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The Strange And Unlikely Tale Of Montgomery, The Mysterious Bird Of Mystery

(a True Story ... According to Gramps)

by Antony Elworthy

From the animator of The Corpse Bride, Coraline and Isle of Dogs, comes a hilarious, illustrated tale about Gramps's life as a magician.

Gramps had what they call a 'Chequered Career' which he insists on regaling to his sceptical grandson. He's been a stuntman and a deep-sea diver, but his most exciting, and discombobulating, career was when he was a magician. Known as The Astounding Alfredo, and he became famous throughout the world, especially for the disappearing trick with his dove - Montgomery, The Mysterious Bird of Mystery.
Unfortunately, Montgomery is not just mysterious, but malevolent, envious and ambitious.
And Gramps and Montgomery discover that fame has a way of changing people - and places.

Expect the unexpected and believe the unbelievable in this hilarious debut novel from acclaimed animator Antony Elworthy.

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CHILDREN & YOUNG ADULT
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Pages:

176

Published:

1 Nov 2024

Format

Paperback

Publisher

Walker Books Australia Pty, Limited

ISBN:

9781760658915

From the animator of The Corpse Bride, Coraline and Isle of Dogs, comes a hilarious, illustrated tale about Gramps's life as a magician.

Gramps had what they call a 'Chequered Career' which he insists on regaling to his sceptical grandson. He's been a stuntman and a deep-sea diver, but his most exciting, and discombobulating, career was when he was a magician. Known as The Astounding Alfredo, and he became famous throughout the world, especially for the disappearing trick with his dove - Montgomery, The Mysterious Bird of Mystery.
Unfortunately, Montgomery is not just mysterious, but malevolent, envious and ambitious.
And Gramps and Montgomery discover that fame has a way of changing people - and places.

Expect the unexpected and believe the unbelievable in this hilarious debut novel from acclaimed animator Antony Elworthy.

$19.00

A book as playful and imaginative as its title. Gramps has lived what seems like a thousand full, adventurous lives and on a Wednesday his sceptical grandson sits and listens to tales of his youth. The longest and most enthralling is his time as ‘The Astounding Alfredo’, famous for his trick with ‘Montgomery the Mysterious Bird of Mystery.’ The tale of the vindictive, fame-hungry dove is captivating, funny and full of intrigue, but it’s the relationship between Gramps and Boy which is the star of the story. Antony Elworthy talks about how the book blossomed from stories he would tell his children on long car trips and before bed and this shines through. The rapport between the two characters is so lovely and natural, and the whole tale reminds readers of the joy and importance of storytelling. A merry and gripping book perfect for a 7-to-10-year-old with a vivid imagination and a great sense of humour.

Elka's avatarElka, Little Unity