The Iron Man
by Ted Hughes, illustrated by Chris Mould
Interest age: 9 to 11
Reading age: 8+
Published by Faber & Faber, 2019
About this book
One day, Hogarth, a child, sights a giant made from metal from afar and runs home, terrified to tell his family. On inspecting further, the villagers discover that all of their vehicles and mechanical machinery are missing, and what’s left has bite marks in it. Is the Iron Man eating everything they own? And if so, will he eat them next?
No one knows where he’s come from or how he was made, but the villagers decide that something must be done. Yet, is the Iron Man really bad? Or will the humans find that they need his help when an even bigger threat arrives?
Whether you’re already a fan of this classic children’s story or a new reader, this wonderful new version is a real treat. Chris Mould’s mechanical Iron Man has a great deal of personality, and Mould’s rather more organic approach often depicts him in green, as if part of the natural environment, which subtly asks the reader to consider whether the creature is simply a machine, or something that’s more complex to classify.
This luxury hardback edition would be a delight to share at home or at school.
About the illustrator
More books like this
-
The Iron Man
by Ted Hughes
5 to 14 years
-
The Thing About Giants
by Christopher Galvin
9 to 14 years
-
No Matter What
by author-illustrator Debi Gliori
1 to 11 years
-
The Invisible String
by Patrice Karst, illustrated by Joanne Lew-Vriethoff
1 to 11 years
Lists of recommended reads
-
Suggested reading for years 3 & 4: Autumn term
As children progress into Lower Key Stage 2 they continue to develop their personal reading preferences and begin to explore a wider range of books independently. During this period it is vital that reading for pleasure is encouraged and that children's enthusiasm for books and reading is nurtured.
-
Six science fiction middle-grade books to dive into
Author Benjamin Dean shares his favourite sci-fi stories.