“When Nate woke up one morning,
The Opposite was standing on his ceiling
staring down at him.

“You can’t stand on the ceiling”
said Nate. “Get down!”

But the Opposite happened, and it
stayed where it was.”

I wasn’t too sure about this story the first time we read it. I didn’t really follow it, but I think George must have been fussing, we must have stopped and started, or (and most likely) I was tired and not really listening. Because when we read it again I really liked it. It’s a very clever story which plays with language and lets the little boy hero triumph once he realises how to play words to his advantage.

Jeff chose this one based on the Edward Gorey-esque cover and the strategically placed recommendation from Stephen Fry. The slightly odd illustrative style works really well with the slightly odd story. Both create a world very similar to our own but just a bit more interesting, just a bit more strange.

I’m not good at knowing what age books are aimed at, but I’m pretty sure this book would be better for either strong readers or listeners with a strong grasp of the playfulness of language. Younger readers or listeners would probably enjoy it as a good story without really understanding the intricacies.

(all illustrations and quotes are from The Opposite text by Tom MacRae and illustrations by Elena Odriozola, 2007 Andersen Press, London)