Illustrated by Rory Walker.

Published by Everything With Words, 2024.

The Narzat is a hugely entertaining and delightfully funny chapter book that’s perfect for newly confident readers.

The Narzat is a very unkempt monster who lives in the Jumble Jungle Wood with his friends the Looky Lizard (a feisty reptile who communicates through sign language) and the Chatty Chirper (a comically talkative bird who never shuts up). Little is known about how the Narzat arrived there, but he wears a necklace bearing a meaningful inscription. One day, two villains, Lord and Lady Snide, arrive armed with guns and a fierce desire for furs and the Narzat’s necklace.

The book – with its wacky creatures and crazily-named places – immediately brought Edward Lear and Roald Dahl to mind. There’s a wonderful level of nonsense and silliness, from retractable giraffes and cuddly slugs to square pears and chocotruffs (gooey lumps of mud which taste of chocolate). There’s lots of brilliant wordplay too – the mockodiles who feast on vegan chilli, the Ravenoserous who is always hungry, and the green-pawed dandylions.

The humorous illustrations match the book’s warmth and wit. And the cast of characters is brilliant. Aside from the jungle’s rich variety of animals, the book’s odious villains – the Snides – are a real a treat too. They are ruthless and selfish and completely wicked and we long for their grisly demise.

In amongst the humour and adventure, there are strong themes of friendship and family and The Narzat is a heartwarming and uplifting tale.

Rating: 💙💙💙💙

Suitable for children aged 7+

Thank you to Everything With Words for sending me this book to review.