The Imaginary

Rudger is Amanda's best friend. He doesn't exist, but nobody's perfect. Only Amanda can see her imaginary friend - until the sinister Mr Bunting arrives at Amanda's door. Mr Bunting hunts imaginaries. Rumour says that he eats them. And he's sniffed out Rudger. Soon Rudger is alone, and running for his imaginary life. But can a boy who isn't there survive without a friend to dream him up? A brilliantly funny, scary and moving read from the unique imagination of A.F. Harrold, this beautiful book is astoundingly illustrated with integrated art and colour spreads by the award-winning Emily Gravett. Full of comical characters and disastrous situations, it will keep children entertained from beginning to end. Booktrust on Fizzlebert Stump AF Harrold writes with a very distinctive, unusual and utterly charming voice in this warm and funny tale. ... Fabulous. -- Jeremy Strong The Guardian By turns scary and funny, touching without being sentimental, and beautifully illustrated by Emily Gravett, The Imaginary is a delight from start to finish. -- James Lovegrove The Financial Times [A] winningly whimsical celebration of the imagination, beautifully enhanced by both black-and-white and full-color illustrations by Kate Greenaway Medal-winning Gravett. Together, the text and pictures make this a very real treat. Booklist