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Bacigalopi and the case of the monster in the wardrobe
BOOK REVIEW
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Author: Mireia Broca From the reader report by: Kirsten Brandt
Bacigalopi i el cas del monstre de l‘armari is a wonderfully goofy, fantastic book for children of six years and older. In my opinion, it is too complex for being read by the children themselves but perfectly suitable for reading aloud, because also adults will enjoy the book. There are a few running gags allowing for the assumption that they are also repeated in the other volumes, such as the detective being famous because of this journal article, or that nobody is able to properly pronounce his family name. The story is full of pun, which makes a translation difficult (although not impossible). […] Many passages of the book present the kind of humour children find irresistible, for example when the monsters give expression to their sympathy towards their counterparts by belching at them as loudly as possible. Now and then the story becomes thrilling (for a really young audience) over short periods of time, and in the end it becomes (almost) sad, however on the whole the book is most of all entertaining.
The illustrations by César Barceló fit the story perfectly. […]
And also the moral of the story is convincing: children need monsters, they must be afraid – this is what psychology calls `angstlust´. And when they have grown enough, they will be able to do without monsters. Thus, finally Maria can say goodbye to her monster and hope that it will frighten Ramonet as delightfully as her. If we like, we may even identify some educational message in the book, however this is not a must. It is great fun anyway. Absolutely recommendable.
PUBLISHED IN NEW SPANISH BOOKS DE
OBRADOR EDITORIAL
Title
BACIGALOPI AND THE CASE OF THE MONSTER IN THE WARDROBE BACIGALOPI I EL CAS DEL MONSTRE DE L’ARMARI
Author Mireia Broca Genre Children and Young Adults Pages 44
ISBN 978-84-94933-44-8 Year of publication 2019 Number of editions 1 Language Catalán Spanish retail price 8.50 €
Author’s biography: From her early career, Mireia Broca (Barcelona, 1979) has been writing for children and young adults. She wrote for the Bruja Aburrida de Las Tres Mellizas and, for now, she can still boast of being the storywriter – alongside Wembley the mole – for Barcelona FC’s young fan’s website when Barça was at its absolute best. She has published in the children’s magazine, Cavall Fort, writes advertising copy and teaches writing at the Obrador d’històries.
Synopsis: Who hasn’t ever had a monster in their wardrobe? Who hasn’t lost it at some point? Detective Bacigalopi risks his neck to infiltrate the dark underbelly of the city to find out where Maria’s monster is now hiding. Bacigalope works alone but is loved by everyone who knows him and, according to Detectatius magazine he is the best detective of the year. The cases of Bacigalope tell the stories of his adventures.
Publisher: Obrador Editorial Obrador Editorial was born of the desire to publish work, both written and illustrated, in Catalan and Spanish, that will open doors to new literary worlds. We don’t believe in labels, but we do defend genres; we want to explore their limits, overcome them, and mix things up.
Publishing rights available from: Obrador Edtorial S.L. - CIF B67179259 Calàbria 199 Local 2, Barcelona, Barcelona www.obradoreditorial.com Contact: Mireia Broca [obradoreditorial@gmail.com] [info@obradoredotorial.com] Phone: (+34) 931 620 467
Comments: Ilustrations by César Barceló.
