The Imaginary by A. F Harrold & Emily Gravett

The Imaginary
Written by A. F Harrold
Illustrated by Emily Gravett
Middle Grade, Fantasy
Published November 1st 2014
240 Pages
Thank you to Bloomsbury Australia
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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 Gravet.
He may have fallen out of a wardrobe, but now Rudger and best friend Amanda are inseparable, it's a pity no one else can see him. Rudger is an imaginary friend, created through imagination and exists because Amanda believes in him. Days spend playing, imagining wild adventures, until the day Mr Bunting came knocking. Amanda knew something wasn't right with the man, as he begun asking strange questions. Beside him, a girl that no one else can see. Adults don't usually have imaginary friends too, do they?

It isn't until one stormy night when the lights go out, that Mr Bunting decides to visit again. Amanda's mother isn't home, and it seems that it's Rudger the pair want as the imaginary girl attacks him and tries to drag him out the window. But Amanda seems to only care about herself, and won't listen to Rudger's traumatic story. In the hope to make her see the error of her ways, Rudger tries to ignore her, maybe then she'll appreciate her friend more. But their argument leads to a terrible accent, Amanda is taken away by ambulance, and Rudger finds himself stranded with no clue as to how to find his way home. Without Amanda, he'll start to fade away.
Rudger was being forgotten.
He felt sleepy and sleepier.
What would it be like to fade away? To vanish entirely?
Time would tell, he thought, soon enough, time would tell.
Birds sang him lullabies.
The cool sun shone. He was asleep.
And then a quiet, clear voice said, 'I can see you.'
And Rudger opened his eyes.
Rudger finds himself being guided by a talking cat to a library where the Imaginaries live. Teddy bears, dinosaurs, clowns and a shaggy sleeping dog. They are all imaginary friends waiting for their next assignment, choosing a boy or girl who can't imagine a friend of their own. But all Rudger wants is to desperately find Amanda, his only friend. It isn't long until Mr Bunting resurfaces again, this time to take one of the Imaginaries and Rudger will be next. The only way to to find Rudger again is for Mr Bunting to find Amanda, and this is one dangerous adventure that Rudger will need to fight on his own to keep his best, and only friend safe.

My Thoughts


It's not often we find a book that will not only mesmerise children, but enchant adults alike. It was simply magical. Rudger is an imaginary friend, seemingly appearing in Amanda's wardrobe just when she needed a friend the most. Although Amanda seems overly self absorbed at times, their friendship was incredibly charming, heartwarming and a realistic representation of the importance of imaginative play with children. But with all great children's stories, there must be a villain and Mr Bunting is downright awful. He hunts imaginary friends and if the stories are accurate, he inhales them to extend his own life. His companion is an imaginary girl who does his bidding. They are after Rudger, and the easiest way to find Rudger is through Amanda.

Wonderfully written, The Imaginary is a brilliant middle grade book that both children and adults will adore. Not only was I invested in the storylines, but Rudger was so adorably charming that I found myself emotionally attached to the imaginary boy. Scattered throughout the storyline are not only beautiful, but impeccable illustrations that only add to The Imaginary's charm. Artist Emily Gravett is an incredible talent, and provided a story within a story with stunning black and white sketches with brilliant washes of colour, nothing short of immaculate.

Image courtesy of Bloomsbury Australia
It's simply a magical story about the power of creativity, friendship and believing in the impossible. A must have for avid book collectors, middle grade enthusiasts or adults that want to recapture their imagination. I adored it.

14 comments

  1. This sounds like a beautifully imagined novel, though imaginary friends creep me out. I'll definitely keep this in mind for my kids. :)

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    1. You'll love Rudger Joy, he was just so incredibly precious. This one is perfect for ages seven and up, but I have no doubt that you'll adore it too. Just too cute.

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  2. I actually really want this. GIVE IT TO ME. This sounds like an amazing book about imaginary friends and charming characters, and those beautiful pictures? Yes. I miss reading middle school books. I don't know why I haven't read more

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    1. I love middle grade. Illustrated books especially. There's just something so magical and pure about using your imagination and they are all so incredibly heartwarming. This one is just lovely.

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  3. This sounds fascinating and I'm glad that you liked it because I was worried the premise made it sound better than it was. I've been really into Middle Grade this year and I think I definitely want to check this out now :)

    Thanks for the review!! xx

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    1. Me too Tracy. They never fail to disappoint and always drag you out of that book funk that so many of us fall into. It was even better than the synopsis and the illustrations! My goodness, it was just so delightful.

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  4. Wow. The cover looks so gorgeous. It's so innocent and kind of mysterious. I also love the blurb. I think I'll love this too. Great review!! :)

    ...and HI KELLY!! xx

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    1. It's just a beautiful children's book that I'm just so smitten with. Along with the cover, it has these stunning illustrations scattered right throughout. It's just a heartwarming story of what it really means to be a child. Adults will absolutely adore this one too.

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  5. The book cover looks absolutely beautiful! I would buy it just for the cover :D
    That it's a children's book adds merit (Imaginaries huh?) and it reminds me of Northern Lights by Philip Pullman.

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    1. I have to admit, I've never read anything by Philip Pullman, but I've heard amazing things about His Dark Materials. Definitely going to have to look that one up and grab a copy.

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  6. Middle Grade fantasy is always so cute and loveable! And these pictures look gorgeous! I always loved reading this sort of genre in primary school. :D
    Sadly, I can't really remember all the ones I read because I just used to devour them all one after another!

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    1. I love middle grade too Renee. One of my favourite books is Charlotte's Web. I bought an anniversary edition a few months ago. Still so incredibly sweet. This one is absolutely adorable though, you can't help but fall in love with Rudger.

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  7. This sounds like a beautiful book with lovely illustrations! It definitely looks to be a creative and slightly whimsical story that I'd love to check out one day. Thanks for sharing and lovely review Kelly!

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    1. It really is Eugenia. I'm loving all the children's and middle grade books that Bloomsbury Australia are releasing, incredible beautiful and so heartwarming. I've picked up a few extras for Christmas too.

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