The Emperor of Absurdia

Author: Chris Riddell

Publisher: Pan Macmillan

The Emperor of Absurdia sleeps in a giant flower, surrounded by umbrella trees and sky fish. He awakes one morning and can't find his snuggly scarf, so after checking with The Wardrobe Monster, begins to search for it.

His quest takes him up pointy trees and into pointy nests, until eventually he finds it. He then embarks on a dragon hunt through similar terrain but is chased by the angry dragon he discovers.

Exhausted by his day the Emperor falls asleep, only to dream of an ordinary bedroom, decorated with some familiar looking toys…

Riddell's intricate illustrations depict a fantasy world, which is a pleasure to discover. The ending provides a satisfying twist which blurs the boundaries between dreams and reality.

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