fauna.
Out of this world imagination!

[Catfish Dogfight · Rating 3 out of 5]

Neato book, like a less cryptic Codex Seraphianus.

[Janette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunning

[jedioffsidetrap]

Library

[Doglovergpm · Rating 3 out of 5]

wow. many creatures + plants.

[Bobby · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Such wonderful illustrations for this fantastical island.