Manfred the Baddie

I bought this for my 3 year old nephew and probably enjoyed it as much myself. As a fan of "Viz" comic many years ago, it was brilliant to discover that one of the cartoonists had produced a series of three children's books. The style of illustration will be immediately recognisable and whilst the narrative is obviously aimed at kids, something of the naughtiness of "Viz" is retained in both writing and pictures.Of the three books, I think that character of Manfred is John Fardell's finest creation. The "criminal" deeds he gets up to are really amusing and the contraptions used to pursue his policy of evil are wonderul, Heath Robinson style machines. Elsehwere, there are amusing references to several famous paintings such as Munchs' "The scream" and the "Mona Lisa" which are typical of Fardell's excellent illustrations which yield more upon closer inspection. There is certainly an element of James Bond villain about Manfred but he gets his just desserts when he gets a cold which keeps him in bed and no one wants to help him. Like all good children's books, this prompts a sea-change and after receiving his medicine, he becomes Manfred the Goody and embarks on some philanthropic activities. I love the way that Fardell stresses this change with Manfred's new attire. That really made me smile! Of course, being a John Fardell book, the ending does have an amusing naughty twist which is the icing on the cake in another brilliant book by this author. There is nothing for adults to fear in any of his books but they are all the better for not being twee like so many kid's books. For my money, Fardell is by far the best children's book writer around today and, as a bonus, he has remained true to his "Viz" roots with a sense of humour that will bring a wry smile to adults as well. I like "Jeremiah the jellyfish" and the brilliant "The day Louis got eaten" too but Manfred is the mut's nuts as they might have said in Roger Mellie's prophanosaurus.

Superb. Loved Fardell's drawings in Viz (modern parents, critics etc). This was purchased (as well as Jeremiah Jelly fish) after receiving The Day Louis Got Eaten as a gift for a 3 year old and doesn't dissapoint. Quite excellent inventive illustration. Similar to Frank Quitely moving to graphic novels I feel. Quality illustration. The story is a tad didactic but still v good. Would recomend to anybody of any age. Only down side was the book is falling apart and is in what I would describe as v poor condition or what others may call 'well loved' Still, readable and that's all that counts..

We discovered John Fardell when we borrowed 'When Louis Got Eaten' from the library. What an amazing story with great illustrations. So we had to buy our own copy of course. I then wanted to see what his other titles were like and Manfred is equally fun. He's rich and clever but uses his money for criminal pursuits and he's even nasty to his poor henchmen. And then one day he realises it's better to use his money and power for good. Just bad enough to be edgy and just safe enough to be enjoyed by young children. My almost 4yr old son loves his books! We're off to buy his next one now...

Great book, and this updated version has same text but pictures that are easier to see from a distance - the relevant things in the pictures are larger than they were in an earlier edition!

Now in my seventies, my wife and I have raised a large family and the reading of bedtime stories has been a much-loved ritual with all my beloved children, grandchildren ad now great-grandchildren. And this book is the best I have come across. A lively story, beautifully illustrated, which can be read over and over again. This book is a must for any parent who believes in the importance of reading good books to the young. Well done, John Fardell.

My 4 year old loves this book, so do I. The illustrations are brilliantly intricate and funny, the story has a good, simple, amusing moral. He'll love it for years to come.

The pupils in my class adored this story and wanted to hear it again and again! In fact, they chose to read it themselves during their breaks... That says it all...

Like all of his books, great story and wonderful illustrations