"A Few Things You Need To Know About Flanimals" (Flanimals - Ricky Gervais)

Member Name: BlueMidget

Product:	Flanimals - Ricky Gervais
Date:	30/09/06 (677 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Entertaining, appeal for all ages

Disadvantages: More Flanimals would have be appreciated

'Flanimals' is the brainchild of Ricky Gervais, creator/writer/actor of the hit BBC comedy shows 'The Office' and 'Extras'. It is a collection of wacky and wonderful creatures, superbly illustrated by Rob Steen.

The cover features the Flanimal called a 'Grundit'on the front, with a 'Baby Mernimbler' on the back, as well as some 'fan-mail' written to Ricky Gervais. Inside the front cover there is a note that 'Loads of Flanimals were hurt during the making of this book.', whilst the back has a photo of the author and a brief biography of him

The book is divided into three chapters: 'Spotter's Guide', 'Flanimal Behaviour' and 'Flanimal Testing'.
The first chapter has a page devoted to each Flanimal featured in the book, giving you some information and an illustration about the creature.
The second chapter shows the Flanimals as they would be in their natural habitat, whilst the third chapter has various questions about Flanimals to 'test' your knowledge.
There is also a 'Flanimal Scale Chart', which shows the sizes of all the Flanimals compared to a human. I think this is a nice touch, with silhouettes of the Flanimals to show their relative sides.

Throughout the book, I thought the combination of artwork and writing is entertaining and often hilarious. With names such as 'Sprine Bloat-Trunker' and 'Munty Flumple' and, my personal favourite, the 'Hemel Sprot', (who "rushes across the guddle deserts on its wobble pod, only looking where it's been, never where it's going.") I was laughing from the very start.
I think the illustrations particularly come into their own in 'Flanimal Behaviour', where they are seen interacting with one another. I found some of the images hilariously funny, such as a 'Grundit about to ride a Puddloflaj', or a 'Munty Flumple staring at a Puddloflaj'. Quite where Ricky gets his ideas from I don't know, but I thought the book was amusing and light-hearted from beginning to end.

One criticism I have is, although the 'Flanimal Testing' is still entertaining, it was personally my least favourite. I would have preferred and few more Flanimals; however, the questions are asked in an entertaining way and stay in line with the overall tone and style of the book.

Though there is no real plot to speak of, I think the book is well laid out and designed. Reading from start to finish, information is giving to you in such an order that things can be referenced later on for some entertaining and amusing comments. I also liked the fact that, by placing each creature on its own page, the book seems like an encyclopaedia of Flanimals.
Also, the writing is easy-going, (though the pronunciation isn't always!) and the book is a very quick read. I think where the book's greatest longevity comes from is in the artwork. I wouldn't say this is a book I would read again and again, but it is something I would pick-up once in a while and flick through for some quick amusement.

I think the book has appeal for a wide range of ages. Young children will undoubtedly enjoy the colourful artwork, whilst teenagers and adults will be able to appreciate both the illustrations and the comments that accompany them. I do think certain sections may be inappropriate for very young children, so I would advise parents to use there own judgement about letting young kids read this, but the book is certainly safe for teenagers and above.

Though I was never much of a fan of 'The Office', I have enjoyed what I've seen of 'Extras' and his stand-up comedies. I think 'Flanimals' shows another range of talent Ricky possesses for comedic exploits and, whether or not you enjoyed his television work, I think most people would find something worth laughing at in the book.
I was given this as a Christmas present a couple of years ago and I think it makes an excellent gift.

At the time of writing, 'Flanimals' is available from Amazon.co.uk for £6.99. I think this is an ideal price, though it is on special offer. The RRP is £9.99 and I personally think this is a little expensive, given the book is quite short. If you can buy this on special offer than I doubt you'll be disappointed. I'd recommend this as something to have on your bookcase, just when you want some quick and amusing to pass the time.

Summary: A weird and wonderful book that is artistic and enjoyable for people of various ages.