Oh my, the sad news is that Russell Hoban has left us. The good news is that he leaves some truly wonderful books behind.
"Bread and Jam For Frances" was one of my favourite books as a small girl, I remember constantly getting it out of the reading trolley. There was great joy in buying it to read to my own boys when they came along.
One of the best things about being a mother is that you get to re-connect with your childhood books again. It was one I had to really hunt for at the time, the thrill of a book chase!
Frances is every little girl to me (sorry boys - I can only speak from my own experience) who finds that she can chose, but learning about choice and changing your choices is good too. The illustrations are gentle, friendly and charming. Who wouldn't love this little badger! Although, I do have a badger thing I must confess.
His most widely acclaimed adult book "Riddley Walker" gave me a headache, I found it nearly impossible to read stylistically. I should have another bash at it one day. A friend read it, and laughed all the way through!
You can read the New York Times obituary here.
I'll have to go and get it off the shelf and read it to myself tonight in the absence of small people to cuddle with and read to.
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