If ever there was a time to write a sequel to a treasured children’s classic…it’s now. We all want familiarity, we all want fun and we all want escapism.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Flies Again is the authorised sequel to Ian Fleming’s only children’s book Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Written by acclaimed children’s author Frank Cottrell Boyce (what a fantastic choice) and illustrated by Joe Berger, the new book due to be published by Macmillan Children’s Books on November 4th 2011, follows the adventures of the Tooting family who attach a very familiar engine to their rusty, not-so-trusty old camper van.
“When the Tooting family find a vast abandoned engine and fit it to their old camper van, they have no idea of the adventure that lies ahead. The engine used to belong to an extraordinary magical flying car – and it wants to get back on the road again… fast! The Tootings can tug the steering wheel and pull the handbrake as hard as they like, but their camper van now has a mind of her own. It’s not long before they’re hurtling along on a turbocharged chase as Chitty tracks down her long-lost bodywork. But there are sinister forces at work too. When it comes to a car as special as Chitty everybody wants a piece of her… “
I received a proof copy last week. I didn’t know it was coming so you should have seen my face when it dropped through the letter box. A book of pure fun, let me tell you. The review will be up closer to publication.
I just wanted to let everyone know that yes, the hype it worth it!
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Flies Again will be published by Macmillan Children’s Books on 4th November 2011, £12.99 HB 9780230757738
Cool, will have to check it out, sounds like an interesting premise. I was really surprised when I read the original that it was so different from the movie, but both are awesome in their own way.